What you need to ask before choosing a drug rehab
Entering a rehab and recovery facility for drug addiction can be life changing. Before choosing a drug rehab, it is crucial to know which questions to ask in order to find which facility would best suit your needs. Asking others for help when battling addiction may be frightening at first, and it isn’t uncommon to be nervous about entering drug rehab. Thankfully, rehabilitation staff members understand this and make it their mission to ensure you are well informed, comfortable and safe.
Just like addiction can widely vary between individuals, each drug rehab center is unique. With some research and by asking the right questions, you can become better informed before choosing a drug rehab.
Consider these ten questions to ask before choosing a drug rehab center you will partner with to help you get on the road to recovery:
1. What should someone expect from going to rehab? – The rehab experience can be different for everyone, depending on his or her addiction, medical issues, etc. When choosing a rehab, the process should begin with a thorough evaluation that examines an individual’s physical and psychological needs, and a transparent conversation about what you should expect in the first few days, weeks, etc.
2. Is the rehab facility accredited and licensed? – Entering rehab is a big step and can make the difference between a successful and safe detox vs. and unsuccessful detox. You want to receive the highest quality in treatment so be sure to look for a licensed and accredited facility. One of the top accreditations for a rehab center is TJC, The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organization.
3. Do they offer both short and long-term programs? Addiction seeps in to every aspect of an addict’s life, and can wreak havoc on a person’s body both mentally and physically. While the typical rehab program is 28-days long, some people will need a longer program to help them achieve successful sobriety.
4. Does the facility use a harm reduction program? Some rehab facilities will offer Suboxone, methadone and other drugs to an addict to replace heroin or painkillers the individual was using. This type of treatment’s goal is to reduce harm to the patient but doesn’t create complete sobriety. Depending on your ultimate goal, you will have to decide if you want to use this type of treatment or not.
5. Does the facility’s program include a wellness/nutritional segment? Research shows that many addicts are lacking nutritionally and suffering from medical problems. Certain illicit drugs can cause malnutrition and deficiencies in nutrients when abused. A thorough recovery and detox program will include a nutritional component that may help improve an addict’s lack of energy, poor appetite, insomnia, etc.
6. What will the atmosphere and environment be like? Considering you will be spending a decent amount of time at the facility, especially during the inpatient period, you will want an idea of the environment before you enter. Is the facility designed to be more retreat like, or is there more of a clinical atmosphere? Which do you feel most comfortable with? Being comfortable in the setting you are surrounded in could have an impact on your recovery and state of mind.
7. Does the facility offer both inpatient and outpatient options? Each facility is different regarding their inpatient and outpatient abilities. While inpatient treatment is considered the most successful for drug and alcohol addictions, a strong outpatient program can increase chances of a successful recovery for when you are complete with the inpatient portion.
8. What will the detoxification process entail? Detox is different for everyone depending on what substance was abused, how much they used, and how long they used it for. Certain substances can cause severe side effects while detox is taking place. This is why it is crucial to have experienced medical professionals with you while you are detoxing. Medications and life saving interventions can be applied should you need it while detoxing. The goal is to get you through detox safely and with the least amount of side effects.
9. Is a personalized rehab program available? Because detox and rehabilitation is so unique to the individual, it is important to ask if a specific plan will be created for your needs.
10. Does the facility accept insurance or payment options? Depending on who is your insurance provider a portion of your treatment should be paid. It also isn’t uncommon for a treatment center to work out an agreement with your insurance company for your treatment.
While there are dozens of questions you could ask before choosing a drug rehab center, the above-mentioned inquiries should help you decide how to choose a drug rehab facility. Because receiving treatment and successfully detoxing can mean the difference between life and death, it is imperative that you research facilities and ask the right questions before committing to a facility.
