QUESTIONS TO ASK

Finding a drug addiction treatment facility that will help you or your loved one achieve lasting recovery requires some research. Before you make any decisions, be sure to ask the right questions and get the answers you want. Here are some questions you should be asking, and the information you want to hear in response.

What type of programs does the treatment facility offer?

Each person requires a different type of treatment to overcome their addiction. Centers should offer a variety of treatment programs that are designed to meet each individual’s needs. Most facilities will offer detox services, individual and group counseling, medication, substance abuse monitoring, individualized treatment plans and continuing care. Facilities may offer inpatient, residential, outpatient and/or short-stay options. For any of the facility’s services, ask questions to find out what each entails and if they will be beneficial to you or your loved one.  

How long will treatment last?

The length of stay at a drug treatment facility depends on the severity and stage of the addiction. You should find out the options for length of stay, as this can be a key factor in recovery. You should also find out the opportunities for continuing care, which can be vital to long-term abstinence.  

What does treatment cost?

Because of the varied services available at most drug addiction treatment centers, this question is not always easy to answer. Be sure to find out what is included in the basic program price, what will be added onto your bill as a fee-for-service, and what services your health insurance will cover. These variables make it difficult to compare prices between facilities, especially since much of the value of treatment comes from each person’s individual experience and dedication to recovery.

Is the treatment program medically based?

A program that is medically based will provide onsite medical care. That means doctors and nurses providing 24-hour services to monitor and ensure a safe withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. It also means that medical staff that specializes in addiction medication can oversee the progress of each person being treated and make necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

Is the treatment facility accredited?  

The proper accreditation is also important at any drug rehab facility to make sure treatment meets national and state standards. A treatment center that earns Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accreditation meets national standards for providing quality medical care. Appropriate state licensing is also an important consideration.

What is the level of family involvement in recovery?

Family members may not always realize how much they have been affected by a loved one’s chemical dependency, or how vital they are in helping their loved one through recovery. Family involvement in the treatment program can be an important component of recovery, and treatment centers vary in the degree and quality of family involvement opportunities. Programs may have group counseling for families, family workshops or educational lectures. Be sure the program you select devotes some time to educating the family and improving family dynamics.

Is continuing care provided after leaving the program?

Maintaining sobriety after attending a treatment facility is not always easy. Many people find that they need the support of continuing care to successfully overcome their drug addiction. Treatment facilities offer differing levels of continuing care, from weekly check-ins to a follow-up program to referrals to qualified addiction counselors. Take the time to find out the intensity of each program’s continuing care to lessen the chance of relapse.

Is the facility clean, organized and well-run?

This is probably easier to find out by actually visiting those facilities you are considering, but you do want to make sure the environment will be pleasant for you or your loved one. If you have time, go to the facility to meet the staff, see the rooms and find out about the programs. A comfortable and stress-free environment can make a difference when it comes to successful treatment.

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