Looking for the right rehab center can be difficult, whether searching for yourself or a loved one. Unfortunately, however, due to the rise of opioid addiction across the United States, there has been an increase in unethical practices from numerous “rehab centers” that are only interested in making money.
As such, individuals need to understand what makes a reputable rehab center. Within this blog post, we’ll be looking at all the important factors you should consider before committing to a program.
Accreditation, Certifications, and Licensing
Any trusted drug rehab centers will be accredited by one of two organizations: The Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Both independent nonprofits examine a center’s performance standard and results, as well as the quality of care.
Remember, state licensing is not equal to accreditation, as individual states have their own licensing requirements.
A reputable rehab center will also need to be certified if it wants to advertise its service on Facebook or Google. This is done through LegitScript, a provider that ensures only legitimate treatment centers can advertise their programs on the top search engines or social media sites.
Clinical Staff Credentials and Licenses
You should always check to ensure the clinical staff has the required credentials and licensing and that they meet nationally recognized standards in the drug rehabilitation field.
If the staff does not have the correct accreditations, they may not be experienced enough to provide the right level of care.
Some of the credentials rehab treatment professionals hold include:
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
- CCDP (Certified Co-occurring Disorders Counselor)
- CAC (Certified Addictions Counselor)
Multidisciplinary Addiction Treatment Team
Any quality rehab treatment program will be run by a care team equipped to deal with all aspects of alcohol or drug abuse, including the disease’s mental, physical, and spiritual side. This is the best way to create a personalized treatment plan for individuals seeking help. In addition, each member of the team should be licensed in their particular field.
A rehab treatment team should consist of the following roles:
- Medical doctor
- Chemical dependency counselor
- Nurse
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Wellness specialist
- Nutritionist
- Spiritual care and addiction counselor
Use of Evidence-Based Recovery Practices
If you are looking for the best treatment program, look for ones that use evidence-based practices that are proven by research. For example, reputable centers will offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a Twelve-Step Program, Medication-based Therapies, and similar types of treatment.
Mental Health Services
For many people, alcohol and drug addiction usually come hand-in-hand with a pre-existing mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Therefore, the best rehab centers will usually offer treatment programs that address addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. Do not be afraid to ask a rehab center whether their services are coordinated with mental health service providers in the area.
Addiction Treatment Success
While many rehab centers claim to have a 100% success rate, you should check that the data provided was collected using research-based scientific methods or was published in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. Remember – some providers will view “success” differently from others.
Insurance
As you may already be aware, rehab treatment can be costly. As such, you may want to find a center that is in-network with your insurance provider. This will also mean the program meets a certain level of quality. While some treatment facilities state that they “work alongside your insurance” provider, this does not necessarily mean they are associated with the insurance network.
Medical Detox
Medical detoxification is often provided by your healthcare clinic before you enter a rehab program. However, if you choose a rehab center that offers detox services, you can start the rehab process while still cleansing your body.
Specialized Programs
As we have already mentioned, rehab centers will tailor their program to the individual. Therefore, you should look for facilities that offer targeted treatment for specific demographics, ages, and genders.
Length of Rehab Program
You should always be wary of a rehab service that specifies how long their treatment period will last. Any quality facility will extend your treatment time if you have not made enough progress, even if they have given you an estimated time frame at the start of your stay. You may want to look for a service that consists of numerous rehab levels. This way, if you make progress, you can enjoy a less-intensive type of treatment.
Post-treatment Support
Addiction requires lots of clinical support and care, even when the treatment process ends. When rehab is over, you should have a support system available to reduce the risk of relapsing into old habits. Many treatment centers have post-treatment services available, from telephone coaching, mobile apps, therapy groups, and more.
The More Credible, The Better
Since the Affordable Care Act was passed, many Americans have been able to access quality health insurance that can cover the price of drug and alcohol rehabilitation. This is excellent for individuals who may not have been able to access treatment in the past.
However, this also means more companies are looking to use the sector for monetary gain. While many rehab programs will provide excellent care in some shape or form, we recommend choosing a company that has a credible staff and patient recovery success rate.
How To Find a Rehab Center: Final Thoughts
If you are seeking help for addiction, you open yourself up to a better quality of life. While rehab has some stigma attached, the lessons you learn and the changes you make will provide you with a strong stance against any challenges you may face further down the line. As such, you should remember to look for a treatment center that helps you form the building blocks for lifelong recovery.
If you would like to know more, Chicago Rehab Center is here to answer any questions you may have during your search for a rehab center. Let us know how we can help you or your loved one overcome substance abuse and enjoy a new lease on life.
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, is the medical director at CRC Institute, where she is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at the Institute. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
