7 things about inpatient drug rehab

7 Things To Know When Choosing an Inpatient Drug Rehab

Dr. Norris Von Curl, II, MD

Dr. Norris Von Curl, II, MD

When you make the commitment to enter an inpatient drug rehab to address your substance abuse issue, the commitment you are making is more than making a commitment to yourself. Undergoing intensive and highly structured treatment programming at a reputable inpatient drug rehab is also a substantial commitment of both your time and your money. When you choose an inpatient drug rehab, you need to be absolutely positive that the facility you are committing to has the programs, support and experienced staff that is needed to give you the best chance at long-term recovery success.

The following are 7 important things you must know when you are choosing an inpatient drug rehab.

Is the Rehab Properly Accredited and Certified?

clients in group therapy

Inpatient drug rehab programs need to have the proper accreditation, licenses and certifications in the state in which they are operating. Examples of the governing bodies that provide the necessary accreditation and licensing include the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organization. Both organizations have very stringent requisites for rehab programs wishing to obtain validation and accreditation. In addition to these national organizations, inpatient drug rehab may also need to receive local certification and licensing for individual staff or the facility as a whole from their Department of Health or other similar entities. The inpatient treatment facility that you visit must have these licenses and certifications posted in plain view or make them easily accessible to you if you ask.

How Long are the Treatment Programs They Offer?

In your search for the ideal inpatient drug rehab facility, you will see that many of these facilities offer programs that last on average of 28-30 days. While this time frame may seem like a considerable period of time to tackle your addiction issues head-on, there has been an ever increasing body of research that shows that longer stays in drug treatment produce better outcomes in regards to long-term sobriety. In your search for inpatient drug treatment, the facility you are visiting should feature drug treatment programs that last for 60 days, 90 days or even longer. Extended treatment programs will give you the time you need to effectively navigate the medical detoxification process, and it will allow you to reap the full benefits of individual and group therapy, life and coping skills training and aftercare programs such as intensive outpatient and sober living.

What are the Amenities That are Offered?

Another important consideration when looking at an inpatient drug treatment facility is the amenities they provide. In your search for inpatient treatment, you will find that some inpatient drug rehab programs treat clients in a hospital or clinic setting, while others offer an environment which seems more like a retreat or high end hotel. You obviously want to pursue recovery in an environment that is as comfortable as possible. In the process of  researching your inpatient treatment options, you definitely want to choose an inpatient drug rehab facility which will provide as many amenities as possible so you can feel as much at home as possible while you are in treatment.

What are the Treatment Options That are Available?

It is often said that drug treatment isn’t a “one size fits all”  type of approach. You are unique in your treatment needs and goals, and the inpatient treatment facility you choose must have a wide range of treatment services that can address those specific needs. For starters, the inpatient drug rehab you are looking at must have medical detox services, a wide variety of individual and group therapy options, life and coping skills training and relapse prevention education. In addition to those traditional treatment options, the inpatient treatment facility should also feature at least some holistic therapy options. While many inpatient treatment facilities are rooted in 12-Step based philosophy, you may want to explore non-12 Step options if those approaches better serve your individual needs.

Does The Facility Treat Dual Diagnosis?

girl suffering from dual diagnosis

Drug and alcohol use is often seen as a symptom of a deeper rooted psychological issue. It is common for people who are struggling with substance abuse to gave a co-occurring mental disorder such as anxiety, depression or PTSD.  The inpatient drug rehab you are visiting must feature experienced staff that perform comprehensive evaluations during the intake process to diagnose these co-occurring disorders (also commonly known as dual diagnosis). In the event that you are diagnosed with a co-occurring mental disorder, treatment staff can individually tailor you recovery plan to include quality mental health services in addition to drug treatment programming.

Does the Treatment Facility Offer Aftercare?

In addition to intensive and highly structured treatment programming within the facility, the inpatient rehab you are looking at also needs to offer solid aftercare programs that will provide the extra support and motivation you need as you transition back into your normal daily life. The first few months of recovery are when you are most vulnerable for relapse, and aftercare programs such as intensive outpatient treatment focus on the relapse prevention education and life skills training that are needed to minimize the chances of sliding back into active drug use.

How Do I Pay For Treatment?

Perhaps the biggest consideration when choosing an inpatient drug treatment facility is its cost. While many insurance carriers cover drug treatment services under provisions of the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA), there may be instances where you may be under-insured or even uninsured. Many drug treatment facilities strive to provide services for anyone who seeks them regardless of their ability to pay. If insurance is an issue, the inpatient facility you are looking at should offer alternate forms of payment such as sliding fee scales, financial assistance and even scholarships.

Do You Have Questions Regarding Inpatient Drug Treatment?

The process of finding an inpatient drug rehab that fits your specific needs can be an overwhelming process. If you need quality drug rehab, call First Steps Recovery toll-free today. Our experienced treatment staff will answer any and all of your questions, and they will take the time to explain all of the services we provide. Make recovery a reality starting today with help from First Steps Recovery.

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