You can’t turn on the TV without hearing a story about a drug overdose or how addiction has reached catastrophic heights. More people want to know the qualities of the best drug rehabs versus mediocre ones. There are characteristics that superior addiction programs possess, and you must know what they are in order to provide yourself or a loved one with the most effective treatment options available today.
1. Individualized Treatment
Two people may have been abusing the same amount of heroin for the same amount of time, but they will likely have different treatment needs and preferences. Centers that have a ‘one size fits all’ approach to drug and alcohol addiction are not relating to the unique emotional, behavioral and spiritual aspects of a diverse population.
Consider Abeela, a middle-aged Muslim woman who came into treatment for addiction to pain pills. Traditional Islamic culture tends to view substance disorders as a problem that should be handled within the family. Abeela choose a center that respected her values, beliefs, and customs about the direct involvement of family members in her care.
An emphasis on therapy that included her husband and parents was integrated into Abeelas’s treatment, and she felt her religious and family values were respected.
Don’t expect special privileges like the use of cell phones, personal computers or extra perks beyond what your peers receive. Do expect individualized care that factors in medical, spiritual and cultural needs to provide treatment that is holistic and effective.
2. Duration of Care Extends Beyond Detox
Substance abusers often relapse within a year of completing a treatment program for drug and alcohol abuse. It’s vital that your center of choice incorporates recovery programming during and after treatment.
Inpatient treatment is just the first of many steps necessary for a long-term sober lifestyle. Thirty days of comprehensive treatment that includes medical and psychological interventions is essential, but so is ongoing addiction support that lasts a lifetime.
Think about someone you know with any disease – heart problems, diabetes, obesity – you name it. The first step of illness management is in some ways also the most important one. Acknowledging the problem, taking life-saving medication, and ceasing behaviors that lead to worsening disease are the vital first steps.
However, anyone with a chronic illness will tell you that maintaining optimal health is something that requires time, effort and dedication every day. The person with heart disease avoids sodium and keeps a strict diet, while the diabetic patient routinely monitors blood sugar and weight to stay well.
Recovery is the same – it continues for a lifetime. Choose a addiction center that connects you to ongoing resources, such as an intensive outpatient program or SMART Recovery meeting so that you can be mindful of immediate and future goals.
3. Medications Are Combined With Behavioral Therapies
Medications are a crucial element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies. Often Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone are helpful for individuals addicted to heroin or other opioids. Commonly Naltrexone and Acamprosate are medications used to treat alcohol dependence.
These medicines are prescribed for several months or longer, reduce cravings for illicit drugs and can be a useful tool that enables drug users to regain a sense of normalcy, self-control, and health.
The best drug rehab centers combine medication management with behavioral therapies that teach you how to identify the triggers that lead to relapse. The combination of medication and counseling is a powerful duo and deals with the physical discomforts of early abstinence while empowering you through education and recovery resources.
4. Mental Illness and Addiction Often Go Together
Addiction and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, mental illness such as Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia or other conditions can be so overwhelming that individuals turn to drugs as a means to cope. Some people develop psychiatric conditions such as cognitive impairments, anxiety or depression due to years of illicit drug or alcohol abuse.
Ask treatment centers how they manage dual diagnosis. You should know their philosophies related to the care of patients with underlying mental health disorders. During your search, if you find one that doesn’t have specialized interventions for people with mental health disorders, you can scratch it off your list and keep looking.
There is still a stigma with mental illness, and you should never be led to believe that psychiatric disorders aren’t legitimate medical conditions.
5. Involuntary Treatment Is An Option
Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective. More states are advocating for court-ordered interventions that mandate an individual into treatment for addiction.
In 2004, Casey’s Law was passed in Kentucky after a mother worked with the legal system to develop a process that allows anyone to petition the court on behalf of a loved one with an addiction. Similar legislation passed in Indiana, Ohio and other states.
You’ve heard about needing to “hit rock bottom” before recovery can begin. This is a misconception. Some people experience an epiphany moment and tell loved ones, “Addiction is destroying my life,” while others never move past denial.
For the individual that doesn’t realize the detrimental effects of drug and alcohol abuse, involuntary treatment is a suitable and necessary action that could very well save his or her life.
Landmark Recovery was born out of the belief that chemical dependency treatment options need to be drastically changed and improved. Not like a hospital or uncomfortable medical setting, Landmark has an open and friendly environment that allows you to feel at ease during your medically-supervised detox and for the weeks to follow.
Tomorrow is too late. Pick up the phone or email us now.
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