Choosing to seek treatment for substance abuse is a critical first step in your recovery journey. Once you’ve accepted that you need help, it’s time to evaluate drug rehab centers to determine which is best for you.

Not all treatment facilities are created equally, so it’s natural to stress about finding a drug rehab center that meets your needs. If you have friends or family members you trust, consider letting them help. You may also be able to get a referral from a counselor or physician. Importantly, this process isn’t one you have to go through alone. Here are some tips to help you find the right treatment program for you.

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Ask Key Questions

These four questions are a good place to start when you evaluate a treatment center and its programming.

1. What accreditations does the center have?
2. Does it use evidence-based practices?
3. What does the treatment facility specialize in?
4. Are treatment plans tailored to the individual?

Accreditations

Centers with licensing and accreditation demonstrate a commitment to providing the highest level of care to patients. Look for a program accredited by The Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). A facility that isn’t accredited might not operate to industry standards or prioritize quality treatment and results.

Also, check out staffers’ credentials. Common, reputable centers include LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), CAC (Certified Addictions Counselor) and CCDP (Certified Co-occurring Disorders Counselor). If this information isn’t available on the website, ask about this when you reach out.

Treatment Programs and Philosophies

Some treatment facilities might specialize in treating addiction, while others may be able to treat co-occurring disorders. Many individuals need a facility that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment in order to increase their chances of recovery. If you already have a mental health diagnosis, strongly consider a center that can treat both disorders.

In regards to evidence-based practices, you want a program that follows effective, proven treatment models. For example, Medication-Assisted Treatment is known to be one of the most effective therapies for treating opioid use disorders. It utilizes medications and behavioral therapy.

It’s likely that you’ll come across treatment centers that have differing philosophies on medication for treatment. While Medication-Assisted Treatment is widely accepted in the field of addiction, some facilities may not offer it. This may be also be based on personal preference and what you feel comfortable with. Some individuals in recovery may want an abstinence-based approach.

Ideally, you want a center that offers a range of treatment modalities, such as medical detox, behavioral therapy, holistic treatment, etc.

Even though your program should follow evidence-based practices, it should be flexible enough for individual customization. For example, many centers take a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating nutrition, physical health, spirituality, and family members. The staffers helping you could be a nutritionist, drug counselor, wellness specialist, psychologist, medical doctor, among others. All of these people are there to help you find a treatment plan that works for you.

What is Rehab Like?

Consider Life after Treatment

Look for drug rehab centers that provide continued care and support after you leave treatment. Factors that could potentially come into play include:

• Other levels of care, such as a halfway house or outpatient treatment
• Continued therapy
• Family and peer relationships
• Mental health disorders or other health conditions
• Transitional housing

Your facility should have a strong aftercare program that can help you succeed outside of treatment. In addition, you may benefit from a center that has many levels of care, such as inpatient, outpatient, etc. This can help you easily transition between levels of care if you need further treatment. When evaluating facilities, ask about treatment outcomes and aftercare.

Pyramid Healthcare offers a full continuum of treatment programs for teens and adults with substance use and mental health disorders. Our goal is for clients to overcome addiction and feel supported before, during, and after treatment.

Contact us for more information on our treatment programs.