How to Choose the Right Rehab? Tips to Help You Make the Best Decision

Selecting a rehab center for yourself or your loved one could be daunting. With the rise of the opioid epidemic, thousands of rehabs have appeared all over the US. Unfortunately, not all providers deliver ethical practices but focus on profit. Many people feel confused and distrustful about finding effective treatment options. That’s why consumers must understand what to look for. In this article, we will discuss some key questions and topics to consider that will help you determine how to find the right rehab center.

Types of Rehab Facilities

What is a rehab center? It’s a place where you can get help combating your addiction. There are three main approaches in rehab to patient facilitation: inpatient, outpatient, and residential. Each offers specific benefits for certain needs. The choice depends on the severity of the condition, personal commitments, and financial situation.

Inpatient Rehab

Provide residents with 24/7 medical and therapeutic care access. This type of program is suitable for people who need constant monitoring and a strict regimen to overcome severe addiction or achieve lasting recovery.

Outpatient Rehab

Patients attend scheduled treatment sessions but don’t stay overnight. It allows patients to maintain work and family responsibilities while receiving treatment. This option suits those with relatively less complex issues or patients who have completed an inpatient rehab program but still require additional support.

Residential Programs

Residential rehabilitation services strike a balance between inpatient and outpatient treatment, offering flexibility while maintaining structure for the patient. It is good for those who want a less controlled and customized life in a rehab center for a longer time.

Main Features of Different Types of Facilities

Type of Facility	Inpatient Rehab	Outpatient Rehab	Residential Program
Treatment Setting	Hospital or rehab center with 24/7 nursing care	Rehab center or clinic, no overnight stays	A residential facility with 24/7 support staff but a lower level of medical care and control than a hospital
Length of Stay	Typically, 2-4 weeks	Several hours a day, 1-5 days a week for 4-6 weeks	Typically, 30-90 days
Level of Care	Most intensive medical rehabilitation	Less intensive for conditions not requiring 24/7 nursing	Intensive therapy and treatment in a residential setting
Treatment Focus	Intense daily physical, occupational, and other therapies	Daily or multi-time weekly therapies	Daily therapies plus life skills training, counseling, support groups
Insurance Coverage	Often covered by medical insurance for illnesses	Often covered by medical insurance	May be covered by medical or private insurance, depending on condition/program

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rehab Facility

What should a person consider when choosing a drug treatment program? It’s a multi-step process to assess your needs and evaluate various factors to make the right decision. They include levels of care, location, accreditations, staffing, and more.

Accreditation and Licensing

These factors are crucial. Reputable rehabs are accredited by state and national organizations to ensure they provide appropriate care and meet addiction treatment standards. It signifies that a facility is well-regarded.

Quality rehabilitation centers generally hold one or more of the following accreditations:

• Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
• The Joint Commission
• Compliance Group HIPAA Seal
• State-Specific Chemical Dependency Facility Licensure.
• National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH).
• Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Also, check that the rehab is licensed at the state level to provide substance abuse treatment. Licenses should be posted on its official website.

Treatment Approaches and Methodologies

Once you clarify what centers are worth trusting, start exploring facility options. Begin by searching for facilities that offer the level of care you think you need. Include only those facilities that use evidence-based practices that have been proven effective through scientific research. For example, many treatment centers offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), contingency management (CM), etc. Depending on your situation, your treatment plan may also include detox and medications for severe addictions like opioid treatment or co-occurring disorders.

Staff Qualifications and Expertise

It’s also crucial to evaluate the credentials and licenses of a facility’s staff. They should meet nationally recognized standards for professional practice in addiction treatment. Not all staff members need medical or nursing degrees, but certain roles within the rehabilitation team should. Pay particular attention to the therapists and verify if they have the appropriate degrees. Staff members may hold various licenses and credentials that can vary by state. Some reputable abbreviations to look for include:

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) (includes various levels such as I, II, III, IV, V, N)
• Certified Co-occurring Disorders Counselor (CCDP)
• National Certified Addictions Counselor (NCAC)
• Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
• Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC)
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

If you have doubts, you could search for specialists’ names and educational backgrounds for more information. Checking the staff’s qualifications is important to ensure they have the expertise necessary for quality care, which is vital for your recovery.

