Addiction is an all too common issue that many people suffer from – more than you might imagine. Nearly 20 million people suffered from some type of substance abuse disorder in 2017, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
If you have a loved one who is suffering from addiction, we know how important it is to you to get them quality care. You have many options for treatment, but these options can become stressful in the midst of all of your other emotions during this trying time. We have created this useful guide to help make the process of finding the right rehabilitation facility easier for you.
Location
There are more than 14,500 rehabilitation centers across the United States that you and your loved ones can choose from. Consider if you would like to use a facility close to your home or further away. While you may want your loved one as close to home as possible, there are many benefits to finding a facility that is a little further from their typical environment including:
- Resisting the temptation of falling back into old patterns
- Decreased likelihood of your loved one leaving their treatment center
- More peaceful and relaxing environments
Think about what is best for your loved one, and what kind of location will help them have the best pathway to recovery.
Length of Treatment
The length of treatment should vary for each patient. Choose a facility with doctors who will assess your loved one to determine how long they need to be in treatment. This ensures that they are putting your loved ones needs into consideration to create a treatment plan specifically for them instead of a general plan for all patients. Addiction is personal and varies between each person who experiences it.
Co-Ed and Single Gender Facilities
We highly suggest finding a single gender facility for your loved one. Romantic or intimate feelings can become heightened as your loved one goes through treatment, which will ultimately interfere with their treatment and inhibit them from the important goal of independence. There are many single gender facilities, and facilities that are age and gender specific.
One of the top-rated facilities that use this model is New Life House in Los Angeles. Patients are able to find a sense of true community with the help of New Life House and other facilities who use this model for treatment. Having a specific demographic has many advantages:
- Doctors can hone in on the needs of all their patients
- Patients are surrounded by a group of people with similar interests and goals
- A true sense of community is formed through shared experiences
Staff Quality
One of the most important things to consider while searching for the best facility is the staff. The attitude and trust of the staff will impact the treatment for your loved one greatly. You want to find a staff that will care for your loved one and show understanding. When interviewing with different facilities, note the following:
- How intently the staff listens to your loved ones needs
- What special credentials the staff has
- How the staff talks about their current patients
Find a facility that provides individualized support and understands that each addiction and each person is different. Your loved one is more than just a number and deserves the best treatment for their needs.
Lifestyle
You may want to find a treatment facility for a specific lifestyle or demographic that your loved one fits into, such as:
- Mentally disabled
- Physically disabled
- LGBTQ+
- Various religious beliefs
- Age groups
There are many facilities designed to care for patients of specific lifestyles in order to make them feel as comfortable as possible throughout their treatment. These facilities can help your loved one avoid discrimination from staff and fellow patients, as well as receive care that takes their lifestyle choices into consideration.
