Alcohol and drug rehab programs offer hope to men and women and their
families suffering from the devastating consequences of chemical dependency.
Deciding to seek recovery for yourself or someone you care about may
be one of the most courageous and life-altering steps you’ll
ever take.
Alcohol and drug rehab centers should offer a variety of treatment
programs that can meet individual needs and offer sustained help.
Programs may include inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay
options. While alcohol and drug addiction progress through predictable
stages, each individual’s experience has quite personal and
unique characteristics. It takes a trained professional, either a
physician or therapist specializing in addictions, to make an accurate
diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment program.
Not all alcohol and drug rehab centers are the same—they can
differ significantly in philosophies, program options, credentials,
staff skills and qualifications, and cost. The process of selecting
the right drug rehab center can be confusing. Most of us don’t
know exactly what to look for or the questions to ask that will help
determine the drug rehab center that’s best designed to meet
our needs.
As you research and evaluate potential drug rehab centers, ask however
many questions it takes for you to address the following basic considerations—and
before you make any final decisions, make sure you feel satisfied
that all of your questions have been thoughtfully and thoroughly answered.
What is their philosophy on addiction?
What treatment programs are available?
What are the administrators’ and staffs’ credentials?
How does their treatment program differ from other drug rehabs?
How much will recovery treatment cost?
What services are covered by health insurance?
Do people starting the program come off alcohol and/or drugs cold
turkey—and what happens after withdrawal?
How long will it take to complete the treatment program?
What types of people do they treat (e.g., ages, men and/or women,
socio-economic profile)?
What is the degree of family involvement in the recovery program?
How is the transition back into mainstream society structured?
What is their success rate?
Are they accredited?
What continuing care programs are offered?
Choosing drug rehab treatment is choosing to begin a new and better
way of life. It’s important to remember that, just as alcohol
and drug addiction don't happen overnight, neither does the process
of becoming alcohol- and/or drug-free. Recovery is an ongoing process
and each aspect of life that is affected by alcohol and drug use must
be continuously addressed. Be careful and especially scrutinizing
as you determine the drug rehab program that is designed to most completely
meet your needs and assist with long lasting success.
