Patricia
While in 2022, the US had a surge in drug overdose deaths, claiming 101,623 lives, there is good news at the other end of the spectrum. Well over 9% or 22.3 million Americans live in recovery from a substance use disorder.
Life after addiction is actually the norm, but it can be overwhelming when you first start looking at rehab centers. The good news is you just need to learn from the common mistakes with choosing rehab centers, and you’ll be on your way to a sober life.
Keep reading this guide to learn about the six mistakes to avoid when choosing rehab centers.
1. Not Doing Thorough Research
One of the most common mistakes is choosing the first rehab center you come across. Just like with any other service, you need to do your research. There are different types of rehab centers out there, and it’s worth spending the time to find one that meets your needs.
Reading online reviews is imperative and will give you a good idea of the overall experience at a particular rehab center.
Google reviews are the best place to begin. Be sure to pay attention to positive and negative reviews and how the rehab center responds.
You should also review the websites for the rehab centers you’re considering. You’ll be able to check the different rehab programs they offer and get a better feel for their services overall.
You’ll also get a good understanding of program costs, insurance options, and other payment plan options.
2. Not Checking Licensure and Accreditation
During your research, you should check for proper licensure and accreditation. First, you should check that the rehab center has a license. In the United States, addiction treatment centers will need a license in the state they’re located in.
The licensure requirements vary for each state, so be sure to check with your local Department of Health for more information.
You should also look for specific accreditations. When a facility is accredited, it means they’ve gone through a review process to ensure they meet specific standards of care.
The two main accreditations you’ll find are the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the Joint Commission (JACHO).
CARF is a non-profit organization that evaluates addiction treatment programs throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. JACHO is one of the largest accrediting organizations for hospitals, medical facilities, and rehab programs.
Seeing that a program is accredited ensures that the facility goes above and beyond to provide a high standard of care.
3. Not Defining Your Goals
It’s essential to define your goals for rehab so you understand your own journey. Remember, you’re a unique individual, and your journey will differ from another person’s.
You need to sit down and think about what you want from treatment. If you’ve been using drugs or alcohol for a long time, treatment will change your life. How do you see those changes defining you?
Do you want to jump into a rehab center full-time and dedicate everything you have to recovery? Or are you looking for a part-time program that allows you to work at the same time? Finally, do you have mental health issues or detox needs that need addressing too?
Once you understand yourself and your treatment goals, you’ll be better able to choose a rehab center that’s right for you.
4. Not Checking for a Variety of Treatment Options
Don’t forget your addiction treatment doesn’t stop when your treatment program ends. It also doesn’t always begin with detox. People take different steps before they officially get on the road toward recovery.
The best type of rehab center will offer a range of services you can use. They’ll also be able to customize a treatment plan based on your individual needs. For example, you might have a dual diagnosis with mental health issues and addiction. This is the case for many people since addiction and mental health disorders often go hand in hand.
You may need inpatient care, outpatient care, group therapy, and family counseling. Therefore, you must choose a rehab center that offers these options.
If you have depression or anxiety, you’ll need a facility that offers treatments like individual behavioral therapy. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are commonly used. CBT is a talk therapy that helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns.
Finally, you’ll need a rehab center that offers aftercare programs like 12-step meetings and other sober living options.
5. Not Checking Staff Qualifications and Ratios
When looking at options for rehab centers, don’t forget to get more information about the rehab center staff.
The staff will provide you with support and encouragement during your treatment program. They’ll be the people you turn to when you have problems. Therefore, you need to choose a place with experienced and well-trained staff.
Be sure to ask about staff qualifications and ensure they have the necessary education and training. In many cases, this includes a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. You might also find that the staff has addiction treatment and counseling certifications.
Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about the staff’s overall education and experience.
Additionally, if the rehab center offers other services like yoga, meditation, or neurofeedback, you must look for qualifications in those areas.
6. Not Learning More About the Environment
For your recovery process to be effective, you need to be in the right type of environment. You need to be comfortable with your surroundings and the rehab center’s amenities.
First, you can easily find rehab centers in nature with beautiful grounds and manicured gardens. These luxury rehab centers also offer more complimentary services like:
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Reiki
- Massage therapy
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Art therapy
- Meditation
Rehab centers also offer nutritional support, and you’ll get premium meals at a luxury rehab. Proper nutrition is essential during recovery since long-term addiction can rob the body of necessary nutrients.
This is because during addiction, you’re more focused on getting drugs or alcohol, and eating healthy meals isn’t a priority.
Nutritional education plays a key role in relapse prevention since people with poor eating habits are more likely to relapse. Good nutritional habits lead to better lifestyle habits, decreasing relapse risks.
Luxury rehab centers are often more affordable than people may initially realize. You can check out https://findluxuryrehabs.com to learn more about luxury rehabs, amenities, and insurance options.
Avoid These Mistakes With Choosing Rehab Centers
Avoiding these common mistakes with choosing rehab centers will allow you to find a facility you’re completely comfortable with.
Don’t be afraid to call the rehab centers you’re considering and ask as many questions as you need to. You can also ask to visit the center to get a better feel for the overall experience.
To learn more helpful health tips, be sure to check out the rest of our blog today!
