It can be disconcerting when a few casual drinks with friends turn into a severe drinking problem. Alcoholism impacts every aspect of your life, damaging your relationships with others, harming your physical and mental health, affecting your school and job performance, and more.
So, if you suspect that you or a loved one have a problem, it might be time to start looking up “alcohol rehab near me.” However, be prepared to become slightly overwhelmed.
Finding the right treatment center can often be more challenging than accepting you even need help. Thousands of different facilities all promise to lead you to sobriety, but not all of them deliver. If you want to make finding a good rehab center easier, take a look at the following steps that should help you out.
First and Foremost, Consult a Physician
Before you enroll in any clinic or self-diagnose yourself or your loved one, be sure to consult a licensed physician, therapist, or treatment professional. Over 85.6% of US adults drink alcohol, and many engage in binge drinking. However, only about 7.3% of them have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
While that’s certainly a large chunk of the population, it does show that not every alcohol enthusiast necessarily has a problem.
Your physician can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action. They’ll inform you about all your options and help you understand how to deal with alcohol-related problems.
Not everyone with an AUD needs inpatient treatment or an intense program. Sometimes, a well-designed 12-step program is more than enough.
Identify Your Rehab Goals
If you and your physician decide an alcohol rehab center is the best solution, you should start thinking about your rehab goals before you sign up. There are a few things you’ll need to consider when identifying your rehab goals:
- Which substances you’re struggling with;
- Which behaviors do you want to improve or remedy;
- Do you have any underlying issues (mental or physical conditions);
- What do you define as rehabilitation success?
Different facilities will be better suited to you depending on your needs and goals. Suppose you have an underlying condition such as depression, which is identified in 30% to 40% of alcoholics. In that case, you’d benefit most from a treatment center that specializes in such dual diagnoses.
Look into Accreditation, Licensing, and Certification
Every reputable rehabilitation center will have all the necessary certifications, accreditation, and licensing. It’s the only way they can legally operate.
Different states have different licensing requirements, so you’ll have to check which licenses are needed in your area.
Accreditation isn’t always necessary for rehabilitation centers, but it’s always a plus if a clinic has it. It’s usually done by independent third parties like CARF International or The Joint Commission. Accredited facilities need to meet the highest standards of care, so if a center has accreditation, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands.
Finally, certification is also optional, but it does show that a facility has the required skills, experience, and knowledge to provide high-quality care.
Check How Long the Center’s Been in Business
Alcohol- and drug-related problems are seemingly on the rise, with more and more people developing life-altering addictions. Due to this epidemic of sorts, the rehabilitation industry has boomed, valued at $42 billion in 2020 in the US alone.
While this does mean that finding a rehabilitation center in your vicinity is relatively easy, it also means the industry attracts opportunistic “entrepreneurs” who offer subpar services. To make sure you stay away from suspicious treatment centers, it’s in your best interest to only enroll in clinics that have been around for longer than five years.
Fortunately, opportunistic entrepreneurs who don’t put their clients and patients first usually don’t last very long. So, a clinic’s longevity could be a sign of its reputation and trustworthiness.
Assess Available Treatments and Therapies
Hundreds of different treatments and therapies could be suitable for treating Alcohol Use Disorders. And naturally, not all of them would be suitable for you.
Depending on your condition, potential underlying health issues, and overall personality, you’ll respond better to some treatments than others. So, you’ll need to assess all the available treatment options at your preferred facility.
Look for alcohol rehab centers that use a variety of evidence-based practices, and examine them thoroughly before signing up. The better you’re informed beforehand, the more likely it is that your treatment will be successful.
Decide Whether You Want Inpatient or Outpatient Care
Finally, decide whether you want inpatient or outpatient care. For inpatient care, you’ll have to stay and live at your chosen facility for anywhere between 30 and 90 days. The treatment will be more intense, and you’ll spend most hours of your day learning how to gain control over your condition.
Outpatient care allows you to stay at home while you receive your treatment. It can still be very intense, but it allows you to stay close to your family, friends, and support systems. Alcohol Rehab
Final Thoughts
Your chosen rehab facility can mean the difference between achieving sobriety and relapsing. So, make sure to do your research, compare and contrast a few centers, and make an informed decision when you’re enrolling.
