What to Look for in a Treatment Program
What to Look for in a Treatment Program
Good rehabilitation treatment programs employ qualified and well trained staff, and offer a range of treatment components (medications, therapies and services) that address the problems of their patients. Better treatment programs have more quantity and better quality of the following components:
- Therapies and Therapists – Does the program have therapists who have been trained and certified in different types of therapy? Do they offer individual therapy as well as group
- Medications – Does the program have meaningful involvement by physicians and medical staff trained in addiction medicine? Do they offer anti-addiction medications for nicotine, alcohol and opiate dependence? Do they offer medications for treatment of co-occurring mental and physical problems?
- Setting - Is there a warm and inviting environment for the patient to feel comfortable? Is it clean? Are there group activities and support among the clients? It is vital to a persons recovery to be surrounded with honesty, open mindedness, and fellowship to ensure success and a pleasant experience.
- Family Involvement – Family involvement should continue beyond the rehabilitation to help prepare the family for the post-treatment period. Does the program have therapists trained in a specific form of family therapy?
- Health and Fitness – being sober is about developing healthy habits and lifestyles. Good treatment centers understand that newly sober clients need healthy alternatives such as fitness to channel their energy as well as supply them with good food rather than junk foods and snacks.
- Social Services – Ask about assistance in getting help with your social problems related to your addiction, such as housing, employment and transportation. These services may help you develop an improved lifestyle that will support your recovery.
- Urine Drug Screening – Does the program have randomized drug testing at least once per week? Testing is likely to help improve your motivation and self-management. Finally, your family, employer or other referral source may want evidence of sustained periods of abstinence.
- Continuing Care – Does the program provide telephone or in-person visits following completion of treatment? Are there provisions to link individuals with trained therapists near your home following completion of care?
