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What to Look for in Drug or Alcohol Rehab Facilities

People with substance use disorders involving drugs or alcohol must receive supportive, comprehensive, holistic care from addiction treatment facilities that fit their needs. Help is available through programs that treat drug and alcohol addictions—and any mental illnesses present.

Whether the substance use disorder co-exists with a mental illness, the best treatments have the same goal: to help patients on the journey to a happy, healthy, substance-free life.

Rehab Treatment Options

There are different types of treatment options available for rehab, and they are divided into two main general groups: inpatient care and outpatient care. Which one will be best for you or someone you love will depend on many different things. 

A facility or program must always meet the needs of the individual for comprehensive treatment to be effective.

Inpatient Treatment Programs

Inpatient (residential) programs are designed for individuals to temporarily live at a rehab center while undergoing detox and rehab treatment. Many people begin their journey to sobriety with a drug or alcohol detoxification program, which takes place in an inpatient setting at a facility.

Detox

Regardless of the specific substance of addiction, this first step of recovery is critical. The best rehab facilities will have detox programs that provide a medically supervised, safe, and supportive environment while a person’s body is cleansed of the substance.

This type of environment encourages successful recovery and protects against relapse as well. If you or someone you know needs detox treatment for substance use, look for a facility that offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of an evidence-based detox program. 

Medications during detox can help diminish or eliminate many substance withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the individual and the specific addiction, symptoms of withdrawal during drug or alcohol detox can include:

  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Sweating and shakiness
  • Depression and delirium
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia or sleepiness
  • Seizures or trembling
  • Disorientation and racing thoughts
  • Mental confusion and paranoia
  • Excitability and disorientation

Some people may experience none or very few withdrawal symptoms, while others may have a very challenging time and experience many. For these reasons, it’s vital to choose a rehab center with a reputation for excellent detox care.

Inpatient Residential Care

Once detox treatment is complete, and the person in recovery has stabilized, inpatient (residential) care works to address the underlying causes of the substance use and addiction. If you feel you need an inpatient setting, look for rehab centers that offer an excellent inpatient program based on a holistic approach to treatment.

When holistic treatment is at the core of addiction recovery, the whole person is treated—not just the addiction itself. For effective, empowering treatment to occur, the root causes of addiction must be addressed, not just the substance-using behaviors. 

During inpatient residential care, the person going through treatment is surrounded by supportive supervision at all times.

Distractions, triggers, temptations, and interference from the outside world are kept away from the person while they learn about themselves and their addiction. Life skills are learned or relearned, and support groups, therapy, self-awareness, and confidence are all parts of an essential treatment plan.

Do You Need an Inpatient Residential Program?

Anyone with substance addiction can benefit from this type of program. Treatment can last anywhere from one to 60 days, and longer care is available for those who need additional support, therapy, and structure. 

These programs are especially beneficial for individuals who need a structured, longer treatment approach and for those with persistent withdrawal symptoms or medical concerns. 

The best rehab facilities offer a welcoming environment with clean, safe bedrooms and social rooms for residents. Professional staff should also be constantly available to provide support whenever a resident needs help. 

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

You must look for a drug and alcohol rehab facility that offers an effective, comprehensive outpatient treatment program that provides personalized care plans. No two individuals are exactly alike, and no two care plans should be, either. 

Outpatient rehab programs involve partial hospitalization programs that incorporate some of the same services found in residential programs. Many people begin their recovery with detox, followed by an inpatient stay, then continue with some form of outpatient addiction treatment for continued help, support, and monitoring.

Some people with dual diagnoses benefit from outpatient programs as they receive support for substance use and mental illnesses. 

They value the ability to attend therapy sessions and support group meetings while continuing to reacclimate to the outside world. These individuals can grow their independence and stability and still address their ongoing recovery efforts.

Look for outpatient rehab centers that offer a wide variety of therapy options and treatments that cater to an individual’s need for focused support while transitioning to sober living away from the center. 

Is an Outpatient Rehab Program Right for You?

Although many individuals go through detox and an inpatient residential program before moving to an outpatient program, this isn’t always the case. Outpatient programs are also effective for individuals who have freed themselves from addiction and require a boost in therapy and support to maintain their substance-free lifestyle.

Why Look for a PHP in a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a step down in the individual’s level of care from inpatient residential care. PHP programs are provided as an outpatient service, and treatment takes place four to six hours a day, for five days each week, at a minimum.

Individuals who can be safely managed outside a treatment center but may need help for unstable psychiatric conditions are great candidates for this program. If you don’t require 24-hour monitoring but you need some help, this type of program may be right for you.

Many helpful services should be available to individuals as part of a PHP, so make sure you choose a rehab facility that offers a wide variety of therapies and support groups. This will ensure that your needs are met to the most beneficial extent possible.

Some of the therapies included in an excellent partial hospitalization program include:

  • Therapy for family members
  • An offering of various support groups
  • Dual-diagnosis treatment
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Recreational therapy 
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Medication management
  • Motivational enhancement
  • Individual counseling
  • Group counseling
  • 12-step facilitation therapy
  • Substance use education
  • Community reinforcement

A partial hospitalization program offers more flexibility than a residential program, which may be ideal if you’ve gone through detox and have already completed an inpatient program. 

One of the significant benefits of a PHP is that it allows you to live at home, go to work or school, and be with your family without compromising your progress or diminishing the level of support you receive from an excellent rehab facility.

Qualities and Features of the Right Rehab Facility for You

With so many drug addiction and alcohol addiction treatment options, it can sometimes be tricky to decide what to do. You must choose the very best facility and the most valuable programs to meet your unique needs at this stage in your life.

Some people would greatly benefit from going through a detox program followed by an inpatient stay before progressing to outpatient treatment. Others may not need such focused care right from the start. Not everyone needs to start with a residential program. 

People who do not have severe and urgent psychiatric or physical issues can often reach their goals for a substance-free life by receiving the care offered by a partial hospitalization program. 

But sometimes, you might need to adjust your treatment options. If a person begins with the partial hospitalization program and finds they need more focused care and treatment, they could always transition to a residential program.

Questions a Treatment Facility Should Ask You

A cumulative assessment of your situation and your circumstances should always be done promptly by a representative of the treatment center you are considering. Some questions you might be asked include:

  • Do you have a place to live? 
  • How severe is your substance use disorder?
  • Do you have any other mental or physical health conditions?
  • Do you have transportation?
  • Do you have the resources you need to manage your life?

These are all questions that can help staff gain a preliminary understanding of your needs. If questions like these aren’t being asked, it’s a sign that it may not be the best addiction treatment center for you. 

In addition, if a representative tries to tell you that “everyone needs to start in inpatient treatment,”—move on. That is simply not true.

Choosing the Right Place for Addiction Rehab

There are many local facilities, regional centers, private organizations, and national institutes for individuals seeking rehab, but not all of them are ideal for every person. Check the NAATP’s directory for licensed and accredited facilities, and make sure the one you choose will be the right choice to help you heal your mind, body, and spirit.

If you’re ready to regain a happy, healthy life free from addiction, reach out to our friendly team at Indiana Center for Recovery now.

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