5 Things to Look for in an Addiction Treatment Center

Whether your loved one is seeking help with alcoholism or drug addiction, finding the right addiction treatment center can make all the difference. Addiction is a chronic disease and therefore has no cure, but with the help of the right team of addiction experts, a supportive community, and a safe, healing environment, your loved one’s chances for long-lasting recovery significantly increase.

When searching for treatment, here are some things to look for:

Experienced and Caring Staff

The quality of treatment is directly correlated to the quality of staff. So, be sure to ask direct questions about staff and their qualifications during your research process. When you call for information, you will likely speak with a receptionist or someone from their admissions department. Pay attention to your interaction with them. Are they friendly and professional? Are they patient and helpful? This conversation can provide you a preview of the kind of environment your loved one will experience.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

• Is there a doctor on staff?
• Is there a medical team available at all hours?
• What happens in the case of a medical emergency?
• What is the clinician-to-patient ratio?
• What kind of experience and credentials does the clinical team hold?

Addiction is very taxing on the body, and health complications can occur, particularly during the detox process. Having a qualified medical team available at all hours helps ensure your loved one’s safety. Similarly, having a good clinician-to-patient ratio ensures that clinicians are not overwhelmed by their workload, meaning they can provide all clients with quality care and are able to spot any relapse signs.

All Levels of Care

Research shows that the longer an individual is in treatment, the higher their chances for recovery are. Finding a treatment center that offers a full continuum of care ⎼ from detox, to residential, to extended-care ⎼ is important. This will allow your loved one to focus on moving through the various stages of treatment without having to worry about readjusting to different environments and staff. This also prevents an interruption in treatment.

A Healing Environment

Your loved one is going to be spending a significant amount of time in treatment, and so, you want to make sure that the environment they will be in promotes comfort and healing. While many rehabs promise luxury accommodations such as state-of-the-art gyms and pools, these features don’t equal recovery. Rather than focusing on superficial offerings, focus on the ones that carry value.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

• What is the client community like?
• What kind of food do they serve?
• Are any wellness services offered?

Community is a big part of recovery. Finding a treatment center that recognizes the importance of community and encourages clients to support each other can help your loved one start building a recovery network and encourages them to open up and practice better communication. And because addiction affects the mind, body, and spirit, finding a treatment center that values proper nutrition, mental well-being, and healthy physical activity is key.

Family Involvement

While it is true that your loved one needs to be the one putting in the work to overcome their addiction, addiction is a family disease that has undoubtedly impacted you as well. Finding a rehab that recognizes the role of family in treatment is necessary for you to repair any damage that addiction might have caused your relationship.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

• Will I be able to contact my loved one? If so, how often?
• Can I visit them?
• Are family sessions offered?
• Are there any resources or support groups for families of those struggling with addiction?

Being able to keep in touch with your loved one will not only allow you to see their progress but also lets you provide them with the comfort and support they need during this challenging time. And as they recover, you too can begin your own journey of recovery.

A Concrete Discharge Plan

Research shows that the first 90 days after completing treatment are the most challenging, and extra support during this time is crucial. Look for a treatment center that not only helps clients stay sober while in treatment but continues to provide them with resources and support long after they have left their care. Good treatment centers will provide thorough aftercare plans, conduct follow-ups, and keep their clients ⎼ past and present ⎼ connected to the recovery community. Some treatment centers even have comprehensive alumni programs that organize a series of sober events for their past clients to keep them motivated in their recovery.

Finding the right addiction treatment center for your loved one is not an easy task. And while getting them help sooner rather than later is vital, don’t skip out on asking the important questions. The right treatment center will be willing and able to answer all your questions and help you feel at ease.