Choosing a Drug Rehab: 11 Must-Ask Questions

Addiction to drugs—both illicit and legal—continues to grow across the United States. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), since 2000 there have been upwards of 700,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. alone. What’s more, in 2018 of the nearly 19 million people in the U.S. who needed treatment for addiction, only about 3% received it. 

Seeking help for addiction to alcohol or drugs can be the hardest first step in recovery. But when you’re ready to get help and heal, you want to be certain you choose the best addiction treatment center for you. Just as each person is unique, so too are addiction treatment needs. One person may need medication-assisted treatment (MAT) while the next may need on-site physical therapy. 

It’s important to be sure that the drug rehab you or a loved one goes to has the right resources specific to your needs. In order to ensure this, there are certain questions to ask before you commit to a treatment center. There are thousands of addiction treatment centers across the nation finding the right one for you helps to increase your odds of long-term recovery. 

Here are 11 must-ask questions for anyone considering going to an addiction treatment center: 

1. What type of addictions do you treat?

There are a plethora of different types of addiction. Some treatment centers only treat certain types of addiction, like alcohol or certain drugs. While others treat not only addiction to substances but also process addictions like a video or gambling addiction. 

It’s common for individuals to have more than one type of addiction. For example, a person with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) may also have a sex/love addiction or video game addiction. Research shows that it’s important to treat all addictions and any underlying mental health issues at the same time for the best chance of long-term sobriety. 

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we compassionately treat various types of addiction including:

• Alcohol use disorders (AUD)
• Substance use disorders (SUD)
• Process addictions

2. Do you treat co-occurring conditions?

A co-occurring condition is when a person has both a mental health issue and also a substance use issue. For example, an individual may have a problem with alcohol and also be suffering from an anxiety disorder. This is referred to as having co-occurring disorders. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2018 about 7.7 million American adults had co-occurring disorders. And, as with multiple addictions, getting treatment for both disorders while in treatment is essential to solidifying a strong foundation for recovery. If you know or suspect that you or your loved one may have another mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, etc. finding a treatment center specializing in treating co-occurring disorders is vital. 

Futures is one of the premier treatment centers for the treatment of co-occurring disorders. 

3. Do you have any specialized programming?

Along with getting the right treatment for co-occurring disorders, it’s important to be aware of any other extenuating circumstances you may have. Certain groups of individuals, for example, first responders, have specific needs when it comes to addiction treatment. It’s important to seek a rehab that is able to meet these needs with specialized programs. 

From first responders and veterans to those living with chronic pain and chronic relapsers, finding a program that understands the unique needs of these groups can make a big difference in not only comfort levels while in treatment but also for long-term success in recovery. 

At Futures, we know how important it is to provide specialized treatment for these individuals. Our Hero’s Ascent First Responders program offers high-quality, effective, and targeted treatment for our nation’s veterans and first responders. In addition, we offer specialized programming for those living with chronic pain and also those who have experienced trauma. 

4. What age groups do you most treat?

When it comes to getting help for an addiction, it can be intimidating and frankly, scary. It’s vital that you are as comfortable as possible at the treatment facility you or your loved one selects. For this reason, it’s important to find out what age group the addiction treatment facilities you are looking at tend to cater to the most. 

For example, some treatment centers cater to the younger age groups while others only accept adults. Some research shows that certain age groups, like senior citizens, do much better in treatment when they are with other individuals in their age group instead of those further from their own age. 

At Futures, we treat adults in our three different drug treatment programs. 

5. What types of therapy do you offer?

Working through issues associated with addiction is hard work and takes time. It’s vital to have the best evidence-based therapies available at the addiction treatment center you select. This will help to ensure your best chance of long-term sobriety. 

Studies show that both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT) are two of the most effective types of therapy for those with an AUD or SUD. Futures offers both types of therapy and our experienced clinicians customize treatment plans so the therapy best for you and your needs is what you’ll receive. 

Additionally, Futures employs eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as needed. This type of therapy, discovered by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987, has been shown to be particularly helpful when it comes to individuals dealing with trauma and addiction. 

6. What types of treatment programs are available?

Many people mistakenly believe that a treatment center only has one program at each location. However, some treatment centers offer various treatment programs at the same location each catering to the specific needs of their patients. 

