How to Choose the Right Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility

Are you thinking about checking into a rehab facility for addiction treatment?

Checking into rehab is a big step in the recovery journey. Because it’s such a big step in the journey to recovery, you need to make sure you choose the right rehab facility.

In the US alone, there are over 14,000 drug treatment centers. How do you know which one is right for you?

Check out this guide to discover how to choose the right drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.

Figure Out Your Goals

Before you start looking into rehab facilities, you first need to determine what your goals are with treatment. Obviously, your main goal is to get sober. However, in order to choose the right rehab facility, you need to be a bit more specific than that.

For example, if it’s your goal to treat another diagnosis, such as depression, at the same time that you treat your addiction, then you’ll want to search for a rehab facility that offers dual diagnosis programs. Or, if you’re looking to strengthen your faith during your journey to sobriety, then you may want to look into Christian rehab centers.

By figuring out your goals early on, you’ll know what to look for when searching for rehab facilities.

Understand Your Options

There are many different kinds of rehab facilities out there, and it’s important to understand what’s available to you before you dive into your research.

Rehab facilities fall into two main categories: inpatient facilities and outpatient facilities. With an inpatient facility, you’ll be at the rehab center 24/7. In addition to receiving treatment there, you’ll also sleep there and eat all of your meals there. Residents of outpatient treatment centers typically attend treatment each day of the week, but they go home at the end of each day.

Let’s take a closer look at what each of these options has to offer:

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is typically best for those who are severely engulfed in their addiction. With this type of rehab, you get the peace of mind knowing that you’ll be surrounded by professionals around the clock who are there to help you with your recovery.

Inpatient treatment allows you to put 100 percent of your focus on your recovery, as you won’t have to deal with any temptations or triggers from the outside world. However, it’s important to remember that inpatient treatment comes with a higher price tag than outpatient treatment.

Additionally, you won’t be able to work while undergoing inpatient treatment.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment usually takes place for 2 to 4 hours per day. While many inpatient programs last one month, most outpatient programs last 3 to 4 months.

After completing an inpatient program, many people transition to a less intensive form of counseling. The great thing about an outpatient program is that it allows you to keep your job and somewhat continue on with your regular life. However, some people find it more difficult to succeed in outpatient programs as they’re not able to devote 100 percent of their attention to their recovery.

Research Facilities

Once you have an idea of what your goals are and what type of program you’d like to attend, it’s time to start researching facilities. Typically, the best place to begin your search is on the internet.

When checking out facilities online, make sure they have professional websites. It’s also a good idea to read reviews of the facility online to get a better idea of whether or not it’s the right fit. Try to gather a list of 3 to 5 facilities that you can look more deeply into.

Here’s what you should consider when looking more deeply into each facility:

Cost

Obviously, cost is a huge factor when choosing a rehab facility. For many people, it’s the single biggest factor. How much you pay for rehab can vary dramatically based on the location, your length of stay, what programs you participate in, and so forth.

To pay for rehab, many people use their private health insurance. Others take advantage of programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, and others pay out of pocket. Some people also use loans.

If you have health insurance, then we strongly suggest looking for facilities that partner with your insurance company. This can save you thousands of dollars in the long-run.

Amenities

When checking out rehab facilities, we also suggest looking into their amenities. Amenities can range greatly from facility to facility. Some rehab centers come with amenities that rival that of a five-star hotel, while others offer the bare bones.

Here are some amenities you might come across:

• Acupuncture
• Yoga classes
• Chiropractor services
• Swimming pools
• Gyms
• Massage therapy
• Music therapy
• Art therapy
• Equine therapy

When choosing a rehab facility, it’s important to figure out what amenities will help you during your recovery and which ones are unnecessary.

Location

It’s also important to consider the location of the rehab facility. While some people choose to go to rehab close to their homes, others find it better to go to a different city.

If you have commitments such as work and family, then going to a rehab facility near your home may be the best choice. But, many people find that traveling for rehab allows them to break away from the distractions of home so they can fully focus on recovery.

Visit Facilities in Person

Before deciding on a facility, we highly recommend visiting it in person. During your visit, here are some questions that you’ll want to ask:

• What does a typical day of rehab look like?
• What would my treatment plan look like?
• Is there a waiting list? If so, how long is it?
• Do you facilitate aftercare programs?
• What types of therapy are a part of the program?
• Do you offer detox programs?
• What certifications and licenses do your counselors and therapists have?

By asking these questions, you’ll get a better understanding of the rehab facility as a whole.

Are You Ready to Choose a Rehabilitation Facility?

Now that you’ve read this guide on how to choose a rehabilitation facility, it’s time to begin your research. Before you know it, you’ll be packing your bags and starting your journey to recovery.