When a loved one agrees to accept treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD), it is truly cause for celebration. After taking this first momentous step toward reclaiming their life, you might wonder how you can support them in their decision. Helping them locate a quality treatment center can take a great deal of stress off their shoulders, while also improving their chances for recovery success.
But with so many treatment center options, how can you tell which will be the most effective? Navigating specialties and recovery philosophies to find the best treatment fit for your loved one can feel overwhelming. Continue reading to learn more about what to look for in a quality treatment program.
Addiction Treatment Center Types and Goals
Substance use treatment options fall into two categories: outpatient treatment and residential treatment. Certain factors will help your loved one determine which treatment setting is most appropriate for them. Initially, a medical provider or addiction specialist will evaluate the severity of the SUD and make recommendations.
Outpatient Treatment: Generally, the outpatient option is best suited for someone with an emerging or mild SUD. These programs are available in varying levels of intensity, and allow the individual to reside at home, or in sober living housing, while enrolled. This flexibility also allows them to continue fulfilling their work and family obligations to some degree during treatment.
Residential Treatment: Residential, or inpatient, treatment programs are the appropriate level of care for someone with a moderate or severe SUD. The duration of the individual’s stay will correspond with the severity of their SUD, but typically lasts from 1-6 months. Residential programs provide housing while enrolled, which allows for 24-hour support and monitoring.
The primary objectives of both types of treatment settings include:
- Providing or referring out for withdrawal management support.
- Providing a variety of therapies and activities that help the individual identify and change disordered thought and behavior patterns that have contributed to the SUD.
- Providing access to recovery communities, such as A.A., N.A., or SMART Recovery.
- Providing psychosocial, life skills, and addiction education resources.
- Providing health and wellness counseling.
- Providing aftercare support.
How to Find the Right Addiction Treatment Method
There are several considerations involved in helping your loved one find a high-quality treatment program. You may first want to gather information about their insurance coverage, estimated out of pocket expenses, and a list of in-network treatment options. This can help you narrow down the options. Also, you’ll want to know if they need outpatient or residential care before beginning the search.
Once you have a list of in-network providers that fit the bill, it’s time to look into each option. Narrow your search based on your understanding of your loved one’s preferences, and consider calling or paying a visit to the treatment center to help make a final selection.
As you look at prospective addiction treatment providers, consider the following:
- Their certifications and accreditations. These may include CARF, Joint Commission accreditation, and state licensures that ensure the facility uses industry best practices and standards.
- Licensed staff. Professional licensing is a requirement for physicians, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, addiction counselors, and clinicians.
- Dual-diagnosis. A dual-diagnosis program will provide psychiatric services in addition to the addiction specialists to treat individuals with co-occurring disorders.
- Treatment elements. The center should provide materials that detail their weekly program schedule and descriptions of the therapeutic activities offered, including which types of evidence-based psychotherapies are utilized. Withdrawal management may be provided either on campus or in a separate facility.
- Clean and orderly. A well-managed recovery program will welcome in-person visits where prospective clients can view the grounds and facilities. The treatment center should be clean and well-organized.
- Family involvement. Most treatment programs include family-focused activities, including family therapy.
- Continuing care. Services that support recovery that are provided for alumni or through case management.
You are to be applauded for helping your loved one locate SUD treatment. Keep this list handy to assist your loved one find the highest quality of care available.
Ashley Addiction Treatment, formally Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and is accredited by The Joint Commission. We offer holistic care that encompasses the mind, body and spirit through inpatient and outpatient treatment, provide drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our driving principle – “everything for recovery” – reinforces our mission to transform and save lives through the science of medicine, the art of therapy and the compassion of spirituality, and is complemented by our philosophy of healing with respect and dignity. For information about our comprehensive programs, please call (866) 313-6307.
