Six key components of running a successful Rehab Center
Written by Haleigh
Every situation is unique, and you will undoubtedly have patient-specific questions, but as you evaluate your options, these are the six basic questions you should ask of any rehabilitation center.
Detoxification, or the removal of substances from the system, is the important first step to rehabilitation. It’s virtually impossible for someone to focus on recovery while the drugs are still in the system, or while he or she is experiencing withdrawal. Ideally, a patient should transition directly into therapeutic services after detox, so find out whether the center offers the service, how much it costs and which methods are used.
Effective drug rehabilitation is not just a series of group therapy sessions or time spent in bed getting used to the idea of life without drugs and alcohol. The most successful rehabilitation programs offer a mix of therapies, including individual and group counseling sessions, creative or animal therapies and in some cases, medications. For example, those overcoming opiate addiction may need medication to deal with the painful withdrawal symptoms. Discuss the center’s approach to treatment and why it might be effective in your loved one’s case.
While addicts share many characteristics, rehabilitation is not a “one size fits all” proposition. The patient’s age, gender, culture, ethnicity and the severity of the addiction are all factors that can influence the effectiveness of treatment and whether the outcome is successful. Given that every patient is different, the best drug rehab and addiction services are those that tailor treatments to individuals and develop plans to meet their own unique situation.
It is very common for substance abusers to have additional illnesses, both physical and psychological, concurrent with their addiction. For example, there is a high rate of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses among drug users. In order for rehab to be successful, therapy must address those comorbidities; in some cases, the patient may need appropriate medication as well.
Every individual is different, but studies reveal that in general a treatment program lasting at least 90 days is the most effective to ensure long term recovery. Discuss the duration of the program to ensure that it is sufficient to allow for adequate detox, withdrawal and therapeutic services. In addition, because follow-up care and support is often vital to sustained recovery, ask whether the center offers follow-up care or ongoing support for discharged patients.
There is no getting around the fact that rehabilitation costs money — in some cases, quite a bit of money. Before choosing a facility, discuss the total cost of the program, including the fees for room and board, therapy services and medication, if necessary. If the center offers alternative therapies such as equestrian or art therapy, is there an extra charge for those services? Because some insurers cover costs associated with inpatient rehabilitation services, confirm that the center accepts your insurance and what your co-payments or deductibles will be.
In addition to managing the financial aspects of the program, discuss other facets of the program that will affect your loved one’s recovery. For example, will friends and family be allowed to visit or have other contact with the patient, or are patients sequestered for all or part of their treatment? What items can the patient bring from home? This information will allow you to make an informed and appropriate choice, and know what to expect while your loved one is in treatment.
The right rehab program increases the likelihood of successful treatment and a smoother road to recovery. Do your homework, and your loved one will receive the compassionate and effective care that he or she deserves.