If you or someone you care about is struggling with a substance use disorder and co occurring mental health problems, you might be considering an addiction treatment center. These specialized rehab facilities offer treatment for addiction disorders related to alcohol or drugs alongside mental health treatment. Treatment options vary; some individuals visit outpatient centers for care daily or less frequently, while others reside at a rehab facility for a period of residential treatment.
With so many choices, how does one choose the right alcohol rehab? This article will briefly address some of the basics around questions you should ask, as well as the warning signs of potential trouble ahead. At Quit Alcohol we are here to take the stress out of finding treatment. Our rehab advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help.
Choosing an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center: The Basics to Choosing the Right Rehab & Addiction Treatment Providers
Addiction and substance use disorders are serious medical conditions that affect many people and families. Fortunately, many treatment centers in the United States are dedicated to helping those in need. These treatment centers offer a different treatment programs and mental health services designed to cater to each person’s unique journey to recovery.
Finding the right alcohol rehab is extremely important. The right treatment center increases the chances of successfully completing the program, achieving recovery, and maintaining it after leaving. However, with so many options, choosing the right one can be challenging.
First and foremost, we must determine what your personal needs are. Factors that are essential to consider are your medical history, alcohol use patterns, age, gender/gender identity, financial situation, and more. Additionally, we all have varying needs and belief systems. We don’t believe there’s a single answer to the topics we’ll discuss; we simply want you to consider each one before deciding. While there are other factors to consider, for the sake of brevity, we’ll first examine these in no particular order.
Medical History
Before receiving treatment, you will be given an assessment to diagnose your condition. Understanding your medical history is part of this assessment as it allows treatment professionals to personalize a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Your medical history will shed light on any pre-existing conditions, co-occurring diagnoses, and more. These variables are important as they will impact how your addiction and any associated disorders are treated.
Alcohol Use Patterns
Medical professionals who conduct alcohol abuse evaluations will want to understand your alcohol use habits, as treatment should be customized to address your unique alcohol use patterns. This information will help determine the most effective course of action for your substance abuse treatment. Depending on how long you’ve been drinking, the amount and frequency of consumption, and any other substances used alongside alcohol will all dictate which type of treatment is recommended.
Age Appropriateness
While addiction can affect anyone at any age, age generally plays a role in recovery. For individuals who did not receive treatment in the early stages of their addiction, underlying issues become more challenging to deal with as they become more severe over time. Additionally, attitude regarding substance use and addiction treatment tends to differ based on age. For example, the baby boomer generation has a completely different viewpoint on alcohol use than millennials do. Moreover, studies show that older people tend to be more private and discrete about their alcohol use and tend to have more deep-rooted issues than those in their younger years.
When considering where to attend treatment, it’s important to consider your age. Oftentimes, an excuse to leave Against Medical Advice (AMA) can be avoided when thinking through this in advance. For example, if you are a middle-aged, alcohol-only user (drinker), it can be difficult to tolerate a young person with an opioid addiction for several reasons. It’s not uncommon for the middle age individuals to take on a parental or grandparent role and lose focus on themselves.
Gender and Gender Identity
Gender responsive or gender-specific treatment centers may be a good choice for you to keep your focus on yourself and your addiction recovery. You are seeking help to overcome addiction and not begin a romantic relationship with others struggling with substance use disorder. Many young people fall into the trap of seeking co-ed treatment programs for the wrong reasons. It is important that your motives are right when choosing the type of facility to admit to.
Relationship Status
It’s challenging to separate addiction and family as they are generally interconnected. That said, it’s common for relationships and family life to take a turn for the worse when struggling with a substance use disorder or mental health issues. In most cases, sustainable addiction recovery will depend on treating the family members as well through family counseling and family programs.
Financial Situation
When someone decides to attend addiction treatment, there can be concerns about how to pay for treatment. The cost of addiction treatment varies depending on the level of care needed, location, and more. It’s important to consider how you plan to pay for addiction treatment in advance. If you have health insurance, many treatment options are available to you that will help cover the costs associated with treatment.
Most health insurance plans cover at least a portion of addiction treatment, and some cover treatment entirely. To gain clarity on your plan’s benefits, you can call your carrier directly or contact our rehab advisors, who will speak directly with you and your insurance provider to help you get the most out of your benefits.
