8 Key Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Rehab Care

Amidst rising addiction, influenced by social media, selecting the right rehab for a loved one is critical. Rehab clinics provide refuge and recovery tools, yet choosing one requires careful thought.

Our guide details eight essential things to consider before choosing a rehab, ensuring you pick a place that aligns with your loved one’s needs for the best chance at overcoming addiction. Discover the key factors that make a rehab clinic the right fit for recovery.

1. Clinics that Accept Insurance

Rehab clinics can be pricey due to the extensive support and numerous professionals aiding patients with addiction. Thankfully, many rehab facilities accept insurance, making it easier for those without the means to cover the full cost. If you want to use your insurance for a family member’s rehab:

  • Consult your insurance provider for in-network rehab options.
  • Use online rehab directories.
  • Reach out directly to rehab centers about their insurance policies.

Always check with your insurance to confirm your benefits and coverage. Note that some insurances might limit the duration they cover for rehab.

If your loved one has an addiction, the chances are they do not have any insurance policies for themselves in place, which means they cannot personally apply for rehabs that take insurance for themselves. Fortunately, you can usually pay for your loved one’s stay in rehab using your policy. If your insurance isn’t accepted, look into governmental or organizational financial aid. 

Remember, even with insurance, there might be some additional expenses. So, compare prices across clinics before deciding.

2. The Type of Issues Dealt With

Selecting the right rehab clinic involves understanding the addiction faced by your loved one. Clinics often have areas of specialty, like heroin or alcohol dependency, while others may address various addictions. Ensuring the clinic has a background in treating the addiction in question is crucial.

Investigate the clinic’s treatment offerings to ensure they align with what your loved one needs. For opioid dependencies, for instance, look for clinics providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines medication with counseling and has proven successful.

During your evaluation of potential clinics, inquire about their success and relapse rates to gauge the likelihood of your loved one’s recovery and potential challenges post-rehab.

3. Popularity of the Chosen Clinic

When picking a rehab clinic, its reputation matters. Well-known clinics are typically associated with quality care. Here’s how to check a clinic’s popularity:

  • Look up feedback on the clinic using platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot.
  • See what star rating it has; higher ratings often mean a clinic is respected and favored.
  • Ask for personal recommendations from those with rehab experience.

Remember that newer clinics might still need to get online reviews or ratings. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re not up to par. Just make sure to verify that they’re properly certified and provide the necessary treatments.

4. The Clinic’s Reviews and Reputation

Selecting a rehab clinic requires attention to its reviews and standing. Clinics praised by past patients are typically reliable and provide quality service.

Explore Reviews Online

Diving into online feedback is a smart move to understand a clinic’s standing. Platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot feature real accounts from those who’ve used their services. It’s key to consider both the good and the bad to get the full picture.

Here are a few more points to consider: 

  • Take extremely positive or negative reviews cautiously—they might not be genuine.
  • Recent reviews can give you the latest scoop on the clinic’s current operations.
  • The more positive reviews there are, the better—it shows consistent satisfaction.

Check for Official Recognition

It’s also essential to find out if the clinic has accreditation from esteemed bodies like the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This shows the clinic upholds high-quality standards.

Seek Personal Endorsements

Talking to people with direct experience in rehab can offer valuable insights. They can share their experiences and may help you find the right place.

5. Type of Treatments Offered

When searching for a rehab clinic, assessing the variety of treatment options is crucial. Clinics might use traditional methods or integrate holistic and alternative practices.

Standard rehab approaches often consist of the following:

  • One-to-one therapy: This offers a private setting for patients to tackle their addiction with a therapist’s help.
  • Group sessions: Here, individuals can exchange stories and support each other’s recovery journey.
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This method combines specific medications with counseling to combat opioid addiction effectively.
  • Continued support programs: These are designed to provide ongoing assistance to maintain sobriety post-rehab.

Holistic and alternative methods aim to heal the entire person, not just the addiction, and may include:

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy

The right treatment varies per individual, depending on their specific needs and what resonates with them. If you need more clarification about the best path, consulting a healthcare professional or therapist can guide you.

6. Inpatient or Outpatient Care

Selecting a rehab facility? Consider if inpatient or outpatient care suits your loved one best.

Inpatient Care:

In this setting, patients stay at the facility all day and night. It’s often recommended for those with severe addictions or concurrent mental health issues. Constant supervision and support here can deter a relapse.

Outpatient Care:

Here, patients go to daytime treatments but come home in the evenings. Suitable for those with light to medium addictions and a supportive home environment, it lets individuals maintain their daily routines and family responsibilities.

The right choice depends on their unique situation. If you’re uncertain, consult their therapist or doctor.

Here are a few more additional points to consider:

  • Inpatient care typically costs more than outpatient.
  • Inpatient stays can mean taking a break from work, school, or family.
  • Outpatient care lets patients juggle treatment with work, education, or family roles.
  • It might not be the best for those with intense addictions or simultaneous mental health challenges.

Related: Maintaining Health in Alcohol Rehab

7. Cost of Treatment Over Time

Choosing a rehab can involve many factors, including cost, which differs based on treatment type, duration, and facility location. Usually, staying as an inpatient costs more than outpatient programs. City-based rehabs often charge more than those in less populated areas.

A 2023 National Drug Helpline study shows inpatient rehab averages $1,583 daily, totaling about $47,500 for a month-long stay. On the other hand, outpatient services range between $1,450 and $11,000 for a three-month course.

Remember, these figures are just the average. The real expense can swing widely due to the earlier-mentioned aspects. Plus, extending rehab beyond 30 days can add to the overall cost.

8. Duration of Treatment and Aftercare

Rehab treatment and aftercare lengths can change based on personal needs. Usually, inpatient programs take 30 to 90 days, while outpatient ones might extend for months or even more. It’s often advised to continue aftercare for at least one year post-rehab.

Remember, the duration of rehab isn’t universal. A skilled addiction expert is your best guide to determining the right timeframe.

Several elements can shape the length of rehab and aftercare, such as:

  • The depth of the addiction
  • Present mental health conditions
  • The person’s drive towards recovery
  • Their circle of support
  • The kind of treatment they receive

About Aftercare:

This phase is crucial for lasting recovery. Aftercare offers continued support and tools to help individuals stay sober after rehab. Typical aftercare options include:

  • One-on-one and group counseling
  • 12-step meetings
  • Homes dedicated to sober living
  • Programs aimed at preventing relapse

Related: How Long is Drug Rehab?

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right rehab clinic is vital. Consider the treatment options, staff qualifications, costs, and insurance coverage. 

Ensure the location is accessible and the facility is accredited with a positive reputation. Check their expertise with specific addictions and read reviews for personal insights. 

Confirm they provide a full treatment program with aftercare. Making an informed choice supports your loved one’s successful recovery.

Read next12 Benefits of Rehab for Recovery

References

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), “Struggling with Addiction? Tips on Finding Quality Treatment”
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Recovery Is Possible for Everyone: Understanding Treatment of Substance Use Disorders”
  3. PubMed Central, Iranian Journal of Psychiatry. Mehrnoosh Inanlou et al., 2020, “Addiction Recovery: A Systematized Review”
  4. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Drug Abuse Treatment Toolkit
  5. HelpGuide.org, Addiction, Choosing a Drug Rehab Addiction Program