Choosing Addiction Rehabilitation Center - Part 1

How to Choosing Addiction Rehabilitation Center

Choosing a drug or alcohol rehab center for yourself or for a loved one can be an overwhelming and difficult process. Unfortunately, with the rise of the opioid epidemic, the addiction treatment field has seen an influx in deceptive marketing and unethical practices by drug rehab "providers" whose only concern appears to be monetary gain. This leaves many consumers confused and distrustful about where and how to find effective treatment options.

Today, more than ever, consumers need to know what to look for in a rehab center. As you research treatment centers and speak with rehab providers, here are important questions to ask and topics to cover.

Accreditation, Licensing and Certifications

Reputable drug rehab centers are accredited by The Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF®). Both the Joint Commission and CARF are independent, nonprofit organizations that base accreditation on industry performance standards and demonstrated results, quality and value. State licensing is not the same as accreditation given the fact that states vary widely in their licensing requirements.

In addition, drug rehab centers need to be certified in order to advertise their programs and services on Google and Facebook via a third-party provider called LegitScript. This certification ensures that, through a rigorous vetting process, only legitimate, quality treatment centers can advertise their services on these channels. It's a process that provides a level of protection for the consumer.

It's not always obvious which rehab centers are ethical or unethical, so be cautious when researching if you find a multitude of negative news stories about a facility.

Clinical Staff Credentials and Licenses

Credentials and licenses indicate whether the individuals who provide drug rehab programming and services meet nationally recognized standards for professional practice. If clinical staff are not licensed or accredited, they may not have the training and experience needed to provide the most effective care. Specific credentials held by addiction treatment professionals may include LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), CAC (Certified Addictions Counselor) or CCDP (Certified Co-occurring Disorders Counselor).

Multidisciplinary Treatment Team

The highest quality inpatient substance abuse treatment programs involve a multidisciplinary care team in order to address all aspects of the disease—mind, body and spirit. This means your rehab program should include a mix of professionals who work together to create an individualized treatment plan. All team members should be licensed to practice in their particular discipline. Be wary if one staff member wears many hats. A multidisciplinary treatment team typically consists of:

Chemical dependency counselor

Medical doctor

Nurse

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Nutritionist

Wellness specialist

Spiritual care counselor

Use of Evidence-based Practices


The most effective treatment programs rely on evidence-based practices that have been proven through science-based research. Examples of evidence-based practices include Twelve-Step Facilitation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication-assisted Therapies and other treatment models.

Mental Health Services

Many people who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction also have a co-occurring mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. In order to provide the right treatment, an accurate dual diagnosis is needed. For patients with a dual diagnosis, the most promising treatment incorporates care for addiction and the co-occurring mental health disorder at the same time. If an addiction treatment program doesn't provide mental health services, be sure to ask how these services are coordinated with other providers in the community.

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