Selecting a treatment center for alcoholism
and drug abuse for yourself or someone you care about may be one
of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime.
Most of us don't know what to look for in a quality program. Not
all treatment centers are the same-they differ greatly in program
options, staff qualifications, credentials, cost, and effectiveness.
You need to ask appropriate questions when you call a drug abuse
treatment center for information and you should expect to receive
clear answers.
Q: What does treatment cost?
"How much does it cost?" is often one of the first questions
asked.
The price tag for drug abuse & alcoholism is presented in many
different formats. You need to know what is included in the price,
what will be added on to your bill as a fee-for-service program,
and what services your health insurance will cover. This makes
it extremely difficult to compare prices by simply asking the
question - "What does it cost?"
Very often rehab centers will only state the price for their
residential program which can surprise you if additional medical
and/or detoxification services are needed. Be sure to compare
"apples to apples" or residential to residential when you make
your decision. Will the treatment center send you a printed price
list for your consideration?
If you are seeking the best value for your treatment dollar,
remember: Price can be meaningful only in the context of quality
and performance.
Q: Does the treatment center offer a variety of programs?
Alcohol and drug addiction is a disease that progresses through
predictable stages. It takes a trained health professional, often
a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, to make an accurate
diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
Centers should offer a variety of treatment programs that meet
individual needs. Programs may include inpatient, residential,
outpatient, and/or short-stay options.
The difference between inpatient and residential treatment is
that inpatient services are provided by a licensed hospital, while
residential programs usually do not meet the same rigorous standards
of medical care.
The length of stay depends on the severity and stage of the disease.
Q: Is the treatment program medically based?
There is an advantage to including on-site medical care in a
drug abuse treatment center. Physicians and nurses provide 24-hour
hospital services to monitor and ensure a safe withdrawal from
alcohol and other drugs. In addition, a medical staff specializing
in addiction medicine can oversee the progress of each individual
and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Medical credentials are also important. For example, chemical
dependency treatment centers that earn a JCAHO accreditation (Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) meet
very rigorous national standards for providing quality medical
care. Appropriate state licensing is also an important consideration.
Be sure to ask which medical costs are included in the price
of treatment.
Q: What is the degree of family involvement in the recovery
program?
Drug abuse and alcoholism affects the entire family, not just
the alcoholic/addict. Quite often family members do not realize
how deeply they have been affected by chemical dependency. Family
involvement is an important component of recovery.
Treatment centers vary in the degree and quality of family involvement
opportunities. Some offer just a few lectures and others offer
family therapy. Ask how many hours are devoted to family programs
and if group therapy is included.
You should know if a family program is included in the price
being quoted or if it's an extra fee-for-service option.
Q: Does treatment include a quality continuing care program?
There are no quick fixes for the diseases of drug abuse and alcoholism.
Recovery is an ongoing process. The skills one learns during intensive
treatment must be integrated into everyday life and this takes
time.
Some treatment programs will offer a follow-up program but only
in one location which may make it impossible to use.
Treatment programs should include a quality, continuing care
program that supports and monitors recovery.
Ask about the continuing care schedule - where care is provided
and if it is provided by the treatment center's staff or a private-practice
therapist at an additional charge.
Other questions you should ask when selecting a treatment center:
- Are the counselors certified in treating chemical dependency?
- What percentage of treatment counselors are in recovery themselves?
- Is the medical director an addiction medicine specialist with
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) certification?
- Is the facility licensed as a hospital by the State?
- Does the treatment center have licensed psychologists, social
workers, and psychiatrists as members of the treatment team?
- Does the treatment director have demonstrated expertise and
qualifications in chemical dependency?
- Is there a transitional program to help individuals move from
inpatient or residential treatment back into community life?
- Is the treatment philosophy based on a strong 12-Step Program?
- Is the philosophy of recovery based on abstinence from all
mood-altering drugs?
