There are over 14,000 Drug, alcohol, and other addiction rehab options in the USA. Treatment facilities treating over 3.7 million people in the country. If you’re searching for an addiction recovery program, it helps to have a plan.
Otherwise, you might struggle to narrow down your options to find a program that suits your needs.
Here are a few tips that can help you find a treatment program to help you start on the road to recovery. With these tips, you can begin a program that’s bound to set your sobriety up for success.
Read on to start your search for a treatment program today.
Outline Goals and Needs
Are you looking for an intensive inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program? Perhaps you need to find a facility that specializes in treating alcohol over drug addiction. Maybe you struggle with depression, which contributed to your addiction.
Before researching different programs, take the time to outline your needs and goals. You’ll have an easier time choosing a program that can then help you accomplish those goals. Otherwise, you could choose a facility that lacks the services or expertise you require.
Consider what substance caused your addiction. Then, build a list of facilities that offer addiction treatment for that substance.
The staff at these facilities will have an easier time guiding you by leveraging relevant experience and expertise.
At the same time, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the facility has adjusted your treatment plan based on your requirements. If the facility doesn’t offer personalized treatments, remove them from your list. These facilities could waste your time and money if they see you as a number, rather than an individual.
Remember, behavioral or cognitive issues might contribute to your addiction as well. Perhaps you have an underlying medical condition like depression you want to address. In this case, look for a facility that offers dual diagnosis treatments.
An inpatient program will require you to remain at the facility at all times. With intensive outpatient treatment, you can maintain your usual routine. Then, you can visit the facility for a few hours each week to continue your treatment.
When choosing between inpatient or outpatient programs, consider your routine and responsibilities. Have you struggled with addiction in the past? If you recently relapsed, you might want to prioritize inpatient programs instead.
As you consider different facilities, keep your goals in mind. Ask someone at the facility how they can help you accomplish your goals. Determine what services and resources they offer that can help, too.
Consult a Professional
About 21 million Americans suffer from addiction. However, only 3,000 physicians are specially trained to treat addiction.
During your search for an addiction recovery program, consider speaking to a professional. For example, perhaps you’re already visiting a mental health expert or therapist. Perhaps you work with a life coach or social worker.
These professionals could point you toward a local outpatient alcohol program or outpatient drug rehab program.
If they’re able to refer you to a program, consider asking:
- What should I look for in a facility
- What programs should I prioritize or avoid
- Do they offer after-treatment support services
- What services do you think I need
Speaking with a professional could help you build your list of options.
If you know someone who attended an outpatient program in the past, ask about their experience. Otherwise, begin your search online. Consider calling the National Drug Abuse and Mental Health hotline for options and immediate assistance if needed.
Check a Map
As you begin building your list of local programs, consider pulling up a map to determine where each facility is located. First, make sure each facility is located in a safe area.
Next, determine if you want to find a facility that’s near home and work or one that’s a distance away.
If certain triggers (including people, places, and situations) have contributed to your addiction, look for a facility away from your usual haunts. You can avoid triggers that might cause a relapse during your outpatient treatment.
Otherwise, choose a place that’s near home, work, and your family. Choosing a facility near family will allow you to lean on your support system as needed.
Consider your preference in terms of aesthetics, too. For example, maybe you want to be close to the beach or surrounded by trees. Choose a facility that will help you remain calm and focused on your treatment.
Review Credentials
Make sure each facility is licensed by the state to ensure they follow the necessary safety guidelines.
Determine if the facility has any other certifications or memberships that can speak to their professionalism, too. For example, some facilities have an association with the National Board of Certified Counselors. You might find some associated with the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.
Consider the Staff
Research the staff as well. Determine who you’ll encounter during the span of your program. Look for a licensed team that has the proper credentials.
For example, the staff might include a:
- Licensed alcohol and disorders counselor
- Licensed professional counselor
- Certified addictions counselor
- Certified co-occurring disorders counselor
Look for Customized Treatment
Remember, it could prove beneficial to find a program that offers customized treatment. They’ll tailor your treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
Schedule a consultation appointment with the facility to determine if their addiction recovery program suits your needs. Ask what treatment options they have available.
As part of the whole healthy recovery continuum, their services might include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Education and job training
- Individual case management
- Peer support groups
- Behavioral health therapy
- Primary medical care
Before beginning your recovery program, you might need to undergo a medical detox. Detoxing at home could prove dangerous. You could experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, headaches, or delirium tremens (DTs).
About 5% who experience alcohol withdrawal also experience DTs. Choosing a facility that provides detoxing services can ensure you detox safely.
Prioritize Evidence-Based Treatments
Determine if the facility offers evidence-based treatments, too.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for patients with addiction and substance use disorder. Other evidence-based practices include:
- Motivational enhancement and interviewing
- Medication-assisted therapies (MAT)
- Twelve-step facilitation
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Ask each facility how the evidence-based treatments they offer can help you accomplish your goals.
Ask About Success Rates
Once you determine what services are included within the program, ask the facility about their success rates with those services. Determine how many of their patients relapse. Ask how many maintain long-term sobriety instead.
Finding a facility with a strong success rate could set your own program up for success.
Discuss Post-Treatment Care
For many patients, recovery is an ongoing process. You might want to find a recovery program that includes services after you complete the initial program.
For example, some programs offer access to local sober living homes. Living in a sober home can help you transition back into your routine after treatment.
Other services can help you train and develop a skill set for vocational jobs.
Determine Program Durations
Determine how long each intensive outpatient program on your list will last. You might require a longer program if you’re struggling with a more extensive addiction. If you’ve relapsed in the past, you might also benefit from a longer program.
Consult Your Insurance Provider
If you have private insurance, consult your insurance provider. Determine which programs are covered under your insurance plan. If the program isn’t covered, ask the facility how much you’ll need to pay.
Determine if they offer any financing options, too.
Review Your Options
Begin reviewing your notes to determine which program aligns with your needs and goals. If you haven’t already, schedule a tour. Determine if the facility has access to the resources and staff you need as part of your treatment plan.
Reviewing your notes can help you make an informed choice with your sobriety in mind.
Find the Best Addiction Recovery Program Based on Your Needs Today
Choosing the right addiction recovery program can begin you on the right path. Use these tips to begin narrowing down your options. Then, choose an intensive outpatient program that best aligns with your needs.
With help, you can begin your road to recovery.
Want to discuss your options? We’re here to help.
Contact us today.
