A Guide to Selecting
The Right Alcohol Treatment Center?

Not sure about the differences between alcoholism or drug addiction treatment centers? Here are some questions to help you get the information you need to make the decision on where to send your loved one for addiction treatment.

1. Are you licensed for alcohol or drug addiction treatment center?
Most states require any in-patient addiction treatment cener to be licensed.  Don't be afraid to ask- what type of treatment they are licensed for and for what levels of care.

2. Are you an accredited drug and alccohol  treatment center?
JCAHO The Joint Commission on Accredited Health Organizations and (CARF) Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities are the two primary organizations that accredit drug and alcohol treatment centers. Both of these organizations verify whether the facility meets basic standards of care such as using a range of professionals to administer treatment and keeping records of success rates at their facility.

3. What is the cost of services? And will my insurance cover the cost?
Drug and alcohol treatment programs can vary greatly in cost. Some are free (these are usually programs run by government or non-profit organizations); others can run greater than $100,000 a month. Check to see if your insurance company has an agreement with a particular drug and alcohol rehab facility. You may end up paying a lower percentage of the cost out-of-pocket if you use the facility recommended by your insurance company.

4. Where is the facility located?
Do you want a treatment facility nearby so that family members can visit or participate in treatment? Or would you rather be completely removed from your current setting, even possibly going to treatment in another state?

5. What is your philosophy of treatment?
A good treatment program philosophy addresses all the factors affecting the person’s drug or alcohol use. For instance, does the program help you find employment once you are discharged? Do they work with the court system if you have drug/alcohol related legal issues? Are they able to treat other co-occurring disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder)? Quality drug treatment also approaches treatment from a variety of perspectives, treating from both a medical and a psychological approach. Furthermore, sometimes programs incorporate religious or spiritual aspects into treatment, which may play a role in your choice of facility.

6. Is there an immediate opening to enter the facility?
Once you have decided to attend treatment, it is important to begin as soon as possible. Although it may be tempting to get on a waiting list for a facility that you really like, it is possible that you may lose motivation to begin if you have to wait to start. It is recommended that you consider a different rehab facility if there is a waiting list.

7. How long is the treatment program?
Being released from treatment too early is one of the biggest factors in relapse. If you invest in treatment, make sure that you are getting enough of it to make a difference. Short programs (such as 30 days or less) usually have higher relapse rates than longer programs (such as 90-day programs).

8. Do you use treatment practices that are “evidenced-based”?
The body of research knowledge about effective treatment for addictions continues to grow. Choosing a facility that uses evidence-based treatment ensures that the rehab facility is administering treatment approaches that are scientifically verified.

9. What does the daily routine of the program look like?
You can ask the facility to see a daily schedule of their program. Look at the topics addressed in group therapy sessions. Is there a good variety? Make sure that individual therapy is included in treatment. Is there free time for you to relax? When do you start to get outings back into the community?

10. How often does the program assess someone’s progress?
The best drug and alcohol treatment responds to the changing needs of the person as they recover. Is there a system in place to re-evaluate the focus of treatment as the person progresses? Does the person have a clear say in the direction of treatment? Treatment should be able to be modified to fit the consumer’s needs at all stages of recovery.

11. What options does the facility have for after-care?
It is essential that a person in recovery attend after-care once released from a treatment facility. Although follow-up with Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous is a good idea, it is not enough. It is ideal to attend outpatient therapy at the facility where rehabilitation treatment was conducted; however, if that is not an option, the treatment facility should have a system in place to connect you with a new therapist after being discharged. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a long-term process, and you are likely to need support for months to years after being released from a rehabilitation facility.

 For 24 Hour Assistance or to talk to an alcoholism treatment or drug treatment center referral specialist - Call  803-799-0808.  We can help!