Choosing the right alcohol treatment program may make the difference between continuing to struggle with alcoholism, or finally achieving sobriety. However, many are unsure of what to look for, when making this important decision. While a pleasant location or impressive amenities can be nice, there are more important aspects of the facility that need to be considered. Take the time to learn about what is truly important in a treatment program. This will increase the chances of selecting the right place to successfully treat an alcohol addiction.
Step 1
Narrow potential choices to those with the proper accreditation and licensing. This can be done by using the free treatment facility locator, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This locator service can be accessed through their website, or by calling their helpline at 1-800-662-4357. State substance abuse agencies can also be a good source for finding certified treatment programs.
Step 2
Learn about the methodology used at each facility. A variety of methods are used to treat an addiction, and depend on the philosophy of each program. They not only should be willing to share details of their treatment methods, but also to provide statistics or studies to demonstrate the program's effectiveness.
Step 3
Get the specifics. Carefully examine details about recovery assessment, counseling and medication options. Check the services for family members and aftercare programs, from each facility.
Step 4
Find out the price. The price range of alcohol treatment programs depends on the facility itself, and the length of stay. Insurance companies may cover some or all of the cost of the treatment. Also, some facilities offer sliding-scale or reduced payment options, as explained by HelpGuide.org. All of this should be taken into consideration when factoring the price.
Step 5
Visit the facility. The center should be clean, organized and well-run. Also, cultural, social and physical accommodations ought to be made available, when necessary. This is according to SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- For those finding it difficult to make a final decision, seeking recommendations from a doctor or substance abuse therapist may be useful.
- If a person has an alcohol abuse problem and is struggling with a mental illness at the same time, treatment can be more complicated. If this is the case, select a facility capable of treating both the addiction and mental illness, simultaneously.
