Addiction takes a toll on both the sufferer and all who love them. If you’ve been deep into the abyss of addiction, you already know it can feel like a labyrinth that’s impossible to escape. It’s scary. It makes you sick; it also makes you lose people you would love to have back in your life. If you’ve been trying to quit on your own for a while and found that it’s not working, you’re not alone. Thousands of people will decide that they can’t do it on their own this year, and they’ll enter a rehab program. You can be one of these lucky people.
Addiction takes a toll on both the sufferer and all who love them. If you’ve been deep into the abyss of addiction, you already know it can feel like a labyrinth that’s impossible to escape. It’s scary. It makes you sick; it also makes you lose people you would love to have back in your life. If you’ve been trying to quit on your own for a while and found that it’s not working, you’re not alone. Thousands of people will decide that they can’t do it on their own this year, and they’ll enter a rehab program. You can be one of these lucky people.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
Before deciding anything, it’s wise to ask yourself what your goals for rehab are. Do you need a facility that offers medical detox? Do you want to focus on a Christian recovery, 12-step Recovery, or holistic recovery? There are so many different kinds of detoxes to choose from in today’s world, and that’s a blessing for people from all walks of life. Some detoxes focus on all three of the aforementioned points of recovery.
ASK A COUNSELOR
If you have a counselor or feel like it would help to talk to one before going to rehab, it’s possible that they can help you decide what you want to get out of treatment in rehab. Remember that not all rehabs are inpatient. Some will be outpatient rehab programs, and if that’s something you have your eye on, a counselor can be especially helpful to you. Even just calling a professional to speak over the phone can give you excellent guidance and comfort.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT KIND OF REHAB
All rehabs have different approaches to treatment and different modes of everyday living. Some rehabs last only a week or two, others go up to 3-6 months, and still, others will house residents for 1-2 years (known as transitional housing). Where you’re at in recovery will likely determine which one of these options is best for you.
INPATIENT OR OUTPATIENT?
People who are in early addiction are sometimes able to get help from outpatient programs. If you’re in the middle stages of addiction, it may even be possible to get intensive outpatient treatment. For people who have very severe addictions, who have lost housing, jobs, and financial stability, inpatient rehab may be the best option. Not only do you get treatment for addiction in an inpatient facility, but you also have access to social workers and people who can help you rebuild the practical things in life after you’re sober.
TREATMENT CHOICES
The treatment plan of your rehab needs to follow closely to your goals. If you have a co-existing mental disorder or suspect you might, then it’s wise to choose an inpatient detox and/or long-term rehab that can monitor that condition or diagnose that condition if you need them to. This is called a dual diagnosis rehab. They will have certified psychiatrists on staff who can administer medications for your mental illness, in addition to helping you with a substance abuse disorder.
LOCATION
For some residents of rehabs, location will be an important factor in choosing a rehab. You might want to remain near to your family so that they can visit you, or you may need an outpatient rehab that is near to your work so you can travel back and forth (some long-term facilities will let you do this, such as halfway houses). If location is no consideration of yours, you can scour the United States for rehab programs.
PROGRAM LENGTH
Of everything, program length may be the most important thing to look at. If a two-week program isn’t going to be enough, you’ll need to find a program that offers your needs and still gives you the freedom to enter a long-term program afterward. Many patients want to go straight from medical detox to a long-term treatment facility, and that makes good sense. They fear relapse in the early stages. Speak with your potential rehab program to make sure that they have programs to transition you and prevent relapse if there’s a time where you’ll be out during replacement.
MONEY FACTOR
Some rehabs are substantially more expensive than others. If you are paying out of pocket, you’ll want to consider the price. If you’ve got insurance, you’ll need to interview the potential rehab facility and make sure that they accept your insurance and that your insurance will pay for the length of stay that you truly need to get well.
COMPARING REHABS
To review, comparing rehabs can be daunting at first, but it’s a process that must be done for you to get the kind of help that you need. If you’re inquiring for a loved one, you’re just as invested in this as they would be. You want them to get well. Comparing rehabs will shed light on the kind of services they offer and allow you to make a wise choice. Your very life depends on it, and it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
GET HELP TODAY
The best day to get help is always today. If you’re unable to think clearly, communicate your needs to someone close to you who knows you well and is familiar with how your lifestyle was in sobriety. They may be able to research for you and find a rehab that would suit the sober you just fine. They can relay information and get your input. As you compare rehabs and learn more about the programs, you’ll begin to get a sense of which ones are a good fit for you and your recovery goals. The most important thing is that you’ve made the step to recover. It’s the wisest step you will ever make, and you’re going to thank yourself for it much later.