Some rehabs have a base program and then offer another specialized program geared toward certain individuals with addiction. For example, the chronic relapser has certain needs different from an individual who is entering treatment for the first time. Being able to address these individual needs helps to further customize treatment. 

At Futures, we offer three different types of addiction treatment programs. These are:

Core

This program is aimed to help adult patients work on both the psychological as well as the physical consequences of substance abuse and mental health issues. 

Orenda

Our Orenda program is geared towards the high-profile individual who is linked to public persona and high-demand occupations where situations and stressor that perpetuate addiction cannot be escaped. This program provides our patients with flexibility as well as the most intensive and personalized care available. 

Rise

This adventure-based experiential therapy program offers clinical programming, outdoor adventures, group activities, and specialized programming well-suited for clients for whom traditional treatment hasn’t worked. 

7. Is there an alumni group and support for post-care?

Clinical treatment is the first step on the road of recovery. After that the work of maintaining your sobriety begins. For many, this can be challenging. Research shows that those individuals with strong support systems outside of clinical care have better chances of staying in recovery for the long-haul. 

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer support outside of treatment. In addition, Celebrate Recovery, SMART Recovery, and Refuge Recovery are also support groups that help individuals get and stay sober outside of treatment.

When you are selecting an addiction treatment center, be sure to see if they have AA, NA, or other meetings as part of their programming. Exposure to the various support groups during treatment helps you to become familiar with them, find one you connect with the most and get connections in your area for when you leave treatment. 

In addition, some of the premier substance abuse treatment centers have alumni groups. AT some treatment centers the groups are active but at others, they do little more than send a single email follow-up after you leave treatment. Finding a strong alumni group can make a big difference in the support you get after leaving treatment.

Futures’ Alumni Group is one of the most active and vibrant around. Futures holds regular alumni events, on campus, locally, nationally, and virtually. Not only that but the Futures alumni team proactively checks in with patients for months, even years after they have left clinical treatment and patients leave with direct connections for support.

8. What additional programs and supports are offered, if any?

In addition to the base programs, it’s important to determine if there are any additional programs, services, and supports. 

For example, some individuals are in very poor physical condition and need to take part in physical therapy and have good nutrition as a part of their recovery program. Others may be more interested in yoga and other types of activities. 

Once you navigate through the first, often most difficult, days of treatment you will most likely begin to gain interest in other activities as well as supportive therapies. Finding a treatment center that offers a variety of options is important to consider. 

Futures offers the following: 

• Physical fitness
• Yoga
• Therapeutic massage
• Hypnotherapy
• Physical therapy
• Nutritional services
• Family therapy
• Support groups

9. What is the cost, do you accept insurance?

According to the NIDA, 52.5 % of individuals who needed treatment for addiction but didn’t get it reported cost as the reason. It’s vital to know what the cost expectations are before you commit to a treatment center. 

Costs can range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands depending on the treatment center. Some treatment centers accept certain types of insurance, others do not. In addition, some treatment centers may occasionally offer scholarships for treatment. 

Determining the cost and how you will pay is crucial when choosing an addiction treatment center that’s best for you. Learn more about Futures’ treatment costs here. 

10. What types of licensing and accreditation do you have? 

It’s vital to be sure that the treatment center you go to has the proper licensing and accreditations. Often this can vary by state but there are two national accreditations to be sure the rehab you select has. 

These are accreditation by the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). These are the two most respected and prominent accrediting organizations for rehabs in the U.S.

Futures is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients and is accredited by the Joint Commission. Our patients are treated by licensed care providers and accredited therapists. Primary therapists are all licensed and hold either a master’s or doctorate degree in the treatment profession. 

In addition, medical director Gloria Dunkin has her MD from the University of Iowa and completed both her general psychiatry residency and fellowship in addiction psychiatry at the University of Miami. Dr. Dunkin is certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine as well. 

Learn more about Futures’ licensing and accreditation. 

11. Any other pertinent questions or concerns.

In addition to these questions, you should ask any other questions you may have. As mentioned, everyone’s recovery needs are unique. You or your loved one may have other issues you need help with or want to be sure can be addressed in treatment. 

Be sure to ask any and all questions you may have—after all this truly is life or death. When you choose an addiction treatment center most aligned with your specific recovery needs, you give yourself the best shot at long-term, sustainable recovery. 

If you want to learn more about Futures and what we offer contact our admissions team online or call 866-804-2098