Making the decision on which addiction treatment program to attend is one of the toughest decisions you’ll make. It’s a daunting set of choices.
Behind all the puzzling terminology is a small, silent terror – what if you choose the wrong location?
That fear is valid. All treatment centers are not equal. Some concentrate on detoxification only, but not the underlying causes. Others provide only minimal treatment plans which may not align with your lifestyle or schedule.
There are an abundance of rehab centers in the Midwest. However, the right questions are required to find one that truly fits your requirements. These questions can save time, help keep you healthy, and achieve long-lasting recovery.
Let’s take a look at these 7 questions to consider when weighing your options.
- What Levels of Care Do You Offer?
The first characteristic you need to consider when researching addiction treatment in the Midwest is a continuum of care.
Recovery is not a one-time occurrence — it’s a process. Your requirements at week one will be quite different from what they will be at month three.
A good treatment center will have the following services available: medical detox, inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), standard outpatient, and sober living. This is important because moving from one level of care to the next, instead of a direct transition from inpatient to outpatient, has a tremendous impact on long-term outcomes.
Express the question in a specific manner, such as asking if the treatment center is willing to accept you throughout your recovery or if you’d need to switch to another provider during treatment.
- Do You Treat Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions?
Addiction often does not occur in isolation. The mental health component is often not addressed, and if it is, depression, anxiety, PTSD and mood disorders are common co-occurring issues. Once the mental health aspect is untreated, so is the likelihood of relapse.
That is where dual diagnosis treatment is vital. An integrated facility that provides care for both addiction and mental health provides you with a much better base than a facility that only addresses substance use.
You need to ask these questions directly:
- Does the treatment program integrate addiction and mental health treatment?
- Are there mental health professionals on staff who have a valid license?
- Do they have an inpatient mental health stabilization unit for people who require psychiatric care on a 24-hour basis?
If you answered “Yes” in all three, then you are likely to find a well-rounded program.
- What Therapies are Part of the Program?
Evidence-based therapy is the foundation of successful addiction treatment. However, the quality and quantity of the therapeutic offerings of a program, beyond the clinical basics, tell a great deal about a program’s philosophy of care.
There are no exceptions to the use of either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). They can assist you in recognizing negative thinking patterns and developing more positive coping mechanisms. Trauma therapy is also crucial because unresolved trauma is a major cause of substance abuse.
In addition, seek programs that include group therapy, art therapy, horse-assisted therapy, horticulture therapy and experiential therapy. They’re not extras — these enhance a person’s awareness, emotional control, and sense of belonging to a community, all of which play a vital role in lasting recovery.
The broader the range of therapy options, the more individualized your therapy can be.
- Is the Facility Accredited and Licensed?
Accreditation is not just a certificate. It is your assurance that the facility is independently certified for use.
Look for Joint Commission accreditation — widely considered the gold standard in behavioral health. Also, verify that the facility is licensed by the appropriate health department in the state. If you’re thinking of considering centers in Kansas or Ohio, then that means you need to check the state.
These are credentials that indicate that the clinical practices, staff qualifications and patient safety measures have been reviewed and approved by third parties. Even if it doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, a center that is not accredited should give you a big red flag.
- What Does the Admissions Process Look Like?
Delays in helping someone when they are ready can be dangerous. A long application process can make a potential applicant think twice about the move and end up withdrawing their application altogether.
Inquire about the speed of admission at the center. Same-day admissions (where available) are an important sign that the team is focused on urgent care. Learn about the intake process: most quality centers will collect demographic and insurance details, perform a confidential pre-screening to decide on the level of care needed and schedule your admission, arranging transport as necessary.
Some additional questions to ask about the admissions team include whether it is available 24 hours a day. Crisis does not adhere to business hours. A 24/7 admissions line means that they’re truly available to help you at any time.
- Does the Center Accept Your Insurance?
Some individuals who want to receive treatment simply do not have the money for it. Fortunately, most reputable treatment centers located in the Midwest are able to work with most insurance providers, although coverage varies greatly depending on the insurance plan and insurance provider.
Please check with the center if they are in network with your insurance. Be sure to find out what’s covered without having to pay anything in advance. You can do this by looking for facilities that will verify your insurance information for free and without your personal information being sold. UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, and Anthem are among the major insurance companies that are accepted at reputable centers.
Ask about other payment options if you are not covered or insured.
- What Does Life Inside the Facility Actually Look Like?
Treatment isn’t just about therapy sessions. Your comfort, safety and motivation during your stay will be greatly influenced by the day-to-day environment.
Inquire about food — is it being eaten as part of school food planning, and are the meals prepared at school? Inquire about physical well-being — is there a fitness centre available? Discuss the setting — is it a hospital setting, or therapeutic, more private?
Inpatient treatment, in particular, is more likely to be effective when the setting is quiet and well organized, free from the normal temptations. For example, a 38-acre private campus is much more secluded and peaceful than a facility located downtown.
Inquire about transportation assistance as well. Some facilities have partnerships with Uber Health, which makes it easier and more convenient for the patient to get to and from treatment.
Conclusion
The right treatment center can not only detox your body, but it can also help you with many other issues.
These 7 questions will help you make your decision with information, preparation and confidence.
Don’t rush; think about your options and don’t settle for a program that can’t clearly answer all of these questions.