REHAB CENTER

A rehab center is a safe and secure environment in which to pursue the efforts an addict makes to rid himself of substance abuse. If you are responsible for choosing a rehab center for yourself or for a loved one who is considering possible treatment for substance abuse there are numeous centers which could be selected for treatment. Each rehab center has a slightly different approach to treatment but there are at least two major types of programs which are offered which will impact the entire approach which is offered by the specific center. Each one will result in a treatment methodology but oither than that, there isn't much difference in the concept.

The 12-step programs look upon alcoholism and drug abuse as a disease from which the addict must be rescued by a power outside himself. Alcoholics Anonymous is an example of the primary 12-step type programs. Dozens of similar programs have been developed since AA to deal with addictions from drugs to overeating. The non 12-step type programs rely on the philosophy that drug and alcohol addiction is learned habit and behavior, and habits can be changed. This methodology relies on a complete autobiographical retelling of the wrong choices which have been made in the past and a review of how the bad choices have resulted in the addiction. The addict then sets up a plan whereby he or she will replace poor choices with appropriate ones according to the plan which they have built.

 
While the 12-step programs are certainly more commonly used at a rehab center, those that do not use 12-step claim a higher success rate. Studies show that only about 5 to 20% of those who attend a rehab center program which features the 12-step philosophy successfully manage to stay off the addictive substance for a year or more.
When you or a friend or family member have realized that you have a problem with drug addiction and are considering treatment options, the first task will be to choose a drug rehab center program. This decision is critically important to the rest of your life. If you are at all religious, the 12-step programs can work very well for you. If you are not, then a non 12-step program is probably more appropriate. Take the time to educate yourself about the various treatment options and which are offered by the rehab center you are considering. Each rehab center has various programs and activities which you can choose between. The credentials of the staff and the cost of the program and its effectiveness are all major factors to be considered.

Since a rehab center is most likely to be successful when the programs are closely matched with the individual needs, personalities and past experience of the addict, it's important to gather as much information as possible about the program itself before making the decision to check in.

In addition to philosophy and types of programs offered, the rehab center may vary by the types of stay available. For example, there may be short stay programs, outpatient programs, residential programs and inpatient programs, each with its own characteristics and advantages for particular types of clients. An inpatient rehab center is usually one handled through a licensed hospital, while a residential program may not have the same high standards for the medical care which is provided at the facility. Both day treatment and partial hospitalization prgrams are considered outpatient. A partial hospitalization offers residential care and therapeutic treatment both, but they may be in two different locations.

Another thing to check is the price of the treatment provided. The Treatment cost is likely to be impacted by the number and kind of the services which the program includes and of course it makes a difference which services are covered under the health insurance policy you have. It's also important to realize that price is a function of the quality and effectiveness of the program as well. In other words, a low cost program that's poor quality is of little use.

It's almost always a good idea to find a rehab center where medical care on site is part of the program. This is especially important during a medical detoxification program. Doctors and nurses should be present to provide monitoring of progress to make sure the withdrawal from the drugs in completed successfully and safely. Medical professionals who are specialists in the field of addiction medicine can review progress of individuals and adjust the treatment if needed for the development of a particular patient.
Accreditation and licenses held by the rehab center are also helpful in determining the quality of the facility. For example, a rehabilitation center that specializes in treating chemical dependency and holds a JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) licensure has proved they meet the standards set nationally for trhe quality of its medical care.

Drug abuse doesn't affect just the addict. It also has a huge impact on the lives and well being of his family members. It is critically important that the family members of the addict be included in the therapy. When checking out the rehabilitation centers, you will be wise to find out how much time and effort is expended on programs for family members. You also should check on the level of group or family therapy.

The most successful rehab programs provide a level of care even after the stay in the facility is completed. The pathway to recovery often has bumps and relapses and is never easy. It's important that the things which have been learned in the rehab center program should be incorporated into the day to day activities of the recovering addict. The best programs include a high quality continuing care component which aids and assists further progress toward abstinence. It is particularly important that the after-care component of the center programs should be able to help the addict deal with the relapses which occur in a great majority of the the treatment plans.