It probably feels like the world is crashing down all around you. Maybe your child or your parent or your spouse or your friend is struggling with a substance abuse disorder. Or maybe the person in trouble is you. Either way, the weight of the stress you are under probably feels like it will crush you at any moment. In this difficult state of mind, it’s hard to think clearly as you look for a recovery center. But finding the right recovery center is critically important.
Things to Consider
Here are some things to consider when searching for a recovery program:
Don’t Be Fooled By Guarantees—And Look for Accreditation
It is understandably tempting to put your trust in a person or organization that promises success. A little certainty at a difficult moment can be so comforting.
But no recovery center can absolutely guarantee that you will experience a perfect recovery. In fact, it is important to have realistic expectations and be aware of difficult truths about the recovery process.
That doesn’t mean no one can help. It just means you should avoid any program that guarantees success. That’s a promise they simply cannot keep.
One essential tool for determining the validity of a center’s claim is the accreditation process. Be sure any drug or alcohol treatment center you consider has been fully vetted by an organization like the Joint Commission.
Think Carefully About What You Need and Want
Make sure you take the time to learn about the centers you are considering—especially if you (or your loved one) have particular challenges to overcome, including any co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You want to be sure the treatment center you choose has counselors and other resources to address these issues.
Similarly, you want to be sure you understand whether the center you are researching considers prescription medications a viable resource for recovery or if they are committed to an abstinence model in their practice. Your needs and preferences regarding medication must factor into your decision.
Forego Luxury in Favor of Fit and Effectiveness
It is certainly possible to find recovery centers that seem much more like resorts than places to seek treatment for a substance use disorder. And as the level of fanciness increases, so does the cost (and in some cases, that cost can be astronomical). But of course, you are not in the market for fancy. You are in the market for effective.
One way to judge the likely effectiveness of a program is to consider how long a recovery center has been serving those battling addiction. Another is to investigate the qualifications of the medical and counseling staff. Yet another is to carefully read and consider the materials a center makes available to the public. Are they clear? Do they demonstrate a philosophy or strategy for treatment that you are comfortable with? Do they align with what you are looking for in terms of care and support?
Along these lines, consider whether your or your loved one’s faith plays a role in the kind of treatment center you seek. Perhaps holistic treatments including yoga, meditation, art therapy, and more are especially attractive to you. Maybe a gender-specific rehabilitation setting would make you or your loved one feel more comfortable. All of these issues should be considered with care.
Detox is Just the Beginning: Look for a Robust Continuum of Care
Detoxification is the first step on the long journey to recovery. No journey ends with its first step. Traveling the road toward long-term sobriety requires much more. Recovery centers that understand this will feature ongoing support that extends beyond the time spent in residential treatment. From providing tools for dealing with stress and maintaining healthy relationships to referring you to outpatient or 12-Step programs, the best recovery centers are in it for the long haul—and committed to providing you with every opportunity to overcome a substance abuse disorder.
Individual Treatment is Important but so is Community Building
While in rehab, you or your loved one will have the opportunity to interact with others in group therapy (and perhaps in other settings as well). Those communal sessions can be just as central to recovery as individual treatment. That said, if you or your loved one is an introvert, you may want to inquire how a center balances the need for group therapy against an individual’s potential discomfort in a group setting.
Community is important outside the treatment center, too—especially for the family and friends of the person undergoing treatment. If possible, you should be on the lookout for a treatment center that offers family education and counseling options.
What Are Your Payment Options?
If you are underinsured or completely uninsured, it is important that your chosen treatment center offers payment plans, options for financing, discounts for self-pay, or other programs that might make treatment more affordable.
For those with insurance, the good news is that the majority of drug and alcohol recovery centers are prepared to work with insurance companies to get approval for treatment. Coverage, of course, varies from plan to plan, but most quality treatment centers will be able to help you navigate any issues that come up with your insurance.
We Hope to be on Your Shortlist
Choosing a recovery center is a deeply personal process. At Wooded Glen Recovery Center, we understand that. Our hope is that you will consider our evidence-based treatments for people suffering from substance abuse disorders as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. Whether you choose Wooded Glen or another treatment center, we wish you the very best as you work toward lasting sobriety in a program that is right for you.