Success Rates and Patient Outcomes

Not all rehab centers are equally effective, so do not rely solely on their website information. Take time to research the reliability of rehab treatment programs to ensure you choose the right facility. One of the best ways to understand its level is by checking reviews from other patients. For instance, consider how others felt about their experience, their opinions on specific treatments, and how many of them maintain sobriety after leaving the clinic. This will give you a better understanding of what you can expect.

Location and Environment

Remember that the most appropriate treatment facility for you may not be nearby. You might need specialized care that requires traveling to a rehab center. Additionally, distancing yourself from the people, places, and things that could trigger your substance use can be beneficial.

Also, consider what vibe is better and more achievable for you – a tranquil, resort-like setting or a more clinical atmosphere. Keep in mind that drug rehab and alcohol rehab are more likely to have strict regulations compared to others.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Some levels of care may require out-of-pocket fees or copays. Here are several factors that influence the cost of rehab treatment:

• Accommodation preference. A private room is always an extra cost compared to a shared one.
• Amenities. Are you looking for additional amenities during your stay, such as a pool, gym, hot tub, lounge, or smoking area?
• Length of stay. Longer treatment durations generally cost more than shorter programs.
• Treatment type. Inpatient and residential treatments cost more than outpatient ones.

If you’re concerned about affording treatment, financing options are available. You could seek treatment through grants or government programs, but be prepared for potentially long waiting lists.

Assessing Your Personal Needs

When considering choosing a drug rehab, take your time to assess your personal needs thoroughly. This will allow you to find the treatment program that is the best fit for your specific circumstances.

To start, reflect carefully on the type and severity of your addiction. Are you addicted to alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications, or have a behavioral addiction? How long have you been addicted, and how much does it impact your daily life? Be honest, as understanding the details of your disorder will help guide you to the right level of care.

Next, take into account any co-occurring mental health disorders you may have. Many people dealing with addiction also live with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment requires the integration of substance abuse care with mental health services.

Treatment programs can differ widely, so focus on your personal preferences. We already mentioned the variety of amenities. Consider what is necessary for you and create a comfortable environment.

Lastly, evaluate your family and work obligations. If you have family members or children counting on you, look for local services that allow you to go home at night. Those with inflexible jobs will do best at facilities offering evening or weekend programming.

Visiting Rehab Centers

After evaluating treatment centers, visit them in person. It’s important to get a feel for the environment. The more informed you are, the smoother your transition will be, so take time to get to know all the ins and outs. Here are some tips for visiting rehab centers:

Checklists for Facility Visits:

• Tour the entire facility with staff and take photos if allowed.
• Meet the medical director to learn about medical services.
• Meet with the therapy team—therapists, counselors, social workers, nutritionists, etc. Ask about their approaches.
• Taste the food if you’re visiting during a meal. Is it nutritious and tasty?
• Talk to current residents if you have a chance. Ask about their experiences and if they’d recommend the program.
• Review the daily schedule. Are there a variety of treatments and adequate free time?
• Ask about rules, restrictions, and contingencies like drug testing and behavior contracts.
• Tour the grounds. Are they well-kept? Are there outdoor amenities?
• Visit patient rooms. Are they clean and comfortable?

Questions to Ask a Rehab Facility Staff and Current Residents

• Does the rehab team (doctors, therapists, nurses, and case managers) meet weekly to evaluate the patient’s progress?
• What are the criteria for completing the program? What are typical lengths of stay?
• What happens if someone relapses? Are there contingencies besides automatic discharge?
• What therapies are provided, and how many days per week?
• How many hours per day does the patient receive therapy?

