Choosing the right drug treatment center is an important, life-changing decision. If you are considering going into rehab and wondering if you should choose somewhere close to or far away from home, consider your personal experiences. No one answer fits all cases.
Residential drug treatment programs usually run from 30 to 90 days. This is the time to detox and heal mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is time that should be spent focusing on yourself to get to the root of the problem. This is the time to gain a foundation for your recovery. Many people may find it difficult to stay clean while remaining close to home. Choosing a treatment facility that is not close to home may be the right choice for you if:
- Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure that the treatment facility is accredited and licensed by relevant authorities. Accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) indicates a commitment to quality care.
- Treatment Approaches and Programs: Consider the treatment approaches and programs offered. Look for evidence-based practices, a variety of therapeutic modalities, and individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each person.
- Specialization and Expertise: Some facilities specialize in specific areas, such as substance abuse, mental health, dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders), or specific populations (e.g., adolescents, adults, veterans). Choose a facility with expertise in the areas most relevant to the individual’s needs.
- Staff Credentials: Research the qualifications and credentials of the treatment facility’s staff. Ensure that they have licensed and experienced professionals, including physicians, therapists, and counselors with expertise in addiction or mental health.
- Facility Location: Consider the location of the treatment facility. Some individuals may benefit from being close to home, while others may find a change of environment more conducive to their recovery. Location can also impact the cost of treatment.
- Cost and Insurance: Understand the cost of treatment and whether the facility accepts insurance. Check what services are covered by insurance and what additional costs may be involved. Some facilities offer financial assistance or sliding scale fees.
- Duration and Intensity of Treatment: Determine the duration and intensity of the treatment programs offered. Some facilities provide inpatient/residential treatment, while others offer outpatient or intensive outpatient programs. The appropriate level of care depends on the individual’s needs and severity of the condition.
- Family Involvement: Inquire about the facility’s approach to involving family members in the treatment process. Family support can be crucial to recovery, and some facilities offer family therapy sessions and education programs.
- Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: Ask about the facility’s aftercare and relapse prevention programs. A comprehensive treatment plan should include strategies for ongoing support, relapse prevention, and transitioning back into daily life.
- Reputation and Reviews: Research the facility’s reputation and read reviews from former clients if available. You can check online reviews, testimonials, and possibly ask for references. A positive reputation can provide confidence in the quality of care.
- Cultural Competence: Consider the cultural competence of the treatment facility. It’s important that the facility respects and understands the cultural background, values, and preferences of the individual seeking treatment.
- Continuum of Care: A good treatment facility should provide a continuum of care, offering different levels of support as the individual progresses through recovery. This may include step-down programs, outpatient services, and ongoing support groups.
If you do decide that a treatment center out of state is right for you, make sure to find out about their discharge planning. It is important to have a strategy for your continued recovery when you are discharged and return home.
