Consultants at The Drug Rehab, an online referral service, say there is no one alcohol treatment program that's just right for everyone. The means and techniques of providing treatment for the disease of alcoholism vary widely and range from short-term detox programs to more intense long-term treatments that could last up to a year or more. Many aspects of the treatment process should be considered as you pick an alcohol treatment center for you or a loved one.
Step 1
Begin your search for centers that offer programs that meet your personal needs. If you have work or family obligations that you cannot leave, you may be better served with a short-term detox and outpatient counseling. On the other hand, if you can't hold a job and have lost your family and have tried getting sober in the past, you may be better off finding a long-term program that offers additional services.
Step 2
Check with your insurance company to make sure it covers the treatment program you are considering. Check the limits of your coverage so you can prepare for any additional expense if necessary.
Step 3
Research facilities through state and local agencies such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). Check accreditations and length of operation as well as if the facility has had any citations or other bad reviews from governmental oversight bodies.
Step 4
Ask around and talk to people who have had experience with various facilities. Perhaps a family member attended treatment or a co-worker talked about a relative who got help for alcoholism. Talk to your family doctor and other mental health professionals for referrals and opinions.
Step 5
If possible visit the treatment center before checking in and talk to the administrator. Bring a list of questions and observe the staff and patients. Check out the cleanliness and the general appearance of the buildings and grounds.
Step 6
Request to see success statistics, which most alcohol rehabilitation programs carry. They can give you an idea of how many people completed the program and how many stayed sober. Most treatment centers keep up with graduates to glean these statistics for marketing, funding and accreditation purposes.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider going to a treatment center that's out of state if you think you may be tempted to leave and visit old friends or a neighborhood bar.
- Be honest with the admissions staff of the alcohol treatment program so they can prepare for the type of treatment and withdrawal services you might need. Before choosing a program, make sure to tell the administrator the extent of your drinking to ensure the program is capable of handling your problems.
