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About Alcoholsim Treatment Centers (Rehabs)

So...having said all of the above, you now know that you'll need to ask appropriate questions when you call an alcoholism treatment program for information, and that you should expect to receive clear answers. The following questions are a good starting point:

Does the alcoholism treatment center offer a variety of program options?

Alcohol and drug addiction are diseases that progress 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.

What is the cost of treatment?

"How much does it cost?" is often one of the first questions asked.

The price tag for alcoholism and drug abuse 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?"

If you are seeking the best value for your treatment dollar, remember: Price can be meaningful only in the context of quality and performance.

Is the treatment program medically based?

There is a distinct advantage to including on-site medical care in an alcoholism treatment or drug rehab program. 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 can also be important. For example, alcohol and drug abuse programs that earn a JCAHO accreditation (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) meet 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 the substance abuse treatment program.

What is the degree of family involvement?

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.

Substance abuse treatment programs vary in the degree and quality of family involvement opportunities. Some offer just a few lectures and others offer family therapy. Ask if there is any time devoted to family programs and if group therapy is included.

Does treatment include a quality continuing care program?

There are no quick fixes for the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction. Recovery from substance abuse and addiction 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 if it is only held in one location this may make it difficult to use.

Treatment programs should include a quality, continuing care program that supports and monitors recovery.

If you still aren’t sure you have all the information you need to make a choice, see rehab questions for additional ideas on how to refine your search for the right substance abuse treatment program.