10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Drug Rehab

You know your child has a problem. And now your biggest task is to find him the right drug rehab or alcohol treatment center. Choosing the appropriate drug rehab facility for your teen is a challenging decision, especially for parents who are unfamiliar with addiction. But when your child is barreling down a dark road of drug abuse, there is no time to waste. This will help you know what to look for when researching drug rehab programs, simplifying your decision process.

1. Is the program based on the traditional 12-step program? If not, what is it based on? Many of the most successful treatment centers base a large portion, if not the entire program, on the traditional Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program. This method will help your teen or young adults by meeting his or her spiritual needs while teaching your child about sobriety. If you are considering a program that does not use this method, find out what method they are utilizing and why.
2. Does the center offer dual-diagnosis treatment? A large percent of addicts also have an undiagnosed mental disorder. These disorders can range from depression to schizophrenia. Many times addicts use drugs to self-medicate. A successful center will have the resources to diagnosis and treat many disorders
3. How will the center meet your child’s individual needs? Drug rehab facilities that specialize in teens and young adults should provide schooling so that your child does not fall behind. Some centers also provide college courses and continuing education. The center that you choose should also help meet the spiritual needs of your child. Many do this through programs based on the 12-step program. Individual needs are also met through different types of therapy. Individual, group and family therapy sessions will help your child to understand why he or she used and abused substances. Centers that do not examine all aspects of the teen’s life are not as successful.
4. Does the treatment program encourage you to visit and tour the facilities? In order for you to feel entirely comfortable with the decision you are making for your son or daughter, it is wise to get a real life experience at the facility; meet with staff and talk to actual people enrolled in the program.
5. Is the facility licensed? While drug and alcohol rehab centers are not required to be licensed, those that are generally offer better care and have a more professional staff. They tend to make quality care and service a priority.
6. Does the facility offer detox support? The detoxification process is the first step to sobriety. This process can be dangerous as your teen may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Detox should only be undergone with the care of trained medical personnel. If the rehab you are considering does not offer medically-assisted detox, check to see what the center does offer.
7. What does the admissions process entail? Most treatment centers will have their requirements posted online for easy accessibility. Some require that detox be complete before admission while some will want the detox process undergone with their supervision. Ask about anything you are not clear on.
8. What is the average length of a residential stay and how is the length determined? The rehab program that you choose for your teen should be tailored to your child's individual needs. A “one size fits all” approach to treatment is not successful. The program you choose should ask you and your child questions that will help make this determination.
9. What is the cost? Call your insurance provider and find out what they will pay for inpatient and outpatient services. Be sure to ask the rehab center for an estimate of all the expenses that you will be charged. Research your local, state and federal government’s programs to see if there is any funding available.
10. Does the center provide relapse prevention therapy and aftercare? A successful center will help your teen or young adult to learn coping and life skills that will help maintain sobriety once back in mainstream society. Find out what kind of prevention therapy is provided and what they offer for aftercare. Continuing treatment after leaving the rehab facility will help keep your child sober longer.

Choosing the best drug rehab for your teen or young adult is most likely one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You should have as much information as possible before you make your choice. By arming yourself with knowledge about drug rehab programs, this decision can be made with more confidence.

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