Choosing The Right Rehab

Seeking treatment for a substance use disorder is often a challenging but significant first step in recovery. Once a person has made this commitment to themselves and their loved ones, they’ll begin trying to find a rehab that meets their needs. It is essential for people to find a place where they feel safe, comfortable, and supported through this challenging time.

When struggling with a substance use disorder, people are often unsure how to approach treatment or where to begin. Understandably, anything that alters a daily routine can feel daunting, but sometimes it is precisely what a person needs. Before trying to find a rehab, it is most important to find the right treatment options. 

An experienced professional can provide an assessment to help determine the level of care a person needs. First, however, it is beneficial to prepare for this conversation by considering personal circumstances.

To begin, people should ask themselves these questions:

Is the substance use disorder preventing everyday activities?

If addiction impacts a person’s life to the extent that everyday activities are impossible, an intensive program may be ideal for a lasting recovery. Intensive programs won’t necessarily require residential rehab, as some other options also provide high levels of care. For example, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are customized with a higher level of care for those who need it most. 

Has there been a health-related incident due to the addiction?

When a substance use disorder causes serious health complications or an overdose, a person or their family should seek medical help immediately. In this situation, the hospital may recommend a rehab facility after treating a client for immediate health concerns. If someone is at risk for overdose, they should remain in supervised care until they receive treatment.

Is there potentially a mental health condition along with the substance use disorder?

Defined as a dual diagnosis, the presence of a substance use disorder and mental health condition simultaneously will require specific treatment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 37% of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders also have mental disorders. 

While dual diagnosis is prevalent, not every rehab is equipped to treat mental health concerns properly. Therefore, a person should find a rehab facility that identifies and provides evidence-based treatment for dual diagnosis. In this treatment plan, clients undergo cognitive-behavior therapy while receiving addiction treatment. Since each disorder often worsens the other, it is imperative that a person gets help for both.

Can work or school activities be paused for recovery?

When individuals need intensive day treatment or inpatient care for addiction, they usually pause some of their obligations to focus on their recovery. If a person can take a temporary break from work or school, this will allow them to consider more treatment options. Depending on their recovery needs, clients can consider inpatient, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient rehab. In this setting, people can potentially overcome addiction faster since they can prioritize their recovery. 

Are there family commitments that cannot be delegated?

Some may wonder what to do if they can take a break from work but cannot delegate family responsibilities. Since addiction impacts people from all walks of life, it’s not uncommon for those with addiction to be family-centered and have many responsibilities. For many, this can cause them to delay asking for help.

Unfortunately, by continuing to handle everything with an untreated substance use disorder, the situation can quickly become worse. Therefore, rehabs offer different levels of outpatient care to fit a person’s circumstances. These outpatient treatments allow clients to continue their lives while getting the care they need with more flexibility.