7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Alcohol Abuse Center

Nov 19, 2023

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Originally Posted On: https://www.recovery-resources.net/7-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-an-alcohol-abuse-center/

Choosing the right alcohol abuse center can feel overwhelming. Find your ideal match by asking these seven key questions.

Sweating, anxiety, constant nausea, and vomiting; all symptoms that can occur within six hours after a heavy drinker’s last drink. Trying to get sober without help could lead to severe symptoms like seizures and hallucinations. Instead of getting sober alone, look for a local alcohol abuse center.

The best alcohol rehab center will ensure you detox safely. They’ll provide tips to help you maintain your sobriety long-term.

Not sure how to choose a rehab? Ask these seven questions to simplify your search! After starting on your road to recovery, you can take control and live a long, healthy life.

1. What Are Your Credentials?

When learning how to choose a rehab center, it’s important to focus on finding experienced, qualified professionals. First, confirm that each treatment facility is licensed and accredited. Confirm that the facility is qualified to treat people with substance addictions.

An accredited facility is committed to meeting a higher standard of care. These facilities focus on the unique needs of each patient. They’ll safely monitor you throughout the duration of your treatment.

Confirm that the facility is accredited by the CARF or Joint Commission. Ask if they have memberships from other associations like the National Board of Certified Counselors. You may find facilities associated with the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

Check with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities to confirm that the facility is accredited. Make sure they’re licensed to operate in California and insured.

Look into the staff’s credentials. Determine if they employ both a medical and clinical staff.

The best alcohol rehab center will employ teams with varying areas of expertise. For example, you may work with a:

Medical doctor
Nurse
Nutritionist
Psychologist
Psychiatrist

Determine if there’s a licensed alcohol and disorders counselor, professional counselor, or certified addictions counselor on staff. If you’re struggling with a mental health disorder, ask if they employ a certified co-occurring disorders counselor. A multi-disciplinary team with varying credentials is more likely to meet your needs.

2. What Treatments Do You Offer?

About 29.5 million people in the US have alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, many never receive the treatment they need. The best alcohol rehab center will customize their treatment plans based on your needs, medical history, or concerns.

For example, does the facility provide both alcohol and drug addiction treatment?

Determine if the facility offers a continuum of care. For example, you may benefit from peer support groups or individual therapy.

Look for evidence-based treatments, including:

Solution-focused brief therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Motivational enhancement and interviewing
Medication-assisted therapies (MAT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Ask about the pros and cons of each treatment option. Discuss the facility’s success rates as well. How often do their patients relapse and return?

Between 40 to 60% of people with addiction relapse. The facility should have a plan to help you maintain your sobriety. Ask about the services you can use after completing treatment.

3. Can You Provide References?

Every facility will want to claim that they’re the best in California. Instead of believing them at face value, ask for patient reviews and references.

Reading online reviews can help you find a reliable, qualified facility that employs professionals you can trust. You can learn from the patients who were once in your shoes.

Look for complaints about a lack of professionalism or facilities that neglect their patients. These reviews can help you determine which facilities to avoid.

4. How Long Are Programs?

Ask about the duration of each treatment program. The facility shouldn’t try to rush you out of the door. Instead, they should offer multiple treatment duration options to suit your needs.

Most programs last about 30 days. Determine if the duration differs for different programs, including:

Intensive outpatient rehab
Outpatient rehab
Inpatient treatment
Partial hospitalization programs

You can learn more about choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment here.

If you’ve struggled with addiction for years (or continuously relapse), you could benefit from a longer treatment period. Talk to someone at the facility. They can make recommendations based on your unique needs.

5. Is There a Detox Component?

Don’t risk trying to get sober alone. You could experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which could become dangerous without medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms include:

High blood pressure
Tremors
Anxiety
Nightmares
Insomnia
Confusion
Irritability
Increased heart rate
Headaches
Sweating
Vomiting
Nausea

Your symptoms could get worse two or three days after your last drink. Mild symptoms could persist for weeks.

The more severe type of withdrawal syndrome is delirium tremens (DT). Symptoms can include seizures, hallucinations, or a high fever. If you experience these symptoms, call for help or visit an emergency room right away.

If your withdrawal symptoms have advanced to delirium tremens, it could become fatal. Getting sober at an alcohol abuse rehab center could save your life.

6. Do You Offer Aftercare?

The best alcohol rehab center will care about your needs even after you leave the facility. Ask about the facility’s aftercare programs. For example, how will they help you transition back into your normal routine?

Encountering old triggers could lead you to relapse. Having someone to turn to can help you maintain your sobriety and a healthy life. You may consider sober housing during this transition period.

7. What Are the Costs?

Determine if your insurance policy will cover a portion of the treatment. If not, ask if the facility offers payment plans.

Look for a facility that will work with you to find a solution. They can help you find an option that suits your budget.

Choose the Best Alcohol Abuse Center in Visalia

Don’t rush to choose the first alcohol abuse center you find online. Instead, use these tips to find the best alcohol abuse rehab based on your needs. Vetting your options can help you get and stay sober.

A customized treatment plan could ensure your long-term success.

Our team at Recovery Resources is dedicated to guiding you on a personalized path to recovery. We provide ethical and effective treatments for substance abuse and mental health issues. Our qualified professionals and in-house medical staff are here to help.