Seeking treatment is based upon medical necessity, typically utilizing the ASAM criteria. Treatment centers bill by the day; they often have a self-pay rate, considering that you will pay in advance for a fixed period. Refunds are very rare, so do not expect to be admitted and leave in a week and get ¾ of your money back. Most treatment centers utilize an initial assessment fee coupled with their full daily rate and other ancillaries, such as a daily room and board rate, bloodwork, or lab work.
Levels of Care
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has specific criteria for what type of care you may need or qualify for. Most states utilize this or similar processes to determine your needs for addiction treatment. If you are utilizing your health insurance to pay for or supplement your care, it’s important to note that insurance carriers utilize even more stringent guidelines than ASAM.
Generally, treatment facilities evaluate you with simple questions to determine what level of care you require or qualify for. It is a common misbelief that treatment stays must be in 30, 60, or 90-day intervals. While it was true at one point, it is not the case today. This is not to minimize your commitment to a fixed period; in fact, research indicates a 90-day stay is met with the best results.
Needs and Goals
Each treatment program has its own specialties and methods. They measure success differently and use various strategies to help you reach your goals. When choosing the right rehab for you, it’s important to consider what you hope to achieve with substance use treatment. Once you have clear recovery goals, you can select a rehab facility that best supports you in reaching them.
First, identify which substances or behaviors you want to recover from. This might seem obvious, but there can be additional substances or behaviors that don’t seem problematic yet could hinder your recovery if not addressed.
Next, consider any underlying issues you might have. Do you have a mental health disorder (dual diagnosis/ co occurring disorder) or medical conditions that should be treated alongside your addiction?
Most importantly, define what success looks like for you. Is your initial goal to complete detox and stay sober for the first 30 days? Would a longer residential stay help you maintain sobriety after treatment? While choosing a rehab often involves input from loved ones, the final decision must be yours.
Treatment Protocols
You may see “evidence based, ”measurement based,” and “outcome based” therapies or treatment protocols on addiction treatment providers’ websites across the industry. These are nothing to be taken lightly. Outside of this, there are things you want to look or listen for in your research. Read the “about us” page of the treatment center. What is their focus? You may want to see a comprehensive, flexible, but structured system. If you see a complete focus on one protocol, ask why. Additionally, it is just the opposite if it looks like they have no focus and are simply appealing to your likes or dislikes that may not be in your best interest for the long-term. There is a difference between personalized treatment and advertising and marketing toward your likes or dislikes to get you through the door.
Theme-based therapies can be extremely helpful to engage you in the process, but if you are simply being lured into a “resort-style” atmosphere with no rue therapeutic process shipping you off to mutual support groups each evening, you may want to rethink your choice. This is not a slight at those programs; it is simply a buyer’s beware. Alcoholism is a serious condition; do not take this lightly; not all rehab facilities have your best interests at heart, so it’s best to explore accredited and licensed facilities. Accreditations like the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) ensure that a program meets high standards of quality care and safety.
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Whether you discover a rehab center online, through local resources, or by talking to a treatment provider, it’s important to ensure it has everything you need for a successful recovery. Some information will be available on the treatment providers website, but you may also need to call them for additional details. Top-rated treatment facilities are committed to helping people succeed in their programs, so don’t hesitate to ask about the various aspects you need to feel confident about your choice, it’s important to do your due diligence.
Choosing the right treatment program involves several factors, and their importance can vary from person to person. Here are some considerations for many individuals entering treatment:
Inpatient vs. Outpatient
There are two primary types of treatment program options at an alcohol and drug rehab facility: residential (inpatient) and outpatient. Residential treatment involves the patient living at the treatment center throughout the program. This type of treatment usually has a higher success rate and better outcomes but can be more expensive and disruptive to daily life.
On the other hand, outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home or in a sober living home while attending treatment sessions during the day, usually for up to six hours. Although an outpatient rehab program tends to have a lower success rate, it is less expensive and allows patients to maintain more daily routines while participating in rehab.
Both rehab program options have advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice depends on your needs and treatment goals.
