Choosing A Rehabilitation Program

By Author: Catherine Cosgrove
Total Articles: 4762
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You've taken the most important step to rehabilitation by admitting you have a substance problem and that you cannot battle it alone. Your next step is equally important, and that is finding the right program and facility to help you effectively overcome your addiction. There are many facilities to choose from, and the task of finding the right one may seem daunting. Before you decide on any particular program, here are some factors to consider:

Detoxification. In serious dependency cases, the best option is usually a facility that provides an in-house detoxification program. People with severe addictions often need a combination of personalized therapies offered by a residential facility that provides professional monitoring while also allowing patients to retain their privacy. A growing number of facilities require that the patient detoxifies before entering rehabilitation. The patient then comes to the facility during the withdrawal phase. In the latter case, the stay is usually short-term, over a period of five to seven days. Some facilities also offer outpatient programs; these work better for those who have basically ...
... overcome the most difficult phase of their addictions. Decide which type of facility will better enable you to overcome your addiction before making your choice. Make sure the facility offers a specialized program that addresses your particular addiction, whether it is a certain drug or alcohol. A number of programs provide specific treatments for heroin or cocaine addiction as well as prescription drug dependencies.

Staff experience. Choose a program with professional clinicians experienced in a variety of therapies, including group and individual therapy. Staff should be informed in behavioral modification, coping mechanisms, as well as teaching ways to live healthier. Ask about facility accreditation and staff certification also before settling on a particular facility. Also, staff to client ratio should allow each patient quality, one on one attention.

Goals and philosophy. Certain recovery programs approach addiction in unique ways and may have their own particular philosophy. Ask about a facility's program structure to determine if their goals and philosophy matches your own. Any major disparity may interfere with your overall rehabilitation.

Family interaction. Some programs involve family intervention. Some addictions arise from familial conflicts; in these cases, the therapy should offer some conflict resolution. Families should be encouraged to participate in the rehabilitation process to offset conflicts that might lead to relapses.

Follow up therapy. Some programs offer continuing therapy to help prevent recurrences. Check to see what programs the facility offers after you leave the residential center.

Location. Rehabilitation centers offer a variety of venues. Some offer retreats set in natural surroundings with comfortable facilities while others offer camp-like settings; the latter is usually for teen treatments. For those with more money to invest, there are plenty of centers that offer near luxurious surroundings and amenities. Each type offer benefits, including seclusion and quiet.

Success rates. All recovery programs should offer statistics on their success rates. Do not invest time and money in a facility that cannot provide the requested data or that has high relapse rates.

Referrals and testimonials. Personal referrals provide information that company brochures often do not. If you can, find someone who has gone through the program or stayed at the facility you are considering.

Cost. Programs range in costs depending on the type of programs provided as well as the length of stay required. Inquire about the type of insurance accepted to offset some of the costs. If they take limited insurance, you may have to also limit your choices.

These are just a few of the factors you need to consider before choosing a rehabilitation program. Make sure that the facility's goals and programs match your unique physical, behavioral and emotional needs. Determine what unique benefits the program offers to help you effectively combat your addictions. Once you establish that a particular program is the optimal choice, you are well on your way to recovery.
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Stop suffering with addiction! Located a few minutes from the US border and one hour from Montreal, Canada, Heritage Home Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center offers a tranquil and therapeutic environment to begin your recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Our team has worked together in addiction treatment for many years and will give you a personal, unique, and individualized approach to emotional healing and sobriety. Visit us online today.