As an Admissions Counselor at an addiction treatment center, I speak with people of all different experience levels trying to find the best drug rehab for themselves or a loved-one. Although choosing a rehabilitation facility can be difficult, being armed with the right questions can make all the difference. Using my experiences as both an Admissions Counselor and a client of multiple centers, I have created a list of questions that will help you choose the best drug rehab.
1) What is your success rate? What is the ideal result of your treatment?
A common cop-out in the treatment field is that poor results are due to clients’ lack of willingness, or simply not being ready. The best drug rehabs don’t accept this excuse — they know that they have a program that will lead to sustainable recovery from addiction. Also listen for the desired outcome of treatment. True recovery is about much more than simply removing the substances.
Look for:
- A high success rate
- Willingness to answer the question
- An interest in building healthy, fulfilling lives, not just removing the substances
Be wary of:
- The saying “It works if you’re ready”
- Avoiding the question or giving vague answers
2) How long is your program?
Simply said, one month is not long enough. The success rates for long-term recovery rise exponentially the longer you stay in treatment. Look for 3-5 month drug rehabs. I know this can be a hard pill to swallow. With children, jobs, and commitments, it isn’t easy for anyone to put their lives on hold. However, at the end of the day, dedicating the time up front will make a world of difference.
Look for:
- 3-5 month minimum
- Structured aftercare and support
Be wary of:
- 30 day programs
- Inpatient that doesn’t offer a clear after-treatment plan
3) What is your policy on prescribing medication?
Active addiction and PAWS often mimic the symptoms of other disorders. Depression, anxiety, and mood swings, for instance, are common in early sobriety, but don’t necessarily indicate additional issues. It takes a minimum of six months before the brain normalizes and proper diagnoses can be made. Overmedicating these symptoms is counterproductive. Look for a treatment center that is very conservative when diagnosing and medicating co-occurring disorders.
Look for:
- A drug rehab that avoids prescribing meds when unnecessary
- An understanding of PAWs and the difficulties of diagnosis in early recovery
Be wary of:
- A vague or uninformed answer to this inquiry
- Drug rehabs that rely heavily on medication
4) Who is on your treatment team?
Although important, there’s more to a successful treatment team than credentials. Addiction therapists model behavior and healthy living. Finding a rehab facility that is staffed by people who truly embody healthy lifestyles is important.
Look for:
- Personal experience
- Passion
- Professional experience
- Credentials
Be wary of:
- A rehab staff that is heavy on credentials, but light on experience
5) What do days consist of?
Many rehabilitation facilities function as insular communities where clients spend their days moving from one sedentary activity to the next. It’s important that clients are exposed to the outside world while in treatment, so that they are not blindsided when their stay is over. Healing the body is essential to healing the mind, so finding a program that values movement is also important.
Look for:
- Structured physical activity (not just a gym pass)
- A way to engage with the “outside world”
Be wary of:
- Addiction treatment that relies solely on traditional therapy
- Too much free time
- Complete disconnection from the outside world
Choosing a rehabilitation facility is a stressful process. Don’t rush it. It’s important to take the necessary time to find the right fit.
At Tree House Recovery in Orange County, California, men are finding freedom from addiction by creating sustainable change for sustainable recovery. Call us today for information about our treatment programs: (855) 202-2138
