The search for effective and affordable addiction treatment can be complicated. From concerns about the cost of treatment to questions about the quality of care, there are a lot of factors to consider. But with the right information and support, it is possible to find the help you need. From the first steps of locating a treatment center to addiction treatment program admissions, knowing what questions to ask rehab team members can make all the difference in getting the care you deserve.
The Most Important Questions to Ask Rehab
Admissions counselors are often the first point of contact for people seeking addiction treatment. They can provide valuable information about the different types of care available and help you choose a rehab that will meet your needs. But it’s important to know what questions to ask during this initial conversation.
1. In What Ways Is Your Treatment Program Personalized to Individual Needs?
The simple fact is that addiction is a complicated disease that requires a multi-pronged and personalized treatment approach. Medication dosing should vary based on a patient’s medical history and tolerance. The amount of group or individual counseling should adapt to each patient’s needs. If an addiction treatment center offers a one-size-fits-all model, it’s probably not going to be effective.
2. Do You Offer Treatment for Both Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Conditions?
Drug use often masks underlying mental health conditions and can lead to physical issues as well. True healing from addiction occurs only when underlying trauma, anxiety, depression, and other factors are addressed.
3. Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Offered to Patients?
Medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone stabilize the brain’s chemistry to allow program participants to focus on recovery. Be wary of abstinence-only programs that don’t see medication’s role in addiction treatment, especially for addiction to opioids.
4. How Is Relapse Handled?
We believe in progress, not perfection. We accept the fact that addiction is a recurring brain disease, meaning that it is recognized that there is an expected relapse rate. At no point should patients in an addiction treatment or drug rehab program be punished or refused treatment because of a relapse. In fact, the opposite should take place: if a patient relapses, they should be provided with additional care and support. Watch out for programs that will kick someone out of the treatment if they relapse.
5. How Do You Measure Success?
Nationally, addiction treatment succeeds in helping around 50-60% of patients achieve long-term recovery. Any program claiming a success rate much above 60-65% is likely adjusting their data or cherry-picking statistics. The addiction treatment or drug rehab program should be able to easily and clearly define what success looks like. At BrightView, our goal is to help patients achieve lasting recovery. This entails:
- A reduction in illicit drug or alcohol use
- Recurring engagement in individual and group therapy
- Wraparound social services support
6. What Is the Ongoing Management Plan?
Most individuals battling the disease of addiction don’t need inpatient treatment. Regardless of where on the spectrum someone presents, having a long-term plan is crucial when managing any chronic disease. If a drug rehab program ends after 21, 30, or 60 days without ongoing support, it absolutely won’t be as effective as an ongoing program that can support patients for the foreseeable future.
7. What Evidence Do You Have for Your Treatment Model?
If a program cannot answer this question, you need to seek a better alternative. They should be able to tell you why they do or do not offer specific services like medication assisted treatment, individual counseling, and group therapy. If they don’t know why a component of treatment is offered, that should be a red flag.
8. How Often Do Patients See Advanced Medical Practitioners at Your Facility?
Physicians should be board certified and/or DATA 2000 waivered. If you are considering an addiction treatment or drug rehab program with no credentialed MDs or at least APRN/NPs on staff, then it is time to look elsewhere. Sometimes physicians will have dual specialties, which can be a big differentiator between programs.
9. What Insurances Are Accepted and What Happens if I Am Uninsured?
Asking this question can result in big savings, and it is a good sign that the addiction treatment or rehab program is legitimate. Be wary of programs that are cash only or don’t partner with major insurance providers. Accepting Medicaid and Medicare are good indicators that the program is legitimate.
10. Who Has Accredited You?
Accreditation from the Joint Commission and CARF in no way guarantees success, but it does imply that the addiction treatment program at least meets some standards and has general accountability.
Knowing What to Ask Your Treatment Program Can Make All the Difference
As you look into addiction treatment programs, keep in mind that not all programs are created equal. There are a lot of scams and sub-par facilities out there. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can avoid these programs and find the help you need to achieve lasting sobriety.
Help for Substance Use Disorder Recovery at BrightView
BrightView’s outpatient treatment centers offer a range of services to help patients struggling with addiction. We provide individualized care based on each patient’s unique needs and goals and work with them to create a customized treatment plan. Our evidence-based treatment methods have been proven to be effective in helping patients achieve long-term recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can help. Contact us today at 888.501.9865 to learn more about our addiction treatment services.
