What Five Questions Should I Ask When Looking for Treatment?

You or a loved one may be struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD). Detoxification and rehabilitation are among the most effective treatments, offering the best path for a person to move on from active substance use toward a healthier life. When looking for the best-fit facility for the treatment of you or a loved one, consider which facility provides what you need to be successful and whether they address relapse by giving aftercare plans.

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are a type of disorder that affects the brain, body, and behavior. Factors like genetic makeup, childhood trauma, mental health disorders, or peer pressure can trigger it. In 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that 61.2 million Americans over 18 had a mental health order or a substance use disorder. The continued impact of SUDs on Americans continues to worsen. SAMHSA’s conducted report shared: 

  • 38.5% of persons using substances were consuming illegal substances.

  • 73.1% of those who suffer from alcoholism felt hopeless because of the disease.

  • 11.5% of individuals with SUD use both illegal substances & alcohol.

  • 3.8% of these persons with SUD live with co-occurring disorders, such as a SUD and a mental health disorder.

Treatment can help individuals with SUD recover. As you search for the best facility for yourself or a loved one, prepare yourself with the right questions to ask. A trustworthy treatment center will answer your questions honestly. You can use the following list of questions to assist your research and deliberate on which facility is the most suitable for you or your loved one. 

What Kind of Planning Does the Facility Provide?

Recovering from a substance use disorder is a long-term process that has some bumps along the way. To assure that you can overcome those bumps, a good relapse plan can help you. Remember, though, that even the best-laid plan can fall short. If you do relapse, will the facility offer the support that you need to help you bounce back quickly? Essentially, a good treatment facility will assist you in creating a relapse prevention plan. If you relapse in your recovery process, they will provide you with the support to get back on the path. There are two main types of detoxes that are helpful for you to know. 

  • Medically Assisted Treatment: With a medically assisted treatment, a team of clinicians monitors the participants' blood pressure and heart rate while they are in withdrawal. With such extensive monitoring, clinicians identify any potential issues, like a seizure, before it happens.

  • Medical Detoxes: A medically trained team will assist your detox. They will monitor symptoms 24/7, administering prescribed medications to help to ease withdrawal symptoms.

 At our detox center, Monte Cristo, we create a safe environment for your body to rest, absorb nutrients, and undergo the healing process. We will keep you hydrated and nourished with a healthy diet, and our medical team will determine what exactly you need to detoxify.

What Treatment Model Do They Use?

You can find a variety of treatment models being offered at these facilities. Out of all the methods of treatment, there are several prevalent models offered at these centers. One is a dual diagnosis program, which is beneficial in treating mental health issues alongside SUDs. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another one that treats addiction with therapeutic techniques. Faith-based models are another prevalent model. Faith-based models are effective because they use faith to help those struggling with a substance use disorder to grow spiritually.

Is the Clinical Team Proficient?  

We recommend asking questions about the facilities' team. This team will be providing care during a transformative moment in your life. Ask about the staff’s level of education and experience. 

Will This Program Meet My Needs?

A personal assessment is the first step of any reputable detox or treatment program. The personal assessment gives the healthcare professionals insight into your information, goals, and circumstances. From there, they can form an effective SUD treatment plan tailored to your individualized needs. Some specialized facilities also offer tailored programs for seniors, teens, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. See if the program offers the services that you are seeking. 

Is There an Aftercare Plan?

Recovering from a substance use disorder is an ongoing process. Luckily, many rehab programs offer aftercare programs to help you stay on the straight and narrow. Programs like intensive outpatient programs, aftercare programs, and sober living programs are as important as detox and residential rehabilitation.

It can be hard to decide what kind of detox or treatment is right for you. We hope that these five questions can help you match to the right place. 

Is your loved one is finally ready to get help for a substance use disorder (SUD)? SUDs are a chronic illness that affects a person's brain, body, and behavior. Factors like genetic makeup, past traumas, mental health disorders, or peer pressure can work to trigger it. While substance use disorders can take control of a person's life, they can still rebuild their lives by seeking treatment. While this path alone is great, choosing the right treatment facility can be a challenge. Proper care treats SUD with evidenced-based treatments. When you are considering a treatment facility or a detox for yourself or your loved one, arm yourself with the right research and knowledge by asking the right questions. Making sure that the facility meets the needs of your loved one is crucial for their recovery journey. At Monte Cristo Recovery, we can help you get started on your recovery path. For more information, call us today at (714) 824-9896