When planning a vacation, you search for the right flights and hotels. When shopping for clothes, you choose outfits that you like and that fit you. When choosing your groceries, you choose the foods that you like most. Why should your treatment for drug or alcohol addiction be any different? You should find the program that fits your needs, supports your lifestyle, and allows you to feel comfortable so you can have the best results. How can you find the right treatment program?
Knowing Your Treatment Needs
If this is your first time in treatment for addiction, you will want to understand what type of treatment is best and find the program that matches your needs. Some factors to consider as you are searching include:
- Is the facility accredited?
- What types of addiction do they treat?
- What types of treatment do they offer? (therapy, counseling, etc.)
- Do they also treat mental health?
- Is the facility inpatient (residential) or outpatient?
- Does the program accept your insurance?
- Is the location good for you?
- Are the staff kind and friendly?
- What are the qualifications and experience levels of the staff?
- How many years has the program been around?
- What is the expected length of the treatment program?
- Does the program work for your schedule?
- Can they accommodate any special needs you may have?
Consider these questions and any others you may have as you search for a program that is right for you.
Be Informed About the Type of Program You’re Considering
In addition to asking questions to match your needs, it is important to be informed about the treatment you will receive. For example, some programs are meant to serve you during different stages of treatment. Some facilities and hospitals specialize in the initial detox when you are physically cleansing your body of substances. The initial treatment following detox will be your introduction to addiction recovery, including therapy and counseling. Following that, you may move into a less restrictive program where you are still in therapy. Then there are sober living homes, support groups, meetings, and more as you work your way through recovery.
Some facilities provide multiple programs and involve a longer time commitment; these are usually residential programs. There are also outpatient programs where you can still seek treatment while tending to work or family obligations. Many of these facilities are located conveniently near where you live and work so you can access them easily. It is important to be informed about the type and extent of your treatment and understand the program you are committing to.
Finding Balance in Treatment
For many people who have family or work commitments such as caring for children, an elderly parent, a business, or a job, it can be difficult to balance a full-time treatment program and still be able to keep your other commitments. There are also financial considerations, such as whether or not your insurance covers that program or type of treatment, as well as being able to take a specific amount of time off of work. It is important for you to be able to get the help you need to free yourself of your addiction while also balancing your family or other obligations.
Supporting Your Lifestyle
Another factor in choosing an addiction treatment program is to find a program that supports your lifestyle. Do you need the constant support of a residential facility, or is an outpatient program the right fit for you? Keep in mind that you may choose to start in a residential program, then continue in an outpatient program, as well. The important part is to find a program with the support you need to heal. Finding a program you feel connected with and supported by during your recovery can help you succeed with your treatment goals.
The Value of Compassion
Recovery is a lifelong process, and there are many people in recovery who also choose to dedicate their lives to it. Finding a treatment program where people have lived through addiction and treatment can be very helpful in your process. Those who have experienced substance abuse and treatment in their own lives may have an extra measure of compassion. Look for a program where you will feel respected and supported by the staff. Going through treatment for addiction is difficult, but those who have done it will likely have more understanding and compassion to offer you during this difficult time. Choosing a treatment program that fits you and your needs includes choosing the people who will best be able to help you heal.
How can you find the right treatment program? Do your homework. Know the type of treatment you need and be informed about the type of program that you are committing to. Look for a program that can help you find balance in your personal life while also supporting you and your lifestyle. At Promising Outlook, our staff members have lived through addiction and treatment, which enables them to bring an extra measure of compassion that you need at this challenging point in your life. We offer outpatient services, including therapy and counseling, to help you reach your treatment goals. We offer both individual and group therapy, and we can treat co-occurring mental health and trauma needs, too. Call us at our Riverside, California program at (951) 783-2487. We can answer all of your questions and help you make and keep your recovery goals. We know that choosing a treatment program can be difficult, and we are here to help you make the right decision.