Even in cases of severe addiction, it is never recommended that you simply enter the first treatment program that you find. Choosing the right treatment program may be the most important step that you take in your journey to lifelong sobriety. Without making sure that you choose an effective program at a reputable facility, you may be setting yourself up for failure. This may seem a daunting task, considering that there are hundreds of treatment centers all over the United States. With everything, though, it is important to start local. It is wholly possible that a wonderful drug and alcohol treatment center could be close by, even close to where you live or work.
Each center will have several programs that could be a fit for you, and it is important to consider as many centers as possible, to make sure that you have a thorough and holistic set of inclusive options. If you’re able to afford it, be sure to check for well-reputed treatment centers that are located in other states. New York has the highest success rate for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and there are some stunningly beautiful facilities with award-winning treatment programs in California and Arizona. Choosing a facility out of state can involve more investment, but if you find the center that most closely fits your needs, this is great! Your stay in rehabilitation is the first step to the rest of your life, and having the capital to invest in this step is a privilege afforded to very few. If you’re in the position, be diligent, and open to the best help that you can find.
Getting the best drug and alcohol addiction treatment that you can afford is a good rule for anyone to follow. The problem of accessibility can also prove an impediment to some who would otherwise consider addiction treatment. While the concern is completely understandable, particularly in those who don’t have health insurance, it is still important to get in touch with any treatment center that is close to you. Some of the facilities with better resources are able to sponsor the occasional patient in need.
First, Communicate with the Facility
As you’re compiling a list of possible treatment programs, give each center a call. Ask if someone has a moment or two to talk to you about the facility, and what they have to offer. Be prepared to be a little flexible – running a rehabilitation center is hard work, and requires several people each occasionally working outside of their daily duties. Be open to someone giving you a call back – this will give the representative a moment to finish their business, so that they can offer you their full attention. You may choose to ask about the things that you feel are important, but a short conversation with someone at each center may give you a better idea of the kind of people in the center, and whether or not you will mesh. As you’re listing and getting bits of information, you may want to read blogs written by those in treatment. There will also be content on the center’s website that will be helpful to you. If you think a center could be a match, schedule an appointment.
Second, Meet Your Family
Choosing your facility, for better or worse, will be based both on your own needs, and partially on your emotional response to the people you meet. Scheduling a meeting with a counselor or therapist at a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility is a good way to get a better sense of whether or not the facility will be a good fit for you. If you don’t feel comfortable at the center, it is okay, and you will have other local options. If you want to know more and more, you may be a fit for the program. Each program, however, has different requirements, and needs to treat each individual based on their own needs. If you apply to a facility, but are deemed not to be a fit for this treatment program, other local options are still available.
Third, Choose Your Program
Under the supervision of medical staff and counselors, you will first go through the intake and orientation process. This process could take a few minutes at some centers, and much longer at others. Either way, paperwork must be filed with insurances, and there are considerations for each individual circumstance. Those whose addictions are mild may not need a full-fledged residential treatment program, but may need the daily or weekly guidance of an outpatient treatment program. Still milder addictions might recover after a simple multi-step program that focuses on psychotherapy. Your counselor, your doctor, and the medical staff at your treatment center will ultimately choose a plan for you, and your counselor will be responsible for checking in on your throughout the process, to help you keep track of your progress.
Fourth, Get Ready to Fight
Nothing about recovery is easy, though it is certainly easier to heal from some addictions than it is to heal from other addictions. Whether you’re in need of a multi-step program or residential treatment, be prepared for the experience to be challenging, and rewarding. Staying times vary, but most people require residential treatment for thirty days, though sixty-day and ninety-day programs are widely available and often-utilized as well. Working closely with your counselor throughout your stay in rehab is the best way that you can ensure that you are able to get as much as you can out of your treatment. Many of the staff working with and around you are in recovery themselves, and may be available for you to connect with them, and hear their inspiring stories.
It would be remiss not to warn that insurance companies typically wince at financing in-patient treatment, and strongly encourage outpatient treatment. Steps can be taken to ensure that you receive that care that you need, but it is crucial to go into the possibilities with eyes wide open.
