With the many alcohol treatment programs available it can be confusing.
A web search provides you with a number of beautiful places and therapeutic environments to get help. However, not all these centers offer the same care. Here are some things you should look for in a program.
Licensing / Accreditation – Make sure that the facility you are interested in is properly licensed and accredited. Most states require licensing to function as an addiction facility. Health care accreditation is also an effective standard you can look to for licensure. These facilities have put forth the effort to be accredited as a health care provider, which holds the facility to a higher standard. It is also important to make sure that those who provide therapy and counseling have proper licensing.
Personal Care – Addiction programs must also meet the personal needs of you or your loved one. To do this, a program will individualize their approach in counseling and through therapy sessions. Treatment planning will constantly be changing with recovery and with needs beginning to change as well. Personalized care can also involve family care, couples therapies and additional individualized support.
Dual Diagnosis – Nearly half of those that struggle with drinking can also be diagnosed as having a co-occurring mental health concern. These are things like depressive disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorders and PTSD. You should always look for alcohol programs that offer dual diagnosis treatments and integrated therapies for alcoholism and any mental health concerns that may be present.
Aftercare – Even after going through treatment for alcoholism, one must stay focused on their recovery effort. Relapse is always a possibility, especially during those initial months of sobriety. A good rehabilitation provider will offer further help through long-term aftercare. This can involve an IOP, further counseling, sober living, alcohol monitoring/testing, and involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous. 12-step programs like A.A. provide a fellowship of support and involved services to further strengthen your recovery.