Never be scared to ask as many questions as possible when choosing a facility.
What are Their Credentials and Licenses?
The most important factor you want to ask about when finding a treatment center for your loved one is if the people running it know what they are doing. It might seem like a basic question, but it is an important one to ask. Question them about accreditation from organizations, state licenses, federal licenses and their standard of care practices. Ask if they have licensed professionals on staff to deal with situations like mental illness, medical professionals who can help if a health situation arises, group therapy professionals and addiction specialists. A good addiction treatment program will have well-trained and educated staff available to help your loved one, providing services to help with any issues mentally, physically or emotionally that may arise.
What is the Cost of the Program?
Cost is always an issue when it comes to anything regarding health management or treatment. When it comes to addiction treatment services, the prices vary greatly. The length of the program, treatment options provided, whether it is a live-in care facility and whether food is provided – all of these things will affect the cost of the program. Some facilities accept insurance from most of the top brands on their individual health programs. Individual fees may be necessary as well for additional services. The best thing to do is speak with your insurance company to find out what is offered. Once you have an answer from your insurance carrier, you will have a better idea of how to pay for the program.
Many addiction treatment providers will also help you and work with you on the cost. So, even if it may seem out of your budget, always call and speak to someone. They can help you and are there to help you get the best service and treatment for your loved one.
Can They Offer References?
If possible, speak with people who work at the facility or who went through the program to gain insight. Ask them about their experience. See what they learned and how that person’s experience might translate over to your own loved one. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as need be. It is your family member or loved one you are looking to help.
What are Their Treatment Plans?
Any reputable addiction treatment facility will offer a structured treatment program tailored to what the person’s issues might be. Ask about therapies used during treatment, such as group therapy, cognitive behavioral treatment, individual therapy and whether they get to go outside of the facility and help out in the community. It may seem like a small issue, but being able to get back into the community during treatment and helping others can build leadership skills, emotional skills and even just a sense of purpose in life once again.
How Do the Programs Help Individuals Integrate into Life After Rehab?
Ask if the program provides help integrating back into life as well. It is difficult to understand as a parent or loved one, but relapse is often part of the process of addiction treatment. Having the facilities and help needed if this does happen is a great benefit when choosing a program because the people running it understand how difficult it is for individuals getting back into regular routines and how relapse can happen and how to fix it. The transition from treatment to regular everyday life is a critical point in the therapy process and having the right professionals to help is key.
Choosing the right addiction treatment center for your loved one requires a lot of research and due diligence. Asking these four simple questions can help you get a better idea of what the addiction treatment center has to offer and how they can help your family member or friend. Never be scared to ask as many questions as possible when choosing a facility. You want the best for your loved one and the members and leaders of the addiction treatment facilities understand that and are there to answer your questions. If you come up with more questions, always do call back to get more information. FBN
By Roy DuPrez
Roy DuPrez, M.Ed., is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.
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