An Alcoholics Anonymous adage says, “If the solution works, you found the problem.” In that context, that means if attending sobriety or addiction management meetings helps you, you have an addiction problem. Sometimes, meetings don’t do enough, and you find that you also need one-on-one therapy or a residential treatment facility to further your recovery.
Look for Local Programs First
Finding such a program doesn’t mean traveling to a far-flung location. Many options exist in Kentucky and Tennessee, such as facilities for drug rehab near Nashville, TN. Some ads intimate that you must travel to California or Florida for high-quality drug treatment, but every state offers well-designed, licensed programs.
Check Licensing, Certifications, and Accreditation
Check each rehabilitation center’s licensing. Also, check the licensing and certification of their therapists to ensure that they only employ adequately trained and board-certified therapists and doctors. The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) provides a great starting point for checking for accreditation.
Avoid Centers That Promote Luxury Over Recovery
Avoid treatment centers that advertise their luxurious accommodations, gourmet food, or extracurricular activities, such as horseback riding or hiking. Medical research has not shown that those activities improve alcohol or drug abuse recovery.
Look for a Dual Diagnosis Program
Do look for a center that offers a dual diagnosis program. These programs treat addiction and any underlying mental health condition, too. Whether you choose a center that specializes in drug addiction or in alcohol addiction, or that treats both, remains a personal choice based on the conditions you face.
Choose a Caring Program
When you contact a rehab facility, the administrator or counselor should ask you questions about yourself that will help them properly treat you and help you recover a healthy life. These questions pertain to the severity of your addiction and mitigating circumstances. The treatment center representative should ask if you have any medical, physical, or mental health conditions. They should also ask about your current residence, transportation, and essential resources, such as food, clothing, and self-care resources.
Evidence-Based Treatments
When you ask the center representative questions, start with which evidence-based treatments they use. Evidence-based treatment refers to a treatment method that medicine and science have revealed works. The most common of these treatments include:
- Medication
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Dialectical behavioral therapy.
Avoid using a non-medicating treatment center because withdrawal without medication and medical supervision endangers the patient. A center should offer FDA-approved medications to treat addiction.
Look for Specialty Programs
Ask each treatment facility you consider about its specialty programs. These programs target specific age groups, such as teens who have developed addiction problems or senior adults with substance abuse issues. Entering a program comprised of those in your own age group can sometimes help a person open up by helping them see that they’re not alone.
Check the Mundane Necessities
Ask each center which insurance they accept. Many facilities list each carrier whose policies they honor on their website. Clarify in a phone call or personal visit whether they accept your insurance policy. Ask what paperwork you need to complete and how soon they have a bed open.
Making Your Decision
Knowing these essentials helps make a decision about the best facility for your needs. Consider local and regional centers that offer a dual diagnosis program and treat the substances that you misuse. The right treatment facility can help you improve your recovery.
