Alcohol rehab and drug rehab: Five things you should know
Making an informed decision on alcohol and drug rehab centres can be difficult, especially if you are struggling with an addiction or the secondary effects of addiction. Below are five things that you should consider before booking yourself or a loved one into a rehabilitation centre.
Does bigger equal better?
Most people tend to believe that the bigger a rehabilitation centre, the better. However, this is often not the case. Whilst some smaller centres may not have the same leisure facilities as larger ones, they can often provide better one on one and personal care for those suffering.
Larger drug and alcohol rehab facilities can sometimes take on more residents than they have therapists for. Therefore, if one to one care if something that is important to you, it’s always best to pick a facility that can prove its ability to provide just this.
Check the age groups
Alcohol rehab and drug rehab centres quite often have particular age groups that they cater to. Whether this is intentional or not, it’s always best to find out the average age of those attending as most people in rehab centres are actually under the age of 25.
By doing this, you can be sure that the person suffering from addiction is in an environment more relatable to them. Sharing experiences is an important part of the rehabilitation process, so this is not an area that should be comprised of when choosing a centre.
Licensed therapists?
It might come as a surprise to learn that many alcohol rehab and drug rehab centres do not actually have many if any, licenced therapists that actually carry out sessions. Instead, many use behavioural technicians that are able to carry out therapy, whilst one or two licenced therapists simply oversee and sign off the charts of those receiving counselling.
Another trick used by some rehabilitation centres, is to make claims about famous celebrity therapists that work at their clinics. Chances are you won’t be seen by this world-renowned therapist but instead, by a behavioural technician. You will, however, still be paying the hefty price tag that comes with this notoriety.
Price does not amount to quality
Leading on from this, it’s important to remember that the price you pay for your rehabilitation, does not always equal a higher quality than those that cost significantly less. Not all alcohol rehab and drug rehab centres are value for money and like many products you buy from a store, you may just find that the cheaper option is the more reliable.
Take note of the number of people coming through the centre’s doors every month. How many of those leave after only a short amount of time and how many of them can say they have fully recovered after a stay? Don’t be fooled by high profile names, instead look out for the rehab centres that have the biggest success rate, even if that is over a longer period of time.
What do you expect?
Finally, consider what you are expecting from alcohol rehab or drug rehab. Not all centres are the same and many offer more complete services than others. If good nutrition is important, look for a facility that offers nutrition plans and healthy eating. If a more complex, in-depth or personal program is what you need, then you should ensure that is catered for.
Speaking to a professional and confidential drug or alcohol rehabilitation helpline can help you to make a more informed decision on what is best for you or a loved one. Therefore, if you are unsure of anything at all, you should make sure to enquire before you spend out on the wrong program.