- Nov 6, 2019

10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Rehab

Choosing the right rehab can feel like a daunting task. But you can take the guesswork out of it if you know the right questions to ask.

Your recovery success depends on the quality of the addiction treatment centre you choose.

To make your choice easier, we’ve compiled a list of must-ask questions you can use to narrow down your choices and confidently commit to the rehab that’s right for you:

1. Is your rehab licensed/ accredited?

One might assume that all addiction rehab centres are properly licensed or accredited in their region.

Unfortunately, that’s not true. Licensing requires certain standards to be met, and not all facilities qualify.

Ask to see the facility’s license if this is something that’s important to you.

2. Inpatient or outpatient?

First things first: understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab so you know what each type of treatment entails.

Generally speaking, inpatient rehab is considered to be most effective, as it allows for complete removal from your using environment.

Being in a new setting gives you the space to focus fully on your treatment and encourages the formation of new routines and practices.

Outpatient rehab may be a good option for ‘high-functioning’ addicts who prefer the convenience of a treatment programme that fits their schedule.

3. What are your accommodations and facilities like?

It’s important that you feel comfortable with the accommodation, as most residential programmes suggest a minimum 28-day stay.

Inquire as to whether clients get their own room, whether they have shared or private bathroom facilities and – of course – what types of leisure areas are available.

Make sure there are common areas that encourage relaxation and personal development, such as reading and meditation rooms, fitness areas, swimming pools or outdoor spaces and activities.

4. What types of therapies are included in your treatment programme?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), one-on-one counselling and group therapy are widely considered to be integral components of addiction treatment and are likely to be offered at all quality facilities.

However, supplemental therapies such as wellness, physical activity and sports, mindfulness meditation, yoga, art therapy and trauma release exercises (TRE) have all been proven to aid in the recovery process as well.

Choosing a treatment centre that includes a variety of these therapies means you’ll have access to more of the treatment options that work for you.

5. Do you have experience treating co-occurring disorders?

This pertains to clients who suffer from not only addiction, but an underlying mental wellness concern as well.

Co-occurring disorders are common – they occur in more than 50% of all addiction cases.

In these cases, it’s extremely important that both the addiction and mental illness are treated simultaneously to allow for long-term recovery.

Given the likelihood and complexity of co-occurring disorders, make sure that your treatment provider employs staff who are trained to diagnose and treat such cases.

6. How qualified are your staff?

Be sure to check the credentials of the staff that will be providing your addiction treatment.

Any rehab facility that’s not upfront with these details may be hiring counsellors who are not fully qualified to treat you – which can put your safety and sobriety at risk.

7. What kind of assistance do you offer to family members?

Addiction is often referred to as a family disease, because it affects the whole family.

Some rehabs offer family programmes in which relatives are encouraged to participate in the treatment of their loved one.

Such programmes have been known to significantly increase the clients’ chances of long-term recovery.

8. Is there an aftercare programme?

Completing a treatment programme is only the first (albeit very important) step on the road to recovery.

Once you leave treatment, it takes a lifetime of dedication to maintain sobriety.

That’s why it’s so important that the rehab you choose has a solid aftercare programme in place.

This can include options such as sober living, follow-up care at an outpatient treatment centre in your area, AA/ NA meetings, online counselling and peer support networks.

Ask about how the aftercare programme works, what’s involved and how long the programme lasts.

9. Is medically supervised detox available onsite?

Certain substances can cause harm to the user when they stop taking them.

If you’re addicted to one of these substances, it’s important that you be medically supervised during detox.

Some facilities offer medically supervised detox on site, while others have to send their clients to a separate hospital or medical clinic – which is inconvenient at best, and can even be dangerous.

It’s important to consider this when making your decision.

10. What are my payment options?

This is a very important part of the decision-making process for many addicts and their families.

Some rehabs accept payment from insurance companies, and others don’t.

Make sure you know all the facts about payment, and understand the costs upfront to ensure that your or your loved one’s recovery is not interrupted by financial obstacles.

SHAFAHOME Has You Covered.

We understand that choosing a rehab can be overwhelming – but it shouldn’t stand in the way of your recovery.

If you still have questions or concerns you need to address, contact our expert admissions team today.