One of the more difficult decisions that you can make as either an addict or the loved one of an addict is the choice of which drug and alcohol treatment center is the right one. While there are many correct answers to this question, the sheer volume of options available can be daunting. There is also the fact that simply making the decision to seek treatment can be difficult, even when you know that there is a problem, and that treatment is available. Drug and alcohol treatment is an important step on the road to recovery, and making sure that you’re in a safe environment that helps you to get clean and learn about your own addiction and the psychological issues that underpin it is a vital consideration. While the right place for a specific person will depend on a number of factors, there are some elements to keep in mind while you are looking for the right drug and alcohol treatment center.
What is the Right Drug and Alcohol Treatment?
If you think the best treatment center is the one that promises to “cure” your addiction, be very wary; as any addict in recovery knows, there is really no such thing as a “cure” in the sense of being able to drink normally or being able to use drugs without abusing them. Once a person has become an addict, they will continue to have the psychological makeup of an addict for the rest of their life; even the best drug and alcohol treatment centers have alumni who relapse. It is a disease as complex as any chronic illness—and in some cases more complex, because it is a disease that resides entirely in your brain. There are multiple treatment modalities; some are modeled on the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program, some are geared towards specific groups such as Christians or Atheists or members of the LGBT community, and some have specific philosophies. While your preferences as a member of a specific group are something that you should consider when choosing a rehab facility, there are some more important considerations as well.
Elements of a Great Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center
Once you strip away the differences, all great drug and alcohol treatment centers have a core of certain elements. These are things that will help to guarantee you a safe space with experienced, knowledgeable professionals—the most important thing for any attempt at rehab. Make sure that any treatment center you decide to go to meets the following criteria:
- Accreditation. Your treatment center of choice should be accredited by the state in which it’s located. You should be able to find some indication of the treatment center’s accreditation on their site, and there are also helpful apps on the Internet for searching for accredited facilities in your state or in other states.
- Licensed professionals. Many facilities hire alumni in support positions—as counselors, as medical assistants, and more. But the core staff—doctors, anyone who guides the treatment process—should have education and certification in the field. You should feel comfortable with and confident in the people who will be helping you learn how to live a sober life.
- Holistic treatment. This is not in the sense of aromatherapy or homeopathy; instead, holistic treatment refers to approaching the problem of addiction as a whole life problem. Good treatment centers help you to learn relapse prevention and aftercare, they provide personalization of treatment programs and family support, and generally focus on helping you and your family to move forward into life.
With these considerations in mind, you can narrow down your selections and choose the drug and alcohol treatment center that is the best option for you or your loved one personally. Do not be afraid to ask questions; the more you know going into the process, the more likely you are to be open to the process.