Addiction is a prevalent disease that tremendously impacts the lives of more than 20 million Americans each year. Alcoholism is the most prevalent national substance use disorder, followed by opiate addiction. The issue is pressing, and local governments, authorities, and NGOs have combined efforts to combat the addiction crisis. The most efficient and safest way to recover from a substance use disorder is through therapy.
The amount and diversity of treatment centers in the US is a double-edged blade: on the one hand, patients could feel more empowered by the variety of options; on the other hand, though, they may find decision-making to be too overwhelming and fail to commit to a singular choice. Another common issue that patients struggle with is sifting through the masses of treatment providers until they find a reputable one.
If you or a loved one needs therapy, but do not know how to find it, start with a simple Google search for your local area, e.g. “Drug addiction treatment in Nashville, TN.” Follow up with your physician and ask for their professional opinion. They may be able to assist you with queries regarding rehab insurance or your medical history.
Top 3 Positive Indicators of Reputable Rehabs
Before you make your final call, though, you should make sure to check out these tips on finding a reliable treatment provider:
1. Duration of stay is flexible
Some types of therapies have a recommended/estimated duration. While there is nothing wrong with that, you should never feel pressured to commit to any set program length. Your lifestyle, work & family responsibilities, and personal preferences should be respected and prioritized. Everyone’s recovery moves at a different pace, too, so frequent revaluations of your condition should be performed. Your duration of stay should be based on the multitude of the aforementioned factors rather than a pre-determined generic timetable.
2. All doctors and medical staff are licensed
While no legal training is required to become an addiction counselor, you should be wary of people who label themselves as such without any relevant education or experience. When undergoing any physical or psychological treatment, you should make sure that your health is in the best possible hands. Reputable rehabs follow this principle and hire medically trained licensed specialists only. They proudly display this information on their official online outlets and will happily provide you with any supporting evidence.
3. Expertise in your specific disorder
Each addiction comes with its unique set of intricacies. Receiving therapy from a treatment specialist that has previously effectively treated others in similar predicaments is reassuring. While success rates may be self-reported and untruthful, past examples of success stories do not lie.
People with more complicated disorders, like dual diagnosis or co-morbidities, should do extensive research on the rehab’s treatment history of the named disease. Because these conditions require extensive knowledge, the likelihood that the named rehabs are health board certified is much higher. They should readily provide you with any further documentation if necessary.
Top 3 Warning Signs of Unreliable Treatment Providers
Receiving adequate care is crucial to a successful recovery. Once you have gathered some information regarding possible treatment options, you should watch out for the following red flags:
1. No clear online details regarding therapy or location
In today’s world, a solid website is the ultimate weapon of every business provider. A rehab center that does not display its portfolio of services, amenities, and specialists is either a scam or technologically challenged. While the latter does not automatically translate into poor care or lack of professionalism, it may not be worth wasting your time trying to figure it out.
2. Non-scientific treatment methodologies used as a foundation
As per the Affordable Care Act, substance use disorders are defined as complex illnesses and brain diseases that require professional medical assistance. Undoubtedly, certain non-medical therapies could be implemented in holistic treatment programs. They could not and should not replace the science-backed methodologies that have a proven history of successful outcomes.
3. Offers to pay for unrelated expenses or insurance premiums
If a treatment center offers to cover your travel expenses, cigarettes, or insurance premiums, take this as a huge red flag. Other unusual offers, such as free rent at a sober living home, should also be taken with a grain of salt. When a facility is attempting to bribe you with these lucrative propositions, often there is a hidden cost or illegal practices. Be sure to check your local state laws, as in some places, this is unlawful and may get you in trouble.