- Does the treatment center offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT)? Certain medications can help with cravings, while others may decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Medications may also be prescribed to help with symptoms of depression or anxiety.
- Inquire if the treatment center offers medically-supervised detox prior to treatment. Withdrawal can be dangerous, and it’s important to be carefully monitored until the substance leaves your system.
- Be sure treatment includes a carefully planned aftercare program, often known as relapse prevention.
- Is treatment based on the Twelve Steps? Is group therapy an important part of treatment? Consider your own needs and preferences. Group therapy and 12-Step programs are beneficial to many people, but they aren’t always the solution. Many people feel uncomfortable in group situations.
- If you have certain lifestyle considerations, be sure the treatment center is appropriate for your needs. For instance, a treatment center may offer special accommodations for older people, adolescents, certain religious beliefs, disabled people or LGBTQ individuals.
- Addiction and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder often go hand-in-hand. If you think this may be true for you, it’s important to find a treatment center that can treat both conditions simultaneously.
- Don’t hesitate to ask about amenities. Even the most basic treatment center can be highly effective, but treatment is more likely to be successful if you feel comfortable. For instance, if you’re accustomed to luxury and comfort, you probably won’t be comfortable sharing a small room with another person.
- Rehab should never be based on one-size-fits-all treatment. Ensure treatment plans are carefully tailored to each person.
Finding the Right Rehab: Treatment Works
Finding the right rehab significantly increases the chance that you’ll complete the program successfully and that you’ll maintain sobriety after treatment ends and you return to everyday life.
If possible, visit the rehab. Ask for a tour. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; a good treatment center will take time to answer carefully. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
