A treatment center trying to fit you into a one-size-fits-all approach will not have your best interests at heart.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for an ethical treatment center:
They take an individualized approach
Recovery is different for everyone, which is why you should always be looking for a treatment center that takes an individual approach to your needs. There are many different treatment modalities and different treatment centers have different strengths. For some people, a 12-step program may work best, while others might require more cognitive behavioral therapy. Some people in recovery need a mixture of many different types of treatments. The important thing to ask yourself when considering a treatment facility is whether they asking questions about you. A good treatment facility will inquire about your needs. Do you respond better to group therapy or private sessions? If you have been in treatment before, they should ask you what treatments you thought worked well and what you didn’t respond well to. The point is to ask you questions to ensure you are comfortable and will have the skills and support system to stay sober beyond treatment.
A treatment center trying to fit you into a one-size-fits-all approach will not have your best interests at heart.
Don’t be afraid to ask your own questions
It is important to ask your own questions when considering a treatment facility. Being inquisitive will help you better understand a treatment program and know whether the facility has a good reputation.
The first thing to ask about is accreditation. A good treatment facility will be recognized by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. JCAHO accreditation is the standardized national level of accreditation and any treatment you are considering should have it. Having this accreditation shows that the program went through the hoops, takes oversight seriously and is subject to an audit by an outside party. Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials.
Another good question to ask is about the length of care. Many programs last for 30 days, which is usually long enough to detox but might not be long enough to address the long-term skills needed for sustained sobriety. You may need long-term treatment that lasts six months to a year. Ask about the length of treatment and ask what that entails. You should also ask what post-treatment support will be provided. It is important for a treatment center to have a commitment to your sobriety outside their treatment facility.
The interview process is an important part of treatment for you and your clinician. It is important that the people helping you understand who they are working with and for you to know the people you are trusting to help you through recovery.
Ensure they review their treatment plans.
Treatment is a process and any good process requires consistent review to ensure it is working. A good facility understands this and will review treatment plans multiple times throughout your stay. Ask your treatment center how frequently they review treatment plans. Frequent reviews help you and your clinician review your current progress and evaluate additional goals.
Checking into a treatment facility is an important step for many people on their path to recovery. A good facility can be a lifelong benefit to your physical and mental well-being, which is why it is important that you find the right one. Ask the right questions to guarantee any potential treatment facility is properly accredited and most importantly willing to craft an individual treatment plan that puts you and your sobriety over profits. FBN
By Natalie Randolph
Natalie Randolph LMSW, DBH is the Primary Therapist at Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff Arizona. Back2Basics combines addiction treatment therapeutic counseling with experiential outdoor adventures to treat individuals with substance and alcohol addiction.