(ThyBlackMan.com) Almost 21 million Americans are currently living with addiction according to a recent report from the United States Surgeon General. An estimated 100 people lose their battles with substance abuse each day. Both figures have been on the rise for quite some time.
Though help is readily available to those hoping to break the cycle, the previously mentioned report pointed out only 10 percent get the treatment they need. Why is that the case? For the most part, they just don’t know where to start. No two situations are identical, and not all facilities are created equally.
What to Look for in an Addiction Rehab Facility
Finding the right rehab facility isn’t an easy task; after all, different people have a variety of needs. At the same time, numerous
treatment addiction centers are out there, and they offer a diversity of options. If you’re searching for the right rehab facility to suit your needs or those of a loved one, consider these six questions.
1) Is Medically Supervised Detox Provided?
When it comes to triumphing over addiction, the first step is to purge your system of the drugs or alcohol to which you’ve become dependent. This is one of the most difficult hoops to jump through regardless of the situation. Trying to make it through the symptoms of withdrawal alone or outside of a closely controlled environment can be dangerous or even deadly in some cases. Having a highly trained and experienced team of medical and counseling professionals on hand offers countless benefits.
2) What Types of Treatments Are Offered?
Several treatment options have been developed to help conquer addiction, including medication-assisted therapy; twelve-step programs; agonist, antagonist and aversion therapies and various types of counseling sessions to name a few. Both inpatient and outpatient programs are possibilities. Find out which treatment alternatives a facility offers before moving forward because not all are right for everyone.
3) Are Involuntary Admissions Allowed?
Some facilities only take in patients who are voluntarily seeking out rehab. Others accept patients who aren’t exactly willing to be admitted. If you’re looking for a rehab center on behalf of a loved one who falls into the latter category, be sure to ask whether or not a specific facility will accommodate.
4) How Are Treatment Programs Established?
Some facilities stick to a one-size-fits-all program consisting of a wide range of therapies. Though all these strategies are backed by science and past success, some just don’t work for everyone. Look for a rehab center dedicated to tailoring its treatment plans on an individual basis because customized programs tend to be far more effective.
5) Does the Facility Treat Co-Occurring Mental Disorders?
Studies conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and numerous other organizations indicate as much as 60 percent of addiction cases involve co-occurring mental disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Treating one but overlooking the other greatly lowers the chance of success and drastically increases the likelihood of relapse. Facilities equipped to provide and handle dual diagnoses bear the Joint Commission National Quality Approval Seal on their website, and only a fraction of those available are accredited.
6) What Types of Follow-up Care Are Available?
Forging through a rehab program is only half the battle. Returning to the outside world afterward poses continual challenges from a number of angles. Without ongoing aftercare and support, the journey is much more desolate and difficult, and relapse rates surge.
Finding the right rehab facility is the key to success in overcoming addiction. From intake requirements and medically supervised detox periods to long-term support after the fact, numerous factors play into the decision-making process. Weighing the answers to these six questions against your unique needs or those of your loved one can help improve the odds.
Staff Writer; Ricky Jackson