Treatment Programs and Therapies Offered

• Is there MAT (medication-assisted treatment) for opioids or alcohol? What medication is used: methadone, subaxone, or naltrexone?
• Is there counseling for the 12-step program?
• Are there groups for life skills, vocational training, relationship skills, pain management, etc.?
• Are there holistic offerings like yoga, art therapy, or mindfulness meditation?
• What physical amenities are available?

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Support

• Does the facility offer a support group after patient discharge?
• Does coordination of home equipment needs exist?
• Does the health center schedule additional outpatient therapy or home health needs at discharge?

Family Involvement and Support

• Does the facility offer addiction education, multifamily therapy groups, and visitation?
• Are there family counseling or support groups available?
• Can families join major events like graduations or treatment seminars?

Amenities and Recreational Activities:

• What types of recreational amenities are offered? Art, music, gym, yoga, sports, games, outdoor space?
• Are nicotine, caffeine, internet, and cell phone policies reasonable?
• Are nutritious snacks and beverages available outside of meal times?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, some rehabs are following a goal to make money, not helping their patients. Fraudulent centers exploit struggling people, often overcharging and underdelivering on their services. There are several typical red flags to avoid when trying to figure out how to choose a rehab facility:

1. Patient brokering, also known as “body brokering.” This means the third party earns a commission for recruiting new patients to a rehab center. Patient brokering often starts with a phone call from the recruiter, who may recommend a little-known, out-of-state rehab facility. They might also pressure you to sign up for a rehab program immediately. These recruiters will say and do anything to get you to enroll, use sneaky tactics, offer to cover travel costs, or provide other incentives. Many online ads list their “treatment center” numbers, but the call goes to a call center. When you call, the agent connects you to the highest bidder and then pressures you into a program without considering your specific needs or budget.
2. Unrealistic success rates or guarantees. No ethical treatment program will promise or guarantee addiction will be “cured.” Recovery is an ongoing process. Look for centers that take a holistic, evidence-based approach.
3. Vague or incorrect information on a rehab’s testimonials or website descriptions. Shady rehabs could lie about their accreditation, staff qualifications, services, and treatment conditions. These centers frequently offer incentives for positive reviews. Many people have reported being bribed to write a testimonial before beginning treatment, which appeared ineffective after all.
4. Limited treatment options or a one-size-fits-all approach. Every person’s needs are different. Look for a program that offers a customized treatment plan based on your individual history and substance use profile. Avoid “cookie cutter” approaches, as it is a signal that patients are not the main priority.

Steps to Take When Choosing a Rehab Facility

To sum up all the tips and info above, let’s highlight the main steps for your research of how to choose a rehab that will fit you the best.

1. Do research and gather information. Look into the types of addiction treatment programs offered, such as detox, inpatient, outpatient, 12-step, holistic, etc. Clarify the rehab’s treatment approach, such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, etc. Check if the facility treats dual-diagnosis patients. Look into the staff’s credentials, licenses, and experience. Read about the amenities offered. Compare costs and insurance coverage.
2. Consult with healthcare professionals. Talk to your doctor, therapist, or interventionist for advice and recommendations regarding facilities. Ask about any concerns with a program’s treatment methods. Get referrals to rehabs they trust.
3. Visit facilities and speak with staff. Tour the rehab in person and meet the therapists, counselors, and others who will provide treatment. Ask questions about the daily schedule, group therapy, visitation policies, aftercare planning, etc.
4. Review testimonials and patient experiences. Read first-hand accounts online of former patients’ experiences at the rehab. Check reviews on multiple websites. Reach out to former patients to get their opinions. Look for red flags about unethical practices or poor treatment.

Make Sure That Your Final Decision is Willful

Choosing an addiction treatment center is challenging. The suggestions and information provided can help you evaluate your options and identify potential red flags. It’s crucial to ask questions, feel comfortable with the facility, and trust your instincts. Each person suffering from addiction has unique clinical needs that must be addressed to ensure effective treatment. Contact an expert and embrace them to find a rehab that can meet your specific requirements.