Substance use disorders (SUDs) are challenging conditions that involve many factors, requiring professional drug rehabilitation and a strong support network to manage over time. That’s why choosing the right treatment center is a critical step towards recovery.
However, with so many options and treatment modalities, it can take time to decide on the right treatment center for you. This guide will clarify the factors to consider when selecting a treatment center that best suits your needs and goals.
Assessing Your Needs and Goals
Before beginning your search for a treatment center, it’s crucial to assess your specific needs and goals, as all cases of addiction are unique.
You could start by going to a primary care doctor and explaining your situation, the severity of your, how it’s affecting your life, and other essential information. They may refer you to an addiction specialist, typically a therapist with experience treating people with addiction.
Some of the factors they will consider when helping you assess your needs are the following:
- The substances you’ve consumed and for how long.
- Whether you have a stable place to live, means of transportation, or resources to support yourself.
- The life experiences that played a role in your substance use (social circles, family history of drug use, etc.)
- Any underlying mental or physical health issues such as cardiovascular illnesses or depression.
- Your personal preferences for the location and amenities of the treatment center.
Based on these and other factors, a specialist can work with your doctor to develop a recovery plan tailored to your needs, such as the level of care that would benefit you the most.
Evaluating Treatment Center Options
Identifying your needs, determining the level of care, and finding the treatment center you need can be challenging, but there are some key points to remember. Consider the following factors when evaluating treatment centers.
Licenses and Accreditations
Look for centers licensed and accredited by reputable organizations, such as the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Accreditations and licenses ensure that the facility meets high standards of care and professionalism.
Another good sign is if the facility is a Provider member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). NAATP providers must be licensed in the state(s) where they operate based on the types and levels of services they offer. A nationally recognized accrediting body must also accredit them.
Treatment Approaches
Look for centers that offer evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with FDA-approved medications for the substance(s) you use.
Staff Qualifications
Ensure that the center has qualified medical professionals and therapists who specialize in addiction treatment or co-occurring mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Other specialists may include a nutritionist and a chemical dependency counselor.
Facilities and Amenities
Consider the center’s environment, facilities, and any additional amenities that may enhance your treatment experience. Some treatment centers feel and look like high-end hotels, while others provide just enough amenities to be comfortable and focus on recovery.
Additionally, some centers provide extra activities and services like detox and specialized therapy. The more extras the center offers, the more it costs, so you must balance your needs with the monetary cost of entering treatment with them.
Success Rates
Look for centers that provide data on their success rates and patient outcomes. Higher success rates and better outcomes are always reasonable but keep in mind that relapses are common in addiction, and it’s not necessarily entirely on the treatment center if a former patient relapses. Some research indicates that relapse rates can reach 50% in the 12 weeks after leaving the treatment facility, and many factors play into these statistics. Still, a treatment center with a good track record is reassuring.
Location
Your relationship with the facility’s location varies depending on whether you plan to attend an outpatient or inpatient facility. In inpatient treatment, some recommend that the facility should be far enough from home to feel like you’re in a new environment, as some believe this will help you get away from the familiar spaces where your addiction usually takes place.
Attending an outpatient facility near your home is much more convenient, especially if you maintain daily work and family life responsibilities.
Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage
Cost is the most significant factor determining your chosen treatment center.
Inpatient treatment costs more as it involves a higher level of care, 24/7 monitoring, and access to multiple professionals. On the other hand, outpatient treatment provides less intense care and costs less.
Which one you choose depends on your needs and budget, so consider the following factors when exploring the financial aspects of addiction treatment:
- Does the treatment center accept your insurance?
- What are the out-of-pocket costs, if any?
- Are there any financial assistance programs available?
- Does your workplace allow you to take job-protected unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
Even if you are in a dire financial situation, as many people with addiction are, you may be able to use free and state-funded treatment facilities. For example, you can use SAMHSA’s Directory of Single State Agencies (SSA) for Substance Abuse Services.
It provides contact information for treatment facilities across the state that can help you access addiction treatment. These facilities may provide anything from residential (inpatient) treatment to outpatient counseling.
Other payment options include Medicaid, Medicare, and Tricare. Some facilities may also offer payment plans and financing if you have to pay out of pocket.
Challenges During Drug Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can be challenging, especially given how unique each treatment plan is, depending on your needs. As a result, it’s important to be aware of the potential adversities before deciding which treatment center is best for you.
These are some of the most common challenges people in addiction recovery face:
- Withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the substance and severity of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and require medical supervision. Look for treatment centers that offer assisted detoxification if this is a concern.
- Cravings and triggers. Learning to manage cravings and identify triggers is a crucial part of the recovery process. Treatment centers should teach you the coping skills you need to manage cravings and provide medication for this purpose, if necessary.
- Co-occurring mental disorders. Mental illnesses and addiction often go hand in hand, with a significant number of people with SUD also facing depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. A treatment center should help you identify and treat co-occurring mental illnesses alongside addiction treatment.
- Relapse. Everyone who receives addiction support faces the risk of relapse. Addiction treatment helps you develop the life skills and support network to change the negative habits that cause and perpetuate your addiction.
- Boredom and lack of purpose. Many people find themselves aimless and bored during addiction, which can easily lead to relapse as a way to cope with negative feelings.
Making the Decision and Seeking Help
Once you have evaluated your options, it’s time to decide. Choose a treatment center that aligns with your needs, goals, and budget.
Choosing the right treatment center for your needs is a significant step toward recovery, so you must make this decision very carefully. It’s understandable if the stakes make you feel pressured, and that’s why it’s important to seek guidance from healthcare professionals, therapists, or addiction specialists as you explore your options.
Seek help. Explain your situation to specialists who can help narrow your needs and clarify your path.
