What Should a Person Consider When Choosing a Drug Treatment Program? A Decision-Making Guide

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There are roughly 21.5 million people in the United States over the age of 12 who are currently dealing with a substance abuse disorder. Of this 21.5 million, only about 11 percent ever get help to overcome their addictions.

If you’ve been considering getting help and attending a drug treatment program, you’re already miles ahead of many others who struggle with addiction.

In order to get the most out of these programs, though, you need to make sure you choose the right one.

If you’ve been wondering, “what should a person consider when choosing a drug treatment program?” keep reading.

Listed below are some key factors to consider when deciding between different programs.

Why Visit a Drug Treatment Program?

There are a lot of reasons to consider participating in a drug treatment program. The following are some of the greatest benefits these programs have to offer:

  • Learn about yourself and the roots of your addiction
  • Get support through all phases of the recovery process
  • Detox in a safe place with access to tools that minimize withdrawal symptoms
  • Learn to identify triggers
  • Learn to cope with triggers in a healthy way
  • Learn to establish healthy boundaries to avoid triggers when possible
  • Establish new habits and practices that help you feel your best

Individuals who complete a drug treatment program are also less likely to relapse than those who don’t.

In fact, treatment programs have been shown to reduce drug use by 40-60 percent. They also reduce arrests for criminal behavior by 40 percent and increase employment prospects by 40 percent.

What Should a Person Consider When Choosing a Drug Treatment Program?

Clearly, there are plenty of reasons to consider a drug treatment program. How do you know which type of program to choose, though?

The following are some tips that will help you pick one that makes the most sense for your needs and lifestyle:

Know Your Options

Before you choose a treatment program, you first need to understand all the options available to you.

The following are some of the most common programs you can choose from:

  • Detox programs, which are short-term programs meant to help you get drugs out of your system
  • Inpatient treatment, which involves living in a treatment facility for an extended period of time
  • Partial hospitalization, which provides additional flexibility and helps bridge the gap between inpatient and outpatient treatment
  • Outpatient treatment, which involves living in your same home but visiting a facility for meetings, counseling sessions, and other treatments

Some people go through all of these programs. They’ll start with detox and work through the programs until they’re ready for outpatient treatment. Others may choose to start with partial hospitalization or outpatient treatment instead.

Do Some Research

Whichever type of program you choose, your next step is to do some research and learn more about the programs available in your area (or the area in which you want to be treated).

When you’re researching different programs, consider all the services offered and think whether they have any kind of accreditation or professional affiliations. Consider the education and experience of the staff members, too.

Think About Your Budget

While researching programs, be sure to think about your budget as well. What can you afford to spend on treatment? How long can you afford to be away from your day-to-day life?

Find out, too, if your insurance provider will help to cover any of the costs of treatment. Many programs accept insurance, which can offset the costs quite a bit.

Look at Program Length

How long do you want to be in treatment? How long can you realistically stay in treatment? The length of your treatment will vary depending on the type you choose. Detox programs usually last 7-10 days, while inpatient treatment can last several months.

Choose the Right Location

Where do you want to receive treatment? Do you want to stay close to home, or would you prefer to take a break from your current atmosphere and be treated in a totally new environment?

Consider Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Often, addictions occur alongside other disorders. This is why it’s good to look for a program that offers dual diagnosis treatment for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Ask About Amenities

What kind of amenities does the treatment program offer? Will you have opportunities to participate in yoga classes or unique therapies like equine therapy? Amenities aren’t necessary, but they can provide unique benefits and make treatment more enjoyable.

Find Out if Detox Is Offered

Many programs include detox treatment as part of their services. Some require you to do that at a separate facility before transferring to theirs, though. Find out what the case is for the facility you’re considering before you agree to attend.

Think About Family Involvement

How much involvement, if any, do you want your family and loved ones to have in your recovery? If you’d like them to be able to visit or even participate in some counseling sessions with you, make sure you find a program that allows this.

Ask About Aftercare

Finally, be sure to ask about aftercare.

What kind of measures does the facility have in place to help you stay sober after completing the program and avoid a relapse?

Aftercare plays a huge role in sobriety and program success rates, so make sure the facility you’re considering has a plan in place to help you succeed.

Find the Right Treatment Program Today

As you can see, the answer to the question, “what should a person consider when choosing a drug treatment program?” isn’t exactly simple.

There are a lot of factors that go into making the right decision for your specific needs. If you keep this list in mind, though, you’ll have a much easier time narrowing down your options and finding the best program for you.

If you live in or around the Donegal, Pennsylvania area, contact us at Dream Life Recovery today to learn more about our treatment options or to verify your insurance benefits.

We offer a variety of programs and amenities to provide you with a unique experience and help you get on the road to recovery.

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