When it comes to making life-changing medical decisions, education can save time, money, and most importantly, lives. If you or a loved one needs surgery, researching surgeons and hospitals would be your first step. Selecting the right recovery program is no different. As one of the most critical factors for a successful long-term recovery, the treatment center must support you or your loved one’s specific needs and goals.
Certain programs focus on just one aspect of the recovery process, like detoxing from drugs or alcohol. Some offer short-term services while others provide intensive programs with longer-term care. It’s also important to note that not all recovery programs can treat addiction alongside other physical or mental health needs.
With a wide variety of programs available, finding the best fit can be challenging because there are so many factors to consider. It’s also important to remember that addiction affects no two people in the same way. What works for one person may not fit another person’s circumstances.
So how can you feel confident in your decision? Knowing what questions to ask can help you make an informed decision. After all, knowledge is power.
For some people with drug or alcohol addiction, medication is a necessary part of an evidence-based medical treatment plan. Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) can make recovery easier by managing withdrawal symptoms and helping with relapse prevention. The FDA-approved meds commonly used in medically supervised programs include Naltrexone, Vivitrol, and Buprenorphine/Naloxone (also known as Suboxone).
Ask the addiction specialist if they can provide information and medical expertise to help decide if MAT is appropriate for you or your loved one seeking treatment.
Many individuals experience mental health concerns or behavioral health disorders alongside their addiction. This is referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Find out if the treatment center has trained staff who can help with psychiatric medication management for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD or any other psychiatric symptoms.
Many people undergoing addiction treatment benefit greatly from behavioral therapy and counseling sessions. Various approaches, such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing, can help develop essential recovery skills. Over time, these sessions can make the recovery process feel more manageable, especially for people who are struggling with their emotions or past traumas.
Some programs may provide individual or group therapy, or a combination of both. Individual therapy involves one-on-one interaction with a therapist in a safe, confidential space. Therapy sessions might even be available via video chat. In some situations, and depending on the individual’s circumstances, family members can be invited to participate in these private sessions.
Group therapy involves a small group of peers facing the same challenges. Everyone is brought together by their shared desire to recover from addiction. A therapist or counselor oversees the group and guides the conversation.
Ask the treatment center if they have a team of experienced mental health professionals who are trained to help patients with substance use disorders. They will help decide which type of therapy is appropriate and most beneficial.
The disease of addiction not only affects the individual but the entire family. Just as recovery helps an individual regain their strength, it can also be a healing process for loved ones who have experienced the stress of addiction.
As important partners in the recovery journey, it is helpful to provide education so they can be as supportive as possible. Some programs may also involve family members in therapy, either with the individual in treatment or through support groups for loved ones impacted by addiction. Together, your family unit can learn how to communicate and build trust. Find out how involved family members can be throughout the treatment plan.
Addiction recovery is a lifelong process that calls for consistent care and support. Treatment programs with community partnerships may be able to assist with housing, employment, healthcare, childcare, legal services, wellness programs, and continuing education.
These recovery resources are often available for families as well, and help to remove barriers while building confidence and stability. Ask what evidence-based practices and community-based support are available through the recovery program.
Some treatment programs follow an abstinence model, which means alcohol and drug use of any amount or kind are prohibited. It is a strict “all-or-nothing” approach to treatment that can result in painful and difficult withdrawal symptoms for some people. For many decades, this was the traditional method used for addiction treatment. However, because addiction is a complicated disease that differs from person to person, abstinence is not always beneficial or achievable for everyone.
Another evidence-based treatment approach is called harm reduction, which gradually reduces the use of drugs or alcohol over a set period of time. This treatment model is particularly helpful for people who take antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics to treat mental or behavioral health disorders. It’s also appropriate for people who need medications for addiction treatment (MAT) for their substance addiction.
Some people may try both treatment models to see which one works best for their particular needs and goals. Ask the recovery program which model they use and how they provide support throughout every stage of recovery.
Professional treatment centers use the ASAM criteria (American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria) to make informed decisions about the appropriate level of care. This standardized set of guidelines helps evaluate multiple areas of a person’s health and circumstances, including:
This comprehensive assessment ensures that each person receives care that matches their specific needs, whether that’s intensive outpatient treatment, residential care, or another level of support.
Understanding insurance coverage for addiction treatment is an important step in the planning process. Most insurance plans cover substance use disorder treatment, but coverage levels can vary. Here are key points to discuss with potential addiction treatment providers:
Many addiction treatment providers have dedicated staff who can help verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage options before you begin treatment.
The patient-staff ratio is a crucial factor in treatment quality. A well-staffed facility ensures that each person receives proper attention and support throughout their recovery journey. When evaluating a treatment center, consider:
Quality programs maintain appropriate patient-staff ratios to provide personalized care and attention while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
Recovery success extends well beyond the initial treatment period. A strong ongoing care plan typically includes:
Research shows that people who maintain consistent engagement with ongoing care services have higher rates of sustained recovery. This is why many successful treatment programs help establish these connections before the initial treatment phase is complete.
If you need help with your substance use disorder, we are here to help you build your confidence and momentum towards the future you want. We provide treatment services for adults with alcohol, opioid, and other substance use disorders. We are currently located in Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
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