Accepting that you may have a problem and making the decision to go to rehab is a big step. These are the first steps toward recovery.
While there are few reliable statistics that indicate the exact number of people who go through substance abuse disorders, we know that addiction is a worldwide crisis. If you’re struggling with various types of addictions, or even one strong addiction, you’re not alone and you can find help.
But how do you know that you’re getting the right help for your needs? We’re here to talk about how to choose a rehab center so you can take your first few steps toward recovery.
Read on to learn more.
Browse the Web for Local Options
Start by browsing the web. The internet has made it easier than ever to find mental healthcare providers that will suit your needs.
There are plenty of online directories available to help you find rehab centers that focus on your specific type of addiction, your preferred treatment style, and your local area. If you know that you want to stay where you are while you receive treatment, this is your best option.
A good addictions rehab finder is your first step in the right direction.
Consider Going Elsewhere
But what if you don’t want to stay where you are? What if it would be better for you to go somewhere else for rehabilitation?
When you’re using an online directory to find a treatment center, consider thinking outside of the box (and in this case, we mean outside of your local area). As long as you’re able to be away from home for long periods of time and you intend on doing inpatient treatment, this might be for the best.
When you stay close to home, you don’t have the opportunity to completely remove yourself from the stressors that contributed to your addiction in the first place.
When you remove yourself, you have an opportunity to give yourself a blank slate. You’ll have to return to those stressors eventually, but you can free your mind while you’re in rehab.
If you can afford it, you could even choose a luxury resort-style rehab center. These are often in places with beaches, forests, and other appealing outdoor areas that you can interact with.
Rehab is hard work, but relaxing away from home is a key component if you’re able to do so.
Read Online Reviews
Again, the internet makes finding proper mental health resources easy. Not only can you use directories to find treatment centers in the first place, but you can also read plenty of online reviews from former patients (or family members of patients) that can help you gain more insight and determine whether or not a rehab facility is right for you.
You want to find a rehab center that has a good star rating. Read individual reviews to see if they apply to you.
If there are any low-star reviews, read them to see what the specific complaints were. It’s also helpful to read the response from the treatment center (if there is one) to see how they handle poor reviews.
Make sure that you check the dates on the reviews. Newer reviews will be more relevant as it’s likely that the rehab center has gone through changes over the years.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
When you’re trying to choose a treatment center and treatment style that will work for you, you need to decide whether you want to do inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment.
There are pros and cons to both options. Neither is better or worse than the other, so this is a personal decision that you have to make based on your individual needs.
Here are a few pros and cons of both.
Inpatient Pros and Cons
Many people find that inpatient treatment is the most effective option for serious addictions.
Inpatient starts with detox. Medically-assisted detox can make the detox period more comfortable and less dangerous. While you can also go through detox on your own or through an outpatient treatment center, these may not be as effective for some people (that said, outpatient centers often offer detox inpatient before treatment starts).
Inpatient treatment removes you from any stressors or temptations outside of the rehab center. You no longer have to deal with any responsibilities aside from your own healing.
In inpatient, you get 24/7 support from healthcare professionals.
With this in mind, inpatient is expensive and it’s not an option for people who aren’t able to take time off of work or away from their families.
Outpatient Pros and Cons
Outpatient is still a valid option even if you don’t get the same level of support.
During outpatient, you’re going to have therapy every day or most days depending on your specific needs. You’ll have group therapy and individual therapy, and you can still receive medication management.
You’ll still be able to work or go to school (though you will have to modify your schedule) and you’ll be able to see your friends and family. Outpatient treatment is also far more affordable.
That said, if your friends and family members aren’t supportive of your recovery, this could be a problem. You don’t get to free yourself from the temptation of substances or the stressors of your day-to-day life.
Assess Therapy and Treatment Methods
Not all treatment methods in rehabilitation centers are the same. If you want to find a good fit, make sure that the rehab center offers treatment methods that align with your needs.
Here are a few examples of treatment methods that rehab centers may offer.
Therapy Methods
All rehabilitation centers offer various types of therapy. Therapy is crucial when it comes to addiction recovery. Most centers also offer either post-treatment therapy or connections to therapists that patients can see when treatment is over even if those therapists don’t work in that specific facility.
Most treatment centers will focus on CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), but they’ll likely also offer other options (especially if they help with dual-diagnosis). They may also offer DBT, exposure therapy, and more.
You’ll also have access to group therapy in most rehabilitation centers. Going to group therapy will be an adjustment, but most people find it helpful in their recovery journey.
Non-Therapy Treatment
Not all treatment is mental health therapy-based. Many rehabilitation facilities try to offer “holistic” care. This type of treatment aims to heal the entire person so you’re treating the cause rather than the symptom (addiction).
Holistic treatment often includes exercise, a healthy nutrition plan, physical healthcare, and activities. Activities may include physical activities (such as sports or rock climbing), art therapy, and more.
This type of treatment is ideal for patients who need a more well-rounded approach to healing.
Consider Affordability
Rehab isn’t going to be helpful for you if it puts you in financial distress. Finances can be a huge stressor, and that could worsen your addiction or cause you to relapse.
Make sure that you can afford the rehab facility that you’re looking into.
Many rehab centers accept insurance. Contact your insurance provider and the rehab center in question to see if that’s an option for you. If you don’t have insurance, ask about payment plans or sliding-scale payments.
Post-Treatment Support
When people are recovering from addictions, recovery doesn’t stop when treatment stops. Recovery is a lifelong process. What type of post-treatment support does the rehab center offer?
Some rehab facilities offer recovery houses where patients can stay before they transition back into the “real world.” They stay with other patients so they can continue going to therapy without yet having to deal with their standard stressors. These are safe spaces.
Other treatment centers offer therapy resources, support groups, and post-treatment medication management. They may connect you with other helpful mental health resources so you can continue helping yourself.
Continuing to seek resources after your treatment is over is crucial. Relapse is a normal part of recovery. What’s important is that you have access to resources in the event of a relapse.
How to Choose a Rehab Center: Are You Ready for Recovery?
Use this guide when it’s time to choose a rehab center for your recovery journey. It’s not going to be easy, but when you find the right treatment facility for your needs, you can start your journey toward healing.
Healing isn’t linear, but you’re well on your way. You’ve taken the first step, so keep moving forward.
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