Are you or a loved one considering entering treatment for substance use? That is certainly a milestone to celebrate. Now that you’ve gotten here, do you know how to choose a quality treatment center? Like all health care, effective treatment requires tailoring the level of care to meet the needs of individuals.

With the number of addiction treatment options around, it can be overwhelming to search for a program that will provide quality care for you or your loved one. Luckily, experts in the field of addiction recovery have summarized a few important things to look for when you begin searching.

Finding Treatment Providers and Programs

You can start by asking your health insurance company about your coverage and whether they have a network of preferred providers. Even if you do not have insurance, there are other ways to find funds to get quality treatment.

Many treatment programs are licensed or certified by the state. Check the accreditation of the program to see if they meet standards of care set by a state or national compliance organization. Usually, accredited programs also have rating systems. You can ask any given provider to show you how past clients have rated them.

It is equally important to check if the provider offers a variety of treatment options. These include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling, coaching, and peer support. Effective programs should have a combination of these methods because different things work better for different people.

There are also red flags you should look out for. For example, although the success rate is important, treatment centers should not promise a cure or guarantee success. Another red flag is refusing to engage with clients’ questions. You should always feel comfortable scheduling a tour and asking these important questions while visiting. The more confidence you have in a treatment center, the better you will transition into this new stage of life. Doing sufficient research is part of exercising personal responsibility.

The Importance of Family-Based Intervention and Aftercare

In the field of addiction recovery, experts generally believe that effective treatment and recovery should involve the active support of family members. If a treatment program offers family-based intervention, including family counseling and support groups, this can go in your “pro” column.

Equally important are aftercare programs. A good treatment center provides care for your long-term recovery. Aftercare or continuing care programs may include ongoing outpatient counseling, recovery coaching, peer group support, sober housing, employment support, and alumni programs.

Matching Program Specifics to Your Needs

Before you enter a treatment center, it helps to know how long you will be expected to be there to complete the program requirements or reach that facility’s standard for recovery. The length of stay may range from a few weeks to a year. Many places offer flexible lengths to meet your needs. You need to find a quality treatment program that can fit into your schedule.

Treatment centers range from the newest facilities with high-tech equipment and in-house chefs to older facilities that offer fewer amenities. The former group may experiment with new methods, while the latter group tends to have a proven track record. Usually, long-standing history and past success rates show that the treatment center and its methods have withstood the test of time.

It’s up to you to decide whether you think having access to things like gym equipment and experiential therapy options are the specifics you’re looking for, or whether you’re more interested in a better-established program that has tried-and-true methods.

Understanding the People Who Work There

Health professionals who work in a treatment center are the pillars, not the facility’s appearance and amenities. You should spend time getting to know the backgrounds of some staff there. Check how the treatment center chooses its therapists and if they are licensed. Not every state requires therapists at addiction treatment centers to be properly trained, so check on each facility’s policies and credentials. Some treatment centers are staffed with people who have gone through addiction treatment themselves. They often provide more compassionate responses because they have been in a similar position as those they’re treating.

Environment and Atmosphere

You might also wonder if there is a culture of fun and relaxation in the facility. This is important if you want to balance all the hard work you will be engaging in.

You should choose a program that emphasizes holistic care for the body, the mind, and the spirit. From nutrition, exercise, and relaxation techniques to creative therapies, a holistic approach can best help you rebuild a healthy and balanced lifestyle that makes recovery sustainable in the long term.

The Importance of Peer Support Groups

From now on, this is going to be the recovery community that supports you and your loved ones, so check to see if there are good peer support groups either run through the facility or nearby that they recommend. Your wellness depends on having a strong support network. If possible, ask the staff how they prepare clients for the real world. A quality treatment center will center on long-term goals and plan everything accordingly.

Are you considering entering treatment for substance use? Do you know how to choose a quality treatment center? Like all health care, effective treatment requires tailoring care to meet the needs of individuals. With the number of addiction treatment options around, it can be overwhelming to find a program that will provide the specifics you or your loved one need. Experts in the field of addiction recovery offer a few important things to look for when you begin searching: comprehensive programs, trained medical staff, and aftercare programs. At Laguna Shores Recovery, we offer all of these. Our experienced mental health professionals can coach you through everything from detox to aftercare. Schedule an appointment with us today to discover how we can help you. Call us at 954-688-5806, and we will be happy to talk with you about short-term and long-term recovery plans.