How to Evaluate an Inpatient Treatment Center

When you are looking into rehab facilities in general and inpatient centers in particular, it is important to know how to evaluate a treatment facility. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, inpatient treatment is a highly successful way to break an addiction. Inpatient treatment offers 24/7 support and a safe place to stay while you are in recovery. There are a few basic things that you need to look for in an inpatient treatment center.

Staff to Patient Ratio

The staff to patient ratio is important. If there is only one staff member for hundreds of patients then the treatment will not be as effective as one that has one staff member to every 10 or 20 patients. A low staff to patient ratio assures that you will get the personal attention that you need.

Programs Available

There are many addiction treatment programs available. It is important to know that the center you choose has the program you need to get clean.

Dietary Help and Support

An inpatient center should provide professional dietary advice, among other things, to help with your recovery.

Diet and exercise are an important part of recovery according to most experts. A good dietary department can teach you how to eat to help keep your body strong and healthy to combat the addiction.

Certifications and Accreditation

There are several agencies such as the Joint Commission, which inspect and certify rehab facilities on a regular basis. They evaluate things like staff credentials and patient safety.

Staff Qualifications

A qualified staff is extremely important in an inpatient treatment facility. If the staff is not qualified, the treatment might not work.

Reputation and Testimonials

The reputation of a facility is very important. If the facility is not reputable and has complaints against it, it might not be the facility for you. Most facilities will offer patient testimonials as proof that their program works.

Success Ratio

The success to failure ratio is obviously important. If a facility has a very low success ratio chances are they are a poorly run or inadequate facility.

Location

The location should be close enough so that you can still utilize your friends and family as a support structure or you may prefer a facility in a town where no one knows you. Either way the location is important depending on your goals and desires.

Amenities Available

Although not as important as other criteria, it is important that the facility offers the amenities that you want. Some facilities offer things like computer access, exercise equipment, or massage and personal trainers. If these are important to you then you should look for a facility that has them.

Tips for Choosing an Inpatient Drug Rehab Program

Ability to Tour the Facility

You should be able to tour the facility before checking in. Although most facilities allow a tour, some do not. A facility that does not might be hiding something such as poor conditions. Look for things like cleanliness and patient happiness while you tour. It can give you the confidence you need to check into the facility.

Cost of the facility and Payment Options

Although payment should not stop you from seeking treatment, you might need a facility that offers payment options or is not too costly. Also you need to check if your insurance plan is accepted by the facility to help defer the cost of treatment.

You need to consider a variety of things before checking into a facility. Although these are not the only things to look for they are very important. If you need help choosing a facility or want information on them, call us at 800-430-1407Who Answers?. We can help.