How Do I Decide Which Rehab Center is Right for Me?

Once you decide that you are ready for rehab, you have to move from a group of possible rehab centers to a single one. But, how are you supposed to make this difficult decision? What should you be paying attention to?

The following discussion should help you in your decision making process and we would like to offer you even more help. Our team of experts is waiting to answer all of your questions and to work with you as you make this difficult decision. You don’t have to do it alone. Just call 800-430-1407Who Answers?.

You Need to Be Motivated

A lot of people who enter addiction treatment fail to make it through the entire program. These people are often referred to as “early terminators.” When you don’t complete a course of treatment, you are less likely to experience positive outcomes.

For example, most treatment begins with a period of detox, when the drugs and alcohol are removed from your system. If you were to only complete that stage and then leave treatment, you wouldn’t be very likely to remain sober. Detox is never considered a replacement for treatment.

Therefore, your decision making goal is to find a rehab center that will retain you and it will do that by motivating you to achieve goals and to continue setting them. When you look into programs give serious consideration to who you are and how the proposed treatment fits with your personality.

Also, be sure to ask about aftercare. Things shouldn’t end just because you finished treatment. You will want motivation as you transition back into your daily routine and as you move forward.

Where Will You Be Comfortable?

Some rehabs offer animal therapy.

A huge motivator is comfort. The reality is that rehab is not a comfortable process. You have to acknowledge the power of the addiction in your life and the poor choices you have made and you have to work on changing your thought patterns and behavior. It’s hard work.

But, that doesn’t mean that the entire process has to be miserable. When choosing a rehab center, certain choices will allow you to have a more comfortable experience.

For example, many people find that inpatient care (where you reside at the rehab center during treatment) offers more comfort than outpatient care (where you attend treatment at the rehab center but reside elsewhere) because they don’t have to commute or deal with people at home. Maybe they need the space from their daily life to really feel motivated to continue.

Other people may prefer outpatient care because they can end a long, stressful day cuddling with their dog or cat. That small act may bring them the comfort they need to feel recharged and to continue with treatment.

Think about the things that make you comfortable and the things that make you uncomfortable. Try asking:

• Whether the program is inpatient or outpatient
• What amenities are included
• Whether or not there is a spiritual component to treatment
• If your family will be involved in treatment
• Whether or not therapy animals are used
• If the treatment is holistic

How Do I Know Which Inpatient Program Is Right for Me?

Can You Afford It?

Everyone would probably like to go to the type of luxury rehab that movie stars and fashion models are admitted to. Just imagine lying on the beach and taking yoga classes. Now, imagine having to leave because your credit card has been maxed out.  Terrible, right?

It isn’t as fun to deal with the possible instead of the imagined, but it’s a heck of a lot less stressful. You will not be able to stay motivated if part of every day in rehab is spent grappling with your finances. You must choose a rehab center that you can fit into your budget.

This is not to say that you should choose the least expensive option. Clearly, rehab marks the beginning of one of the most important journeys you will ever take. You can spend some money on it. Just don’t spend more than you have.

When you are making this decision, speak to the financing offices of the prospective rehab centers on your list and make sure that you understand:

• How billing works
• If your insurance is accepted
• If there are financing options
• Which services will be covered by your fees

It is also important that you ask about licensing and accreditation, but that is covered in another of our Know Before You Go posts. For more help making this difficult decision, get insight form a specialist. Call 800-430-1407Who Answers? and bounce some ideas off of an expert on rehab centers and their offerings.