Choosing A Drug Rehab Centre

Drug Rehab is all things to all people

We advise clients to be mindful that everyone has different needs, especially when it comes to the treatment of an addiction. The longer a person has been in active addiction the longer they may need for their treatment plan.

Good quality treatment is not cheap, so proceed with caution. Check that the centre has the correct licenses to operate. Be on the look out for ‘smoke and mirrors’ responses to questions in regards to this. There are some less than credible operators in this industry.

It is also very important to look for whether the staff are suitably qualified. Some treatment centres will employ past clients into support work roles.

This can prove very helpful for the support worker (the past client), but not always helpful for the (current) client.

Treatment programs aim to not only deal with addiction, but also any pre-existing psychological issues including trauma, anxiety, and depression. This is why qualified and experienced staff are critical to increasing a client’s chances of maintaining a period of abstinence.

The client must also be motivated.

Treatment should be challenging, and should not be

regarded as a vacation.

Rehab Best Practices

Rehabilitation, when delivered effectively, combines peer group support with that of trained professionals in the field of addiction. A quality service will address all 4 key areas of treatment: Physical, Social, Psychological and Spiritual.

Sadly, it is highly uncommon for an active drug addict to find recovery, and truly get and most importantly stay clean, without some form of intervention, treatment programme and aftercare support.

Residential inpatient treatment is not the only option available, however it is the most effective in majority of the subgroups of ‘addicts’ identified in major studies.

Organizations such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous) are active in many areas and help many people find a new way of life. AA and NA’s 12 step philosophy is widely used in treatment centres and at fellowship meetings.

Best practice, in clinical terms, in drug rehab works on a multidisciplinary approach. A team will include medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers and also employ a variety of therapy techniques.

A treatment centre is an acutely challenging environment for clients and staff alike. This is why, it is imperative that any alcohol and drug rehab centre engage professional staff who themselves receive support in the form of clinical supervision.

Prompt medical attention should also be available at all times in case of emergency. Alcohol and drug detox, for instance, does come with inherent dangers and should only be practiced by those fully qualified to do so and with emergency medical assistance on notice.

When choosing a rehab treatment centre, don’t hesitate to ask these 3 questions:

What qualifications do your staff have?

Are you clinical staff given clinical supervision?

What qualifications do your staff have?

Types of Rehab Treatment

Sober Living House

Time in a ‘Sober Living’ facility would ordinarily be a follow on from more intensive addiction programmes. Such facilities are also referred to as ‘Halfway Houses’ or time spent ‘In Transition’. Supervision and contact hours in therapy or group sessions are usually minimal and there are often only a couple of other people sharing the house.

Outpatient Programs

An intensive outpatient treatment program can benefit someone who is still able to attend work or may have other responsibilities or reasons why a residential programme is not possible for them.

Residential Programs

Residential treatment is the most engaging and intensive form of treatment for addiction. The client stays at the treatment facility full time while going through the treatment programme. Length of stays last usually from 30-90 days.

Aftercare

Is is vitally important that the treatment program you choose has a ‘genuine’ aftercare program. Our extensive experience in the industry tells us that most treatment centres ‘claim’ to engage in treatment post discharge, however unfortunately, this is very often the lacking component in addiction treatment, often leading to relapse.