Finding the Right Substance Abuse Recovery Center

It is one thing to accept that you need help—it’s another to find a substance abuse recovery center that matches with your, unique self. You want to find one that focuses on your type of addiction, gender and age, while also providing a tailored treatment plan that specifically fits your needs. Finding the right recovery center, metaphorically, is much like strolling through stores for the right pair of pants. Thousands are out there, but few are the perfect fit for you.

So which recovery center holds the key to your success? Start by investigating the principles required for an effective rehabilitation program and the various models that exist within them. These can include in- and out-patient care facilities and holistic vs. medication approaches.

Gold Standards in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Keep in mind: the longer and more intense your drug use, the longer and more intense your treatment will need to be. Regardless of program length, however, support and long-term follow-up are even more crucial to your recovery.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes the principles to an effective treatment program that you should consider in your search. Three pivotal areas are:

1. An integrated approach to recovery. This approach involves treatment that attends to the multiple needs of the patient. These programs address the type of drug(s) used and any associated psychological, social and legal problems subsequently occurring in the individual’s life. It must appropriately consider age, gender and culture for ultimate success.
2. No Waiting Period. Immediate access to the program is available the moment you are ready.
3. Remaining in treatment for a specific period of time. Length of time spent in a program depends on the type and degree of the patient’s problems. Because several addictive disorders occur in the presence of mental illnesses (depression, bipolar disorder, compulsive behaviors, etc.), treatment time should incorporate any co-occurring disorders.

Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Another key to success in a substance abuse treatment program is how well that program fits into your daily life. The time you set aside for a program is incredibly important; if you believe that therapy is nothing but a disruption of your day-to-day routine, chances are sticking to any rehabilitation program will already be a losing battle. Look at these basic treatment models and the demands they will make on your time:

Residential treatment—Involves a “live-in” drug treatment facility with stays for up to 90 days while undergoing intensive treatment (often called “in-patient treatment”).

Intensive outpatient program (IOP)— Not a live-in facility, and scheduling is based around your time and obligations. IOPs require at least three days of therapy, usually involving two- to four-hour sessions, and the main focus is on relapse prevention.

Partial hospitalization — Much like IOPs, partial hospitalization requires a minimum of three days of therapy for a few hours. It’s best suited for individuals who require ongoing medical monitoring.

Sober living — A live-in facility with peer groups by your side. It’s a supportive, drug-free environment, useful for individuals worried that returning home too soon will result in relapse or for those who feel alone in their efforts to lead a stable, sober life.

Holistic or alternative therapies are increasingly offered as adjunct programs for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Acupuncture, hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral applications that reinforce positive new behaviors are showing beneficial results in patients.

Studies show that a foundation model for the highest rate of success—and lowest rate of relapse—is one that incorporates the whole person, mind, body and spirit and not just the addiction itself; medication alone proves woefully inadequate.

Summarily, the best bet for sustainable recovery is to find a recovery center that embraces your unique situation, is carefully scheduled around your responsibilities (when appropriate), provides ongoing counseling after discharge and, of course, is affordable. On the matter of affordability, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures that people with mental illness or addiction issues receive the same health insurance coverage as those with physical ailments.

This article was written by:

Roxanna Jaiden has had a passion for helping people since she was a young girl. After obtaining a degree in social work, Jaiden worked with at-risk youth helping to better their lives, focusing on addiction and body image issues. She is an advocate of educating the public about health and overall well-being and has written for various outlets and businesses, including Casa Palmera, a treatment center in Del Mar, California. Find Jaiden on LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+.

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