Seven Factors To Consider When Selecting A Rehab Facility

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If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction problem, rehab might be an excellent option to seek treatment. A rehabilitation center is a treatment facility that helps patients overcome addiction issues involving drugs, alcohol, or other substances and dangerous practices. While some people prefer inpatient treatment, others might be better off opting for outpatient treatment services to rid themselves of their addiction woes. However, the type of treatment you require depends on the severity of your addiction and what the experts suggest. 

Nowadays, multiple options are available to patients looking to identify the right rehabilitation center for treatment. These options make choosing the suitable facility even more crucial since the patient could relapse. So if you’re shortlisting options for yourself or a loved one dealing with an addiction problem, consider these factors before making a final decision.

Decide between a private or public rehab facility

Both private and public rehab facilities offer medical care services for addiction disorders. However, the type of rehab facility you should choose depends on your care priorities. The main difference between a private and public facility is that the state runs the latter. Not to mention, this difference determines the treatment options available, the client-to-staff ratio, and probably other factors mentioned in this list.

For instance, a private rehab provides intervention at any stage of the medical condition. So, if you’re looking for a shorter inpatient stay, private rehab is your best option. Plus, private rehabs also focus on providing clients with more personalized treatment programs. On the other hand, public rehab centers are limited by state resources. So you may not always get the treatment and comfort your desire. 

Ensure the rehab facility is licensed

According to NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse), more than forty thousand medical and non-medical substance abuse treatment centers are present in America. So, it is vital to select a licensed rehab facility. Unlicensed facilities are not well-equipped to protect their client’s interests and well-being. Not to mention, these unlicensed facilities will likely end up violating state laws and causing more harm to patients than good.

 You can visit your state’s licensing website to determine whether the rehab facility you’ve shortlisted is licensed or not. Check for complaints against it. 

Inquire if the rehab facility utilizes medication

Some rehab facilities follow the abstinence approach, i.e., preventing patients from taking their substance of abuse while also avoiding medication. At the same time, some facilities offer medicine to treat substance abuse disorders. If you’re looking for opioid addiction treatment, it is a no-brainer to consider the option of taking prescription medication. Doing so will enable you to treat drug dependency, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and mitigate drug cravings. 

So, determine whether the rehab facility you go for offers such prescription medications. Chances are your treatment facility of choice might not offer the use of drugs assisted treatment. Hence, it would be in your best interest to find a treatment center that provides the services and resources to cater to your pathway to recovery. 

Luxury doesn’t necessarily mean quality

The cost of addiction treatment can vary from a few thousand to up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per month. Generally, the more luxury services a rehab facility offers, the more it will cost you. For instance, a treatment center with private rooms, pools, and other amenities will typically be more expensive than one that only offers a straightforward addiction treatment program. However, luxury doesn’t always mean quality. 

Your goal should be to look beyond these expensive amenities and consider the quality of the treatment plan itself. This usually includes looking at the therapies offered, success rates, client reviews, staff qualifications, etc. Most addicts enter a rehab facility for treatment, not for the amenities the center provides. That’s what hotels are for!

Ensure the facility offers aftercare

An aftercare program is necessary to prevent relapse and develop a support network for you. It helps you deal with rehab and keeps you on track post-recovery.  For instance, AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is among the most effective aftercare support programs that provide peer-to-peer support and counseling. So, if the rehab facility you’ve shortlisted refers you to such programs, then you don’t need to look elsewhere. 

Furthermore, aftercare also provides you with a platform to practice what you learned during your treatment program. A good plan will enable you to build better relationships with your family and friends and ensure you remain drug-free for the foreseeable future. 

Inquire if the facility offers cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most non-invasive, effective drug addiction treatments. It is based on the theory that a person’s thinking patterns play a vital role in determining their behavior. Moreover, CBT also helps individuals change their negative thoughts through talk-based techniques instead of relying on medication to avoid using drugs. 

Such an approach to drug addiction treatment is beneficial for treating patients since it allows them to understand how their addiction will affect their daily lives. If appropriately utilized, CBT can help drug addicts change their behavior, ensuring they make better decisions staying away from a life of addiction.

Ensure the facility is close to your home

Visiting a rehab facility close to your home is probably the best decision you will make, especially if you’re considering an outpatient treatment program. When you’re required to visit a treatment center regularly, it will be best to choose one closer to home to avoid unnecessary traveling costs and wasting time.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse disorder, rehab is probably the best course of action. However, never forget that addiction doesn’t only affect the addict’s life. It also affects the people around the addict. Someone will end up disrupting their lives if they don’t stop abusing alcohol or drugs. So, shortlist a handful of rehab facilities and check into one that offers you the best addiction treatment, aftercare, and support.