How to Choose the Right Rehab
The word ‘addiction’ conjures up a dark and dreary image of a world of drug abuse, negative thoughts and difficult times for both the addict and their loved ones.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Rehab can provide a solution and guide you onto the path to sobriety. However, choosing the right rehab is essential for a successful treatment. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
How to Choose the Right Rehab
Realize That You Need Help
The most important aspect of rehab is to realize that you need help. You have to understand that there is no shame in seeking help to overcome your problem with addiction.
Addiction is like any other chronic disease that can be cured with proper treatment and the right approach. Treatment is only effective if you take the initiative. If you are uncertain, ask yourself:
- Are others concerned by your alcohol or drug intake?
- Do you cope with stress or painful emotions by indulging in alcohol or drugs?
- Is your work life and personal life being affected by drug intake?
- Do you hide your substance abuse from others?
If any of the above describe you, it’s high time you seek help.
Levels of Care
Each facility has their own approach to treatment but most have at least one of the following treatment options:
- Medical Detox
- Inpatient
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intensive Outpatient
- Outpatient
- Aftercare
The type of care that you’ll need depends on your individual needs and will be determined by the facility itself.
Set Your Goals
Your first step to setting rehab goals is to determine which substance abuse and/or behaviour you want to recover from. It’s also vital that any underlying disease or mental disorders are recognised and treated as many cases of substance abuse stems from previous history of trauma and abuse. When such underlying causes are treated, the chance of staying sober is significantly higher.
Seek a Professional
There are a variety of facilities out there and narrowing down the one suitable for you can be a very difficult task.
However, a professional can guide you in your decision as they’re well-versed about the facilities and treatments available.
Investigate Various Rehab Options
Thorough investigation of all the available treatment opportunities, whether through research or a professional, is crucial for choosing the right rehab.
For more information about a facility, take a look at their website or contact the facility directly. The sign of a good facility is one that answers all of your queries openly, without withholding any information.
In order to choose the right rehab, keep the following factors in mind:
Inpatient Vs. Outpatient
As the name suggests, outpatient treatment consists of sessions through appointments at specified times whereas inpatient treatment requires patients to stay in the rehab for a period of time with round-the-clock care.
Generally, inpatient treatment is considered to be more successful, especially in severe cases as there is more supervision and control compared to outpatient treatments.
On the contrary, if you don’t wish to compromise your work or you’re looking to save money, outpatient care is a good option. However, an incredible amount of willpower and determination is needed to stick to the regimen and stay sober.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs. So, look up rehab centres to know the options available for you.
Location
Though opinions differ, it’s generally agreed that an addict should be treated as far as possible from their homes. The change of scenery will give you a fresh start away from a difficult past. A different country or even a city can have a huge impact on your overall mental health.
Choosing Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Spain can be a good option with its scenic views and luscious landscape. The rich mixture of cultures, delicious cuisine and great weather will help clear your mind and allow you to escape the grim world of addiction.
And if the allure of beautiful Spain is not enough to convince you, then perhaps the testimonies of successful patients who now enjoy a newfound life of sobriety will.
Treatment and Therapies
There are various types of therapies that cater to specific addictions. Consult your therapist and choose a center that provides multiple evidence-based therapies. This means therapies that have been scientifically proven to be effective. They’ll be more likely to keep you sober and assist in your journey to recovery.
In addition, lifestyle choices also influence the choice of rehab. Factors like the LGBTQ+ community, age groups, religious views and disabilities should be taken into account so that they can receive treatment without the fear of harassment or discrimination.
Length of Treatment
Rehab is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of patience and persistence from both the patient and their close ones.
Generally, programmes include 30, 60 or 90 days of treatment. According to experts, the 60 or 90 day programme is more suitable. Moreover, frequent follow ups and adherence to a strict regimen after the rehab treatment is over will help prevent a relapse.
Quality of Staff
Dealing with addiction can be a sensitive issue. Therefore, a relationship based on trust and understanding is the key to recovery.
Successful and quality treatments are reliant upon the expertise of the staff that provide it. So, ensure that clinicians, counselors and case managers are not only certified but also empathetic.
A doctor that views a patient as a person in need of help rather than a clinical problem will encourage the individual to fight against addiction.
Recreation Therapies and Amenities
The cost and quality of care at a rehab is largely dependent on the accommodation, exercise therapies like yoga, gyms, and pools, as well as recreational activities like art, music, and equine therapies. Some rehabs provide facilities that give a luxury living experience while others have a more practical approach to treatment.
Nonetheless, the purpose of this is to create opportunities for recovering patients to seek joy in things other than substance abuse. Whether the individual is willing to spend to enjoy those perks is up to them.
Care for Co-Occurring Disorders
About 40% of drug abuse sufferers also have co-occurring mental condition. Substance abuse is often a coping mechanism for underlying conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. As a result, these problems must be treated for a full recovery and prevention of relapse.
Consult your counselor or case manager to identify if you have any of these issues and choose a facility that specialises in treating co-occurring disorders specific to your case.
Accreditation
From skin-care and food to household items and education, it’s nearly impossible to get by without proper accreditation. So, why should you compromise when it comes to something as important as rehab accreditations?
Organisations like the Joint Commission Behavioral Health accreditation is one of the most trustworthy sources to know whether your rehab is reliable. Although there’s no universal criteria to choose the right program or a rehab that suits everyone’s needs, thorough research can help families find a suitable rehab for their loved ones.
Let Your Insurance Help
Cost is one of the biggest deterrents for sufferers seeking treatment. However, the type of facility, type of therapy, and length of stay determines the cost of treatment. If your insurance doesn’t cover all the costs, then consider help from one of the following:
- The Affordable Health Care Act
- Medicaid and Medicare
- Private Health Insurance
- Personal Loans
Nonetheless, the right rehab will be far cheaper than the effect of long term addiction on your finances. Your health should take priority.
The Role of Family
The positive impact of family involvement in therapy cannot be stressed enough. Addiction can be very stressful for both the addict and their loved ones.
Having proper care and support from the family has a favourable effect on the condition of the patient. Families must encourage and help the person so that they can overcome their addiction and refrain themselves in times of weakness.
Availability of After Care
Treatment doesn’t end with therapy. Make sure you choose a rehab that has an alumni support group network and sober living homes to remain sober after initial treatment.
Conclusion
Keep these points in mind when you choose a rehab for yourself or your loved one. A good idea is to list any queries you have in mind to ask the staff. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- Can you give me an outline of treatment?
- How long is the problem?
- Is the program accredited?
- May I view the staff credentials?
- Do you provide evidence-based treatment?
- What is your success rate?
- Do you provide family counseling?
- Do you have an alumni network or aftercare program?
The world of addiction is difficult, long and lonely, but you don’t have to fight alone. Ask for help from anyone who is willing to listen and try to help anyone who is struggling. You can recover and you deserve to live a normal life. Stay strong!
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