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Factors to Consider When Choosing Addiction Health Care
The market for drug rehabilitation and other inpatient health treatment is huge, and not all programs are created equally. It’s important to know what you should look for in a solid program, especially regarding things like location, cost, and aftercare. It’s important to have a plan starting out. Scene In Town outlines some factors to consider while choosing a facility for a struggling loved one.
Rehab Centers and Program Types
There are many different kinds of programs for treatment of addiction in the United States. In some cases, rehab might be the right choice for you. There are many rehab facilities in Texas that offer programs ranging from group addiction therapy to residential treatment and detox. Some also offer financial assistance or can accept your health insurance. As you look for a rehab facility near you, make a point to check out its level of accreditation and types of care that are offered.
Determining the patient’s needs in advance can help you figure out which program is a good choice. For instance, if they have a job and won’t be able to leave it for an extended period of time, an outpatient program might be effective and financially viable. However, if circumstances dictate a more immersive experience, then inpatient care might be a better choice. Nothing is perfect, so look for a good fit, rather than an ideal.
Physician and Other Specialist Experience and Education
As you research various facilities, look up the physicians involved and see what their experience and educational background entails. If you’ll be working with other skilled professionals, also be sure to research them. Social workers, for example, may be on staff to work with patients on things like coping skills for stressful everyday situations. The social workers assisting your loved one should have gotten their Master’s of Social Work degree from an accredited university.
Location
Location is important. Some might prefer a facility that is conveniently located. On the other hand, some people would rather go to a place disconnected from their current life so they can avoid triggers. Location can impact how comfortable your loved one feels, which will impact their recovery and willingness, so look at what options are available.
Length
Research on the different factors that influence treatment program efficacy indicates that the longer a substance abuse treatment program is administered, the greater the chances of successful treatment. Treatment that lasts for a minimum of three months is far more effective than short-term treatment. Any type of recovery is a journey, and there are no shortcuts. It might be in your loved one’s best interest to choose a longer treatment program.
Cost
CNBC reports that the costs of mental health treatment can be extremely high, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars. There are free 12-step programs available, which can be effective in treating addiction. Insurance may also help cover costs. Given that any type of inpatient treatment can be very expensive, see what your options are regarding finances, especially insurance and financial aid that might be available. You can also find loans that specialize in addiction or other mental health treatment.
Specialized Treatment
As you are looking at different programs, look for a program outline that provides information about the different elements an effective treatment program should include. This can be anything from diagnosis to therapy to aftercare. You can ask questions about what their programs include and see if they seem to be a good fit.
If your loved one is dealing with both mental illness and addiction, you will need to look for rehab facilities that specialize in dual diagnoses and have a psychiatric staff. They will be far more effective since most rehabs do not specialize in dual diagnosis.
Aftercare
Aftercare is just as important as the initial inpatient treatment since it helps people move forward, even if they relapse. People can be vulnerable right after they are discharged, especially if they were in a location that is far away from home. They might come home and fall into old habits. Research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence has shown that the recovery rate is significantly better if programs administer care after discharge from treatment or connect individuals with local community resources.
Before your loved one is released from inpatient treatment, make the home a pleasant, low stress place to relax and rejuvenate by removing clutter. The mental health benefits of a clean, well organized space can be important.
There are many options and treatments available for mental health issues. Identify what needs your loved one has, assess his/her financial situation, and try to find a rehab facility that meets his/her needs. It can be done, even if it takes some extra effort to get there.
By Mary Jane Farmer, for the Van Alstyne News, Scene In Town.
By Mary Jane Farmer for the Van Alstyne News, Scene In Town
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