11 Essential Tips To Finding The Right Treatment Program

Are you looking for a treatment program for your son or daughter?

Would having a few tips help you with the process?

 

Remaining in treatment for an adequerate period of time is critical. ~ “Principles of Drug Addiciton Treatment” NIDA

Have you just discovered that your child is using drugs or alcohol?

Are you confused about where to turn for help?

When I went to Colorado and discovered that my child was dependent on crystal meth, I was scared and had no idea where to turn.

I was not familiar with addiction treatment programs.

My daughter was 19. I felt I had a very small window of time, as my daughter seemed willing to go to treatment. I felt that I had to act fast because things could change at a moment’s notice.

However, I have since discovered that unless it is a life-threatening emergency, it is better to take some time and do more thorough research before you make the decision to place your child in a treatment program.

Searching for a treatment center can be overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with the realization that your child is using drugs, but you feel that their success in beating addiction is at least partly based on the decision that you make about treatment.

There are many websites, with lists of treatment centers as well as offers of help and suggestions on where to go. The thought of spending thousands of dollars with no guarantee of recovery is daunting.

Before choosing an addiction treatment center, educate yourself as much as possible about the different treatment programs available.

Facilities are available for every type of addiction, from sex addiction to narcotics and alcohol. You’ll need to decide between inpatient or outpatient options. Many people cannot afford, or don’t have the time to drop everything and attend a residential treatment program. For them, outpatient care offers the best alternative.

For others, relocating temporarily to a facility gives them the opportunity to let go of out all the distractions in their life and focus solely on their recovery.

Inpatient centers can be expensive. That being said, ask if the treatment center is willing to negotiate the price and if they have any available partial or full scholarships.

Many centers also have payment plans that make it a little easier.  There are low-cost treatment centers as well as free treatment available. Before you start, have a clear sense of what is affordable for your situation.  Be willing to investigate resources that are local as well as far away.

Keep in mind that a number of studies have shown that family-based treatment where support includes the family is more helpful.

According to Anne Fletcher, author of Inside Rehab, the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) is really a package of approaches that’s been determined in multiple research reviews to be among the most effective methods for treating substance problems. The idea behind CRA is that it helps clients adopt a lifestyle that is more rewarding than one filled with alcohol and drugs.

There is no one way or “right” way for someone to recover. One size does not fit all. There are many avenues to recovery.

Here are some tips to help you find the best treatment program for your situation. 

#1: Check with your doctor. It is important to know the physical condition of the person you are concerned about, and whether they need to detox before entering treatment. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to a reputable addiction counselor.

#2: Decide what kind of treatment you are seeking. Weigh the pros and cons of inpatient vs. outpatient treatment.  If the person is under 18, seek out a treatment center that works with teenagers.  You may prefer an all-male or female treatment center.

#3: Call your insurance company and find out what your policy will cover. With the new Obama Care provisions, more insurance companies are paying for all or a portion of the costs.

#4: Go online and visit reputable websites that can help you finding treatment centers. Some starting places are:

• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  (SAMHSA) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1-800-662-HELP
• National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers

#5: Don’t hesitate to ask friends and relatives for referrals. Many lives have been touched by substance use. Supportive friends and family can often be the best source of information.

#6: Call social services and mental health organizations for help. The Parents Toll-Free Helpline is a good place to start. Their number is 1-855-DRUGFREE —  (1-855-378-4373). They are open Monday — Friday from 10:00-6:00 EST. Contact your state health agency to find a list of treatment programs in your state.

#7:  Call counseling services and look for a counselor who specializes in addiction. One resource is The Therapy Directory.

#8: Investigate CRAFT, an evidence-based approach that can be used at home. The Parent’s 20 Minute Guide is mostly drawn from the CRAFT approach which has been proven to reduce or stop substance use in the loved one and increase their willingness to get help.

#9: Intervention is an option that sometimes works. Try it if you feel that it will help, especially if it is a life-threatening situation. Sometimes an intervention can cause confrontation and resentment, so keep this in mind when considering an intervention. The following is a link to find out more information:  Association of Intervention Specialists

#10: For teens, the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) is a helpful resource. Their member organizations must meet ethical and best practices standards. They conduct research to track outcomes.

#11: Check out the No Cost Low-Cost Alcohol and Drug Treatment Directory to find reasonably priced help for your addicted loved one.

It is important to find the best treatment program for your situation. Asking the right questions can help. Download the Treatment eBook: How to find the right help for your child with a drug or alcohol problem from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Remember, According to the National Insitute on Drug Abuse, “Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least three months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment.”

William Miller states, “The longer people stay with something, the better the outcome. That’s true of residential treatment, outpatient treatment, therapeutic communities, medication, AA, and even placebo pills.”

It can be challenging taking that next step to a treatment program, but know that you are not alone and that there is hope for recovery.

Feeling isolated, alone, and ready for support. Click here for more information about setting up your complimentary strategy session. I look forward to talking with you!