The stigma attached to rehab centers may be why only 13 percent of people with drug use disorders receive treatment. But the judgment of society is only one reason why people hesitate to seek help. Even if you’re passionate about healing, you may not know where to start looking for options that fit your needs.
The wrong choice can leave you with an empty wallet and a heavy heart. However, a top-tier rehab facility like a NJ drug rehab center can pave the road to sobriety and keep you straight and narrow.
Here are some of the most common mistakes with selecting rehab centers and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing a Center for the Wrong Reasons
The goal of being sober should be the most important part of choosing a treatment facility. If your choice is based on anything other than this, it’s likely that you won’t be happy with your decision.
Some people choose a rehab center solely on its cost, but this can be a mistake. The best rehab centers aren’t the cheapest ones. The price tag is often a reflection of the quality of care and treatment provided.
While cost should be a vital factor in your decision-making process, it shouldn’t be the only thing driving what type of care works best for you. Instead, focus on the treatment philosophy of each facility.
2. Not Asking Your Doctor or Therapist for Recommendations
To guarantee admission to the right facility, seek counsel from your medical practitioner or therapist. They have a deep understanding of your condition so they’re capable of providing informed suggestions for organizations you can trust.
If they have no affiliation with any health care providers, ask if they could use their expertise to examine a few options for rehab centers. They can also provide insight into what your treatment will look like, how long it will last, and how much it will cost.
If you have any concerns about the effectiveness of treatment at a specific facility, ask them about this as well.
3. Misunderstanding the Different Rehab Programs
The most common rehabilitation agenda is residential treatment. This program offers individualized healing plans and 24-hour supervision in an environment that facilitates recovery.
Despite these benefits, most patients hate the idea of being confined. A residential facility wouldn’t be ideal for someone who has a history of running away from home, hates being around other people, or has a strong desire to maintain their privacy.
If you’re afraid that a residential treatment center will be too restrictive, consider an outpatient program like the Southeast Addiction Center’s IOP Program instead. Outpatient programs allow clients to live at home while still receiving regular therapy.
It seems like an easy choice but outpatient programs don’t work for everyone. Because these agendas allow for more freedom, they may not be as conducive to recovery because members are more likely to make poor decisions when they’re not under the watchful eye of nurses and therapists.
4. Focusing On Extracurricular Activities
When choosing a rehab center, don’t get too hung up on the yoga classes and group activities it offers. While these are great for building your self-esteem and improving health, they’re not going to help you stay sober.
You can focus on the amenities, but be sure the wellness program addresses all your medical and emotional deficiencies. Look for a facility that offers a variety of treatment options to ensure the best chance at recovery, such as:
- Group sessions where you can share experiences with other recovering addicts
- One-on-one counseling with an addiction specialist
- Medication-assisted treatment
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating addiction, so it’s important to find a restorative center that meets your unique needs and your preferences. This can help you set yourself up for success in sobriety and ensure a long-term commitment.
5. Not Asking Enough Questions
Reading online reviews only gives you a snapshot of what people are saying about a facility. It’s best to talk with someone who’s been through the program and can give you more insight into what it’s like on a day-to-day basis. You should also ask questions about the treatment approach and how it will work for you.
Interviewing the rehab team is also important. The right facility will provide you with all the answers you need to make an informed decision about your treatment plan. Ask about rehab center staff, including the psychiatrists and psychologists on staff, as well as their credentials.
You should also ask about the rehab program itself:
- What’s included?
- What’s not included?
- How long is it?
- Is there an aftercare plan?
These are just a few of the questions you should ask before you start therapy. If you don’t get the answers you’re looking for, it may be a sign that the facility isn’t right for you.
6. Getting Caught up in the Shopping Process
As you begin your search for a rehab center, remember that the process isn’t nearly as important as getting clean. The longer you spend looking at different options, the less time you have left to focus on recovery. This can lead to frustration and even more negative emotions that may jeopardize your recovery efforts.
While there shouldn’t be any doubts lingering around in your mind about your choice, it’s important to be flexible and open-minded. Don’t reject a facility simply because it has some imperfections. It’s better to find a treatment center that seems almost perfect, then speak with the staff about any issues you have so they can try to resolve them.
7. Neglecting Licenses and Accreditation
A licensed center is a center that has been approved by the state to provide substance abuse treatment. Accreditation means that the center meets certain standards set by an outside organization.
These two factors can help you feel confident in your treatment facility because they’re signs of quality assurance. If they’re licensed and accredited, then there’s less chance of unsafe conditions or unethical practices.
8. Being Swayed by the First Rehab Program You See
While it’s important to find a rehab program fast so you can get sober as quickly as possible, don’t rush into making any decisions.
It’s natural for anyone seeking treatment for addiction or mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, to feel a bit overwhelmed by the available options. In such situations, it’s tempting to pick the first program that seems like a good fit. But hold on!
Give yourself some time to inspect all your options before deciding where to go for treatment. Your future is worth it.
We suggest spending at least a few days doing thorough research. This should involve checking out website reviews, making phone calls, and browsing through client feedback. Remember, you deserve the best possible care, so take your time to find the right fit.
9. Making Decisions Based on Sentimental Factors
When you’re looking for a rehab center, don’t base your decision on things like location, the appearance of the building, or upbeat staff members. These things are important but they shouldn’t be deciding factors.
Research the facility’s success rates and outcomes. You need to learn whether the programs they’re developing achieve their intended purposes.
10. Settling
The most important thing to remember when choosing a rehab center is that you need to find one that’s suited to you in particular. A good program should work with your schedule, cater to your dietary restrictions, and provide you with a comfortable place to stay.
You don’t have to go to the world-renowned facility in your area if you don’t want to. They might not have what you need. Do not let anyone pressure you into the decision you are not comfortable with.
If you’ve done your research and still don’t like the program, don’t be afraid to walk away. You have endless options at your disposal. Do not settle for the anything less than what you deserve.
Don’t Make These Common Mistakes With Selecting Rehab Centers
The most important thing to remember regarding mistakes with selecting rehab centers is to be honest with yourself. Don’t let emotions or outside factors sway you from making a good decision that will benefit your recovery.
Always make sure the facility you choose has been licensed. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your doctors are reputable. If you want a holistic approach to your recovery, find tips in our health section to improve your well-being. It’s easier to stay sober by using the best possible steps for your whole body (instead of just following someone else’s protocol).