Every year, almost 20 million Americans struggle with a substance use disorder.
There are many reasons that people turn to substance abuse from genetics to environmental factors and mental health disorders.
If you suffer from addiction, you should consider going to rehab. But, before you sign up, make sure you do your research.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the different options for rehab and how to choose the right facility for you.
1. What are Your Aims?
Before you go to rehab, you need to figure out why you’re going and what success looks like to you.
Are you committed to a drug and drink free life? Will you congratulate yourself after six weeks without substances? How will you celebrate after a year?
By setting clear goals, you will be focused during your time in rehab. Write down your process step by step. By sticking to this plan, you’ll see results.
Other aims to consider are whether you want to fill the void that substances leave with spirituality. If you’re a Buddhist, then joining a Christian center may not help you replace your addiction with religion.
Perhaps you want to get fit and start eating clean too? By being clear on what you want, you’ll be able to find a facility that caters to you.
2. Speak to Your Doctor First
Sometimes, the most difficult thing about substance abuse is admitting to others that we have a problem. If you don’t want to speak to your friends and family, then you should speak to your doctor.
It’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor first before going to rehab. They will assess you and certify that you require treatment.
Then, they will be able to advise you on how to overcome your substance abuse. You don’t necessarily need to be an inpatient in a rehab center.
Your doctor will be able to suggest a range of options including local programs, rehab facilities or three-month residential treatments.
3. Consider Reviews and Ratings
Always find a rehab facility that has good reviews. Going to a facility with poor reviews or success rates will be a waste of your time and money.
You should read many sources online, not just the facility’s website. By reading about the experiences of past patients, you’ll be able to figure out whether this facility is right for you.
Try to find out whether patients regularly return to this facility and whether there is a high rate of relapsing.
Don’t just take the advice of friends and family as they won’t be the best indicators of how good a facility is. Ask your doctor to help you decipher whether a rehab center is known to be an effective way to get clean.
They will be able to speak to other medical professionals to give you an unbiased opinion. Your doctor has your best interests at heart, so make sure to take their advice into consideration.
4. Will You be an Inpatient?
You need to decide whether to be an inpatient or an outpatient. Ask yourself, will being an outpatient be too tempting? Do you need more time away from drugs and alcohol?
Only you will know the answers to these questions. But, your doctor can help advise you on what is best for your situation if you’re unsure.
By being an inpatient, you will spend every single day sobering up and focusing on your mental health under the care of professionals.
However, it may be hard to reenter the real world with all of its temptations. Whereas, being an outpatient may require you to build resilience from day one.
Being an outpatient is a lot less expensive, but it has been found to be less effective than spending time as an inpatient.
5. What Therapies are Included?
While in rehab, you may receive many talking therapies. You will also undergo treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This will help you use your thoughts to challenge your behaviors and actions.
Support groups are a very useful part of the rehab process. You’ll speak to others who are going through the same experience as you. As a result, you’ll learn that you’re not alone.
This is invaluable.
During your time in therapy, every single question you have about addiction, the human body and drugs will be answered. This can help you understand your addiction and overcome it.
You may find that there are many centers offering alternative therapies such as art therapy or music therapy or active therapy. During these treatments, you’ll be able to express yourself, socialize with others and fight off boredom!
6. Does the Facility Medicate?
Going cold turkey simply doesn’t work for most people and is downright dangerous for others. You will experience physical symptoms such as pain, aches, racing heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms.
To ensure you get clean and stay sober, you may be prescribed substitute drugs to help reduce the negative withdrawal symptoms.
For example, if you’re a heroin addict, then you may be provided with methadone. Doctors at your rehab facility will decide which medicines you can take and how much.
The detox process can be torturous for many addicts. Being around professionals who know how many substitutes you need and whether you need it will be a lifesaver.
While you experience withdrawal symptoms, it will be invaluable to spend time in a safe space where you can overcome your addiction confidently and comfortably.
7. Where is the Facility?
It’s important to consider how close to your home your facility should be. Do you need the facility to be somewhere far away so you simply can’t leave?
You need to break the connections between your past life and your drug-free existence. This may require you to move away completely. Therefore, a facility that is further from your hometown may signify a new start and be hugely beneficial.
Or, would being close to home, family, and friends help you focus on getting better? This option is more convenient for many people as it doesn’t require expensive travel.
8. How Long is the Rehab Program?
Do you need 30 days, two months, or three months of rehab? Again, only you can answer this question.
You’ll need to be true to yourself. If you think that you can get drug free in just one month, then give it a shot.
But, most believe that 30 days simply isn’t enough time to overcome an addiction. If you do choose such a short period of time, look for a facility that has a brilliant success rate.
Of course, you may not be able to commit to longer than a month due to family, work, or money concerns.
Just remember, if you leave before you are able to commit fully to being sober, you may be putting yourself and others at risk. This won’t help anyone in the long term.
9. Can You Afford the Program?
The cost of addiction is around $740 billion every year in the US. Of course, on a personal level, addiction will cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars a week to your life.
If you are struggling to afford a rehab facility, search for a public assistance option. Your insurance may also cover you.
Alternatively, taking out a loan to pay for your rehab facility could be a good idea. This is only if you can stick to being sober when you leave. Otherwise, you’re pushing yourself into more debt.
10. Do You Want Luxury?
You will hear of rehab facilities that sound more like luxury vacations. Celebrities talk about spa treatments, meditation wings, and horse riding.
All of these luxuries can make a huge difference but they aren’t the crux of getting sober. You shouldn’t equate how luxurious a center is with how good it will be for you.
At the end of the day, you need to choose a facility that can offer you the basics of what you require to get sober. Anything beyond that may be a waste of your money.
If you can’t afford a luxury rehab facility, save up your money and spend it on a holiday when you’ve been two years sober. This will feel like a positive reward!
Options for Rehab are Numerous
Are you struggling with an addiction? You’re not alone. Admitting to yourself that you have a problem is the first step. There is help available for you and hundreds of options for rehab facilities.
By finding the right rehab facility, you can turn your life around. But, don’t be disheartened if it takes some time to find a substance abuse treatment that works for you.
If you’re struggling to find support, turn to the Hope Rising Detox and Rehabilitation Facility. Get in touch with us today and we can help you!
