Picking the right outpatient drug rehab center for you or a loved one can be hard. Many unethical “providers” are using deceptive advertising and false claims to convince people who need help that they’re the best option. Unfortunately, that’s not often the case.
So how can you tell which providers are only looking to rake in revenue and which ones genuinely want to help you treat your addiction?
It’s more important now than ever before that you know what to look for in an outpatient drug rehab center. To help you on your journey, we’ve created this list of things to watch out for while you do your research.
Ensure They are Accredited, Licensed, and Certified
The first and most important sign of a reputable outpatient drug rehab center is that they are accredited, licensed, and certified. The Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities are independent, nonprofit organizations that accredit organizations based on industry standards. They look for results, quality, and value before deciding to accredit any organization.
The Staff Must Have All Credentials and Licenses
In addition to the facility itself having all of the right licenses and credentials, all of the staff should as well. These credentials indicate that the people who provide all of the facility’s rehab and programming are up to industry standards.
If they are not licensed or accredited, they may not have the kind of experience and training that will lead to the most effective care.
A Treatment Team in Multiple Medical Disciplines
Your outpatient drug rehab center should also have a treatment team that is full of professionals from different medical disciplines. Addiction is a systematic disease that requires treating every part of you. This includes your mind, body, and your spirit.
There should be a team of professionals who work together to create a treatment plan custom-tailored to your needs. One staff member isn’t enough to do that.
Evidence-Based Practices
This is a big issue associated with unethical treatment providers. Make sure that the rehab facility you select uses evidence-based, science-backed practices to treat addiction.
Some examples of evidence-based practices are twelve-step programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted therapy.
Other Mental Health Providers
One reason that many people choose to turn to drugs and alcohol is that they are dealing with other mental or medical health issues. Anxiety and depression are both major triggers for addictive behaviors.
For your treatment plan to address all of your needs, it should also help to treat your underlying diagnoses.
If you have a duel-diagnosis, the best treatment for you will be the kind that treats both your addiction and your mental health condition at once. They are two sides of the same coin and to properly heal from one, you have to fix the other.
Check the Treatment Success Rate and Outcomes
Another important factor to help you decide if an outpatient drug rehab center is right for you is what their treatment success rate and outcomes look like. Many facilities don’t measure this metric and it makes it difficult to see how successful their treatment programs are.
If you find a treatment facility that claims that 100% of their patients find success in their rehab programs, run the other way. There is no cure for addiction and no treatment facility is 100% successful, no matter how good they claim to be.
Look around their website to see if they regularly quote peer-reviewed journals when talking about their success rates.
Does Your Insurance Cover It?
Another important factor to consider when looking at any outpatient drug rehab center is whether or not your insurance company will cover treatment there. Many insurance companies do provide an allowance for outpatient rehab. Check with your insurance company to see if this is a part of your policy and then cross-check that information with the rehab center you’re looking at.
Detox Assistance
Many hospitals or health care clinics will help you with medical detoxing. But if you can find a facility that offers this as well, you can start the rehab process as soon as you start to detox.
Make sure that the facility has a medical detox unit that is staffed with nurses and doctors who have experience in dealing with withdrawal. It’s an uncomfortable process that can be both painful and lengthy. So having the right support can mean the difference between your success and failure, especially if you’re in an outpatient program where the temptation to relapse is always within reach.
Support For the Family
Another sign of a great outpatient drug rehab center is that they offer support beyond just the patient themselves. Addiction is a disease that hurts everyone it touches. The damage done by addiction hurts friends, family, and other close loved ones as well.
Many facilities offer treatment for friends and family of drug or alcohol addicts as well.
Your success as a patient in an outpatient drug rehab center is dependent on the people around you getting well. A good rehab facility knows this and will make an effort to ensure that happens.
Find an Outpatient Drug Rehab Center Near You
Finding a good outpatient drug rehab center doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Do your research to ensure that you find the rehab facility that is right for you. In addition to these tips, there are also reviews online that could help you determine if the rehab you chose is reputable or not.
If you or someone you love is dealing with an addiction, remember that you’re not alone. Help is just a phone call away. Contact us today if you’re looking for a rehab facility in the Austin area.
