Questions to Ask
You need to ask appropriate questions when you call a drug rehab program and you should expect to receive clear answers to those questions. Before you make any decisions on whether or not a rehab is right for you or your loved one, ask questions and get the facts! Here are some questions and what you should expect to hear about the program in question:
Does the treatment center offer a variety of programs?
Alcohol and drug addiction is a disease that progresses 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 primary 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. You should find out what the options are for length of stay, as this can be a key factor in recovery.
What does treatment cost?
"How much does it cost?" is usually one of the first questions you may want to ask, but be aware that this question is simplistic in nature given the varied services available at the average drug or alcohol rehab center.
The price of drug abuse & alcoholism is presented in many different formats. You definitely need to know what is included in the basic program price, what will be added on to your bill as a fee-for-service, and what services your health insurance will cover. These issues make 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 are obviously advantages to including on-site medical care in a drug abuse treatment center. 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 are also important. For example, chemical dependency treatment centers 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.
Again, be sure to ask which medical costs are included in the price of treatment.
What is the level of family involvement in the recovery program?
Drug abuse and alcoholism affects the entire family, not just the addict. Quite often family members do not realize how deeply they have been affected by a loved one's chemical dependency. A family program can be an important component of recovery.
Treatment centers 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 drug addiction and alcoholism. Recovery is an ongoing process and requires the skills that one learns during intensive treatment, which then must be integrated into everyday life. This takes time.
Some treatment programs will offer a follow-up program, often only in one location which may make it difficult to use. A referral program for outpatient treatment with qualified and licensed addiction counselors is sometimes another option.
However, they handle it, treatment programs should include a quality, continuing care program that supports and monitors recovery.
