The search for a reputable addiction treatment facility can be hard. Hopefully, we can steer you in the right direction away from deceptive marketing to save you some time and money.
1. Credentials
First and foremost are the licensures of the doctors and therapists of the program. Counselors, therapists, and psychologists are the health professionals responsible for 90% of the program. There are a plethora of licensed professional therapists with addiction specialties, accredited alcohol treatment programs, and doctors board-certified in addiction medicine and psychiatry. Addiction counselors or therapists, look for:
- Current license in counseling, therapy, or social work.
- Certification and special training in addiction treatment
- Advanced degree: Master’s degree (MA, MS, MSW), Ph.D., PsyD, or MD
Specialty Alcohol Treatment Programs (Inpatient, residential rehab, or outpatient), look for:
- At least one medical doctor on staff (hospital/rehab programs) or available to consult as needed (outpatient programs)
- Counseling staff with current licenses and certification in addiction treatment (CAP)
- Current License and accreditation by an independent review board. (FARR, Joint Commission, Florida Department of Children and Families)
Addiction Doctors, look for:
- A physician who is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist or board-certified in addiction medicine
2. A Comprehensive Assessment
If you like a particular treatment center and they seem like they are a good fit, the first thing a treatment center should ask of you before coming in is a complete a medical assessment of drug use and other medical and behavioral issues. This assessment typically takes anywhere from 20-60 minutes and can be done in-person at the treatment center but is generally done over the phone. This process is vital as it will inform the basis for the treatment plan and whether or not a person is a good fit for the program itself. The assessment should cover but is not limited to:
- Usage (how much, how often, with what effects)
- Use of other substances
- General medical health
- Mental health
- Job status
- Housing and transportation
- Family and social support
- Legal problems
All of these can influence a person’s recovery process and success in treatment. There will be many more questions before the assessment (like location, relationship, and insurance), but this assessment is to gain an understanding and therefore establish an appropriate tailored program.
3. Customized, Responsive Treatment Plan
Treatment is not “one size fits all.” People can have different reasons for their addiction and can benefit from some therapies more than others. For this reason, the therapist should develop a customized treatment plan that meets the needs of the individual. This plan should be based on a comprehensive assessment and should include a combination of behavioral treatment (counseling), medication, and support services. Those struggling with drug disorders should be able to input their opinions on the treatment plan as well. The treatment plan should cover:
- Focusing on future goals outside of drinking and substance abuse
- Provide a basis for the measurement of progress and set benchmarks. Depending on the progress of the individual treatment plans can be adjusted to accommodate different needs.
- Treatment facilities should provide a wide range of treatment therapies in and outside of treatment. Therapies in treatment should be diverse outside of counseling like religious paths, music therapy, massage therapy, or mindfulness practices.
- A mutual-support group outside of treatment like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), LifeRing, or SMART Recovery.
- Case management guidance to provide help with legal, job, or housing issues.
- Assist in establishing a continuum of care to set the individual up for success post-treatment
4. Evidence-Based Therapies
Evidence-based therapies are the standard for modern progressive substance abuse treatment centers. Evidence-based options include both behavioral treatments as well as medication. These types of therapies can only be utilized by licensed counselors, therapists, and doctors. Behavioral Treatments Behavioral therapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is performed in a one-on-one setting or a group setting. Group therapy has multiple purposes:
- Building social connections and reliance
- Education of addiction (physical and psychological), its history and its effects
- Learning to avoid toxic situations and how to handle stress and anxiety that can lead to relapse.
Individualized Therapy has a different purpose: allowing the counselor or doctor to dive into the individual person’s needs and help them through behavioral techniques that will create healthier and more productive way of thinking. Family counseling should also be a part of treatment. Addiction affects more than just the individual with the substance use disorder; by including the family in the treatment program families can show their support as well as learn how they can help at home. Make sure family therapy sessions are an integral part of the program. Medications FDA-approved medications for Substance Abuse Disorder treatment include: Alcohol
- naltrexone (trade names ReVia®, Depade®, or Vivitrol®)
- acamprosate (Campral®)
- disulfiram (Antabuse®)
Opioids
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Medically Assisted Treatment is an evidence-based approach that has been proven to increase the chances for long-term recovery. Some facilities (like those rooted in 12-step philosophies) may not offer medication treatment. If a facility is unable to prescribe medications, they should at least be able to partner with a doctor outside the facility who can prescribe the proper medication. In combination with therapy, medication can be a crucial additive when striving for success.
5. Continuing Recovery Support
A reputable treatment provider will work with each of their guests individually to develop a long-term strategy for ongoing recovery support after the initial treatment plan ends. These plans are usually accomplished through the facility’s case management and are sometimes called “continuing care plans” or “aftercare” programs. Continuing care should implement services and activities to support ongoing recovery, like localized clinical care and support meetings. A smart plan should also create a plan in the event of a relapse. Learn more about Coalition Recovery’s Aftercare initiatives HERE.