Specialties
Drug rehab centers often specialize in certain types of addiction or behaviors. For instance, one facility might focus on alcohol use disorder, while another might specialize in dual diagnosis, where both addiction and a mental health disorder are treated simultaneously. Selecting an addiction treatment program that specializes in your specific needs and has a successful track record is crucial.
Multidisciplinary Team
The best rehab facility and programs often feature a multidisciplinary team of specialists that collectively address all aspects of the disease—mind, body, and spirit. This means your rehab program should include a variety of professionals who collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan. Each team member should be licensed in their specific discipline. Be cautious if a single staff member performs multiple roles throughout the recovery process. A multidisciplinary treatment team typically includes a medical doctor, nurse, psychiatrist, psychologist, and an addiction counselor.
Treatments and Therapies
A wide variety of treatment methods and therapeutic approaches are available for substance use disorders. This variety ensures that there is likely a treatment that works well for each individual but also means that not every program will be a perfect fit for everyone. Researching different types of therapies, especially if you have never attended treatment before, can help you find the most suitable program.
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has gained popularity and medical approval for its effectiveness. This treatment combines psychotherapy and behavioral therapies with medications specifically designed to address addiction. Studies demonstrate the efficacy of MAT in improving patient retention in treatment, ongoing recovery post-treatment, and overall survival from addiction. MAT is primarily used for treating opiate use disorder but can also assist with alcohol use disorder.
Available Amenities
Amenities are among the most noticeable differences between recovery centers. Some programs offer luxurious living conditions that rival or exceed those of 5-star hotels, while others provide standard but fully functional facilities that are just as effective in helping patients achieve recovery. The variety of amenities available means that you can likely find several treatment centers in your area that meet your needs.
Location
Choosing a treatment program’s location involves multiple considerations. Nearby facilities offer convenience and may be necessary if you have commitments close to home that you cannot leave for an extended period. However, traveling to a treatment center away from your usual environment can be highly beneficial. Distance from unhealthy relationships and triggers can provide a better opportunity to develop new, healthy strategies for recovery.
Length of Program
Most programs at a treatment facility last between 30 to 60 days, with some lasting up to 90 days. Many professionals recommend 90-day programs because they address the complex issues involved with alcohol and drug abuse comprehensively. However, treatment doesn’t have to remain entirely residential throughout the 90-day period.
Often, patients start with 30-45 days of residential treatment and then transition to their home or a sober living environment while continuing to receive support through outpatient addiction services. This approach helps patients and their friends and family feel more comfortable and supported during this emotional stage. Ultimately, the length of your stay will be determined by your unique circumstances and needs. However, a full continuum of care from detox to outpatient services is often recommended for lifelong recovery.
Cost
For many individuals, cost is the most significant factor in choosing a treatment facility and program. Treatment costs can vary widely depending on the facility, the length of stay, and the specific programs you participate in. Fortunately, numerous options are available to help cover the cost of treatment, making it accessible regardless of your budget or insurance coverage. It’s also important to consider that the long-term financial impact of untreated addiction is often far greater than the cost of treatment. Some common options to help pay for treatment include private health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), state services, self-funding, loans, and scholarships from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or a local facility.
How to Find a Rehab: Find Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health Conditions
Whether you found the right rehab online, by speaking with a treatment provider, by calling SAMHSA’s national helpline, or a state-specific helpline, it’s important to do your research to ensure it has everything you need for recovery and to avoid scams. Some information you need can be found on the facility websites, while some may rely on you calling local treatment facilities to learn more.
Top-rated rehab facilities want to ensure that people find success in their programs, so be sure to ask about everything you’ll need to leave treatment successful. In addition, if you have insurance coverage, be sure to ask the facility providing addiction treatment the insurance accepted at their center and whether or not they are in network with your insurance provider. An in-network provider may offer more coverage for specific services.
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Get Help Choosing the Right Alcohol Rehab
Deciding to seek treatment can be a daunting task. If you have never addressed alcoholism or addiction before beyond the fear of doing so, it is a major endeavor. You can positively change your life by finding the right alcohol rehab near you, so take the next right step and do your research or reach out to us for help. Do not let your desire to research distract you or keep you from seeking medical help immediately. Our rehab advisors can also help you. Don’t wait. Get the help you need now.