Looking for the right addiction treatment center?
Millions of Americans struggle with material use disorders each year, but here’s the staggering truth: only 10% of the people who need substance abuse treatment actually get it. And the situation is getting even worse.
National statistics show that the rate of dropout from addiction treatment in the first month of care is about 50% nationally. So if you or your loved one is at the stage of substance abuse treatment, you have a 50/50 chance to leave the treatment center without even completing the program.
Here’s the problem:
If you have to choose the right addiction treatment center for you or your loved one, it’s quite a challenge. There are thousands of addiction treatment amenities across the country, and it seems like finding a needle in a haystack. You’re faced with a situation where the life of your or your loved one depends on the decision you make. If you make the wrong choice, you may put their life at risk.
When you know what to look for, you can find a facility that will give you or your loved one the best chance at a lifetime of sobriety.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Finding the Truth Behind Quality Treatment Statistics
- Understanding the Must-Have Accreditations Every Center Needs
- Exploring Evidence-Based Treatment Methods That Actually Work
- Why Staff Qualifications Make All The Difference
Finding the Truth Behind Quality Treatment Statistics
48.5 million people aged 12 or older reported a substance use disorder in the past year. This means 48.5 million people out there need help, and that’s not just a regular amount of people. But, let’s face the facts…
Statistics show that the best rehab centers for recovery that focus on a comprehensive approach get real results. The rate of recovery among rehab completers lies between 85% and 95% of drug-free status nine months after discharge.
What does this mean?
Quality matters a lot. The difference between a good treatment center and a great one can mean the difference between life and death.
You can visit https://www.woburnaddictiontreatment.com/best-tips-on-how-to-pass-mouth-swab-test-in-12-hours/ , if you need help passing a substance abuse screening.
The fact is that addiction treatment isn’t just about getting clean. It’s also about building a solid foundation for lifelong recovery.
Understanding the Must-Have Accreditations Every Center Needs
Not all addiction treatment facilities are the same. Some of them are licensed and accredited by the right organizations. Some of them, on the other hand, are really not.
The first thing to look for are these accreditations:
- Joint Command on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- Council on Accreditation (COA)
- State licensing requirements
Why do we even need accreditations? Well, first of all, these accreditations prove that the facility in question is meeting the strict standards that they set when it comes to patient care, safety protocols, and treatment effectiveness.
In 2017 roughly 51% of all facilities were accredited. It means that nearly half of all treatment centers don’t even meet the most basic quality standards.
Don’t even think about placing your recovery on the line and consider the unaccredited treatment facilities.
Accreditations like JCAHO, CARF, and COA are not something the facility just got. They represent hundreds of hours of inspections, reviews, and compliance checks that ensure the center provides the quality of care you deserve.
Exploring Evidence-Based Treatment Methods That Actually Work
So here’s a little secret for you.
The secret to successful addiction treatment isn’t luxury amenities or a five-star dining experience. It’s the treatment methods that have been clinically proven to work.
You see, there’s a thing or two that quality centers can offer, and only them.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Contingency Management
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Individual and group counseling
- Family therapy programs
The statistics also support this claim. In over 90% of quality facilities, there are CBT and MI treatment methods available, while the number of contingency management approaches is at 56%.
But here’s the deal.
Many treatment centers still don’t offer medication-assisted treatment as one of their treatment methods. Only about 40% of facilities offered the medications for opioid use disorder as recent studies show.
This is a pretty big red flag if you ask me. Why? Well, it’s because MAT has been scientifically proven to reduce overdose deaths by more than 50%.
Why Staff Qualifications Make All The Difference
Let’s be real for a second…
There’s something that most people don’t even think of when choosing a treatment center.
Staff qualifications can make or break your experience at a rehab center. No one would want a medical student performing their surgery, and the same logic should apply to addiction treatment.
So, let’s check out these staff qualifications that you should look for in a treatment center:
- Licensed addiction counselors
- Board-certified physicians
- Psychiatrists specializing in addiction medicine
- Social workers with substance abuse training
- Nurses with addiction medicine experience
The best treatment facilities have a multi-disciplinary team, including not just addiction specialists but also medical doctors, psychiatrists, and spiritual care providers, if applicable.
The real deal is:
Clinical supervision has to happen at least once or twice a week for case programs and three to five times a week for residential programs. This allows for your treatment plan to be constantly reviewed and adjusted according to your progress.
Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment Plans
You know how every individual’s addiction story is different? Same with addiction treatment.
Quality treatment centers start with a comprehensive assessment that covers:
- Substance use history
- Mental health conditions
- Medical history
- Family situation
One size does NOT fit all when it comes to addiction treatment.
Top-notch centers provide individualized treatment plans according to the needs and goals of each patient. They have different treatment tracks for men and women and for different age groups, co-occurring mental health disorders, etc.
Ongoing Support and Aftercare Services
Now, here’s what separates a good treatment center from a great one…
Great centers prepare you for the real life after treatment with ongoing support and comprehensive aftercare services, including alumni networks, continuing counseling, job placement, and family programs.
The statistics also show that the continuous support increases the rate of long-term recovery.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not all treatment centers out there have your best interest at heart.
Look out for these red flags when choosing a treatment center:
- “Guaranteed” recovery
- Pressure to enroll “right now”
- The lack of licensed medical staff
- Limited/no family involvement
- One-size-fits-all treatment methods
- No aftercare planning
- Negative reviews from previous patients
If a center doesn’t even let you tour the facility, meet with their staff, or provide clear and solid information on their success rates – don’t even think about it.
Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Treatment Center
Before you make your final choice, make sure to get answers to these questions:
- What accreditations does this facility have?
- What evidence-based treatments does your facility offer?
- What are the qualifications of your staff members?
- What does the aftercare program include?
Don’t be shy to ask the rough questions. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain.
Getting Quality Care Today
Searching for quality addiction treatment doesn’t have to be this much overwhelming when you know what to look for.
Focus on accreditations, evidence-based treatments, qualified staff, and all-around aftercare services.
The truth is:
Quality addiction treatment facilities do exist out there. You just need to do your homework to be able to find them.
Recovery is possible when you get the right treatment center.
Your journey to recovery begins by making the right choice right now.