FAQs About Treatment & Rehab
Choosing the right rehab facility can make all the difference when it comes to entering long-term recovery from an addiction or related mental health disorders.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions
- How does the treatment facility define success and what is their success rate?
- Are they accredited as a drug & alcohol rehab facility? And if so by whom?
- What are the credentials of their staff?
- Do they provide medically supervised withdrawal?
- What does a typical week in their drug rehab facility look like?
- Can they provide testimonials?
- How do they assist in setting up aftercare?
- Do they have a diverse group of counsellors, and how will you be matched up?
- What is their treatment modality or philosophy?
- Do they work with your insurance company or can they set-up a payment plan?
1. How does the treatment facility define success and what is their success rate?
Many treatment facilities will have had independent reviews of their success. However, success can be measured in many ways. One treatment facility may say they have a 70% success rate, but only be considering clients who remain sober for 6 months; another may claim a 60% success rate based on the results of clients after one year. Whatever their claimed success rate you will want to know how they measured it and what they consider a success.
2. Are they accredited as a drug & alcohol rehab facility? And if so by whom?
The European Association for the Treatment of Addiction (EATA) is the umbrella organisation for the independent drug and alcohol treatment and aftercare sector. EATA represents services throughout the continuum of care. EATA is a registered charity, working to ensure that people with substance dependencies get the treatment they need. EATA works on behalf of its members alongside governmental bodies to help ensure improved access and quality of treatment for people with substance dependencies. EATA is a membership organisation representing 500 services provided by its members in the UK and Internationally. www.eata.org.uk
3. What are the credentials of their staff?
Counsellors working in Treatment facilities will be accredited with either Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP) British Association of Chartered Psychotherapists, (BACP). Some staff will have MSC's, BA's and BSc's for counselling, psychotherapy in Addiction Counselling. Some organisations might be Nurse led and they can discuss with you their staff's certifications and qualifications. Treatment workers from the USA will also be fully accredited. Most states have a system for credentialing drug and alcohol counsellors. These individuals may be Certified Addictions Counsellors (CAC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellors (CADC). These are minimum certifications, lead counsellors should hold MSW or LCSW level or higher. There are a handful of national accreditation organisations including Joint Commission On Accreditation Of Healthcare Organisations (JACHO) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), among others. Organisations accredited by these bodies frequently have undergone site reviews and have measured up to national standards. Don't be afraid to ask a treatment facility's staff credentials.
4. Do they provide medically supervised withdrawal?
With some drugs proper withdrawal supervision can be a matter of life or death. If the treatment facility does not have a detox facility can they recommend one for attendance prior to treatment?
5. What does a typical week in their drug rehab facility look like?
There should be a balance of group and individual therapy. Education sessions, opportunities for reflection and support groups along with other components. Ask to see a copy of their weekly programme and activities.
6. Can they provide testimonials?
No treatment facility would put on display their failures, but they should be able to tell you about their successes. When visiting a treatment facility, ask if it is convenient or appropriate to speak to any of their current clients.
7. How do they assist in setting up aftercare?
Aftercare has been found to be crucial to the success of long-term recovery. A good treatment facility should either offer an aftercare programme or be able to assist you in locating aftercare in your local community
8. Do they have a diverse group of counsellors, and how will you be matched up?
One of the primary determinants of treatment success is a good client-counsellor relationship. Therefore, a match between counsellor and client should be worked towards. Ask to meet the counsellors who would be involved in your treatment programme.
9. What is their treatment modality or philosophy?
Find out if they are 12-step oriented, use motivational, cognitive or behavioural therapies, and then ask them to explain any terms you might not understand.
10. Do they work with your insurance company or can they set-up a payment plan?
Make sure you ask for details of the insurance companies they are recognised by. If your insurance does not pay for treatment work out how payment is to be handled. Some treatment facilities will work with you in negotiating with your insurance company in extending treatment times and daily rates.
Use a systematic program for identifying treatment facilities, which may be right for you. You may wish to print these questions out and keep a separate worksheet for each facilities answers.
LifeLine Therapy Directory can assist you with any queries you may have through our online support assistance.
Our aim is to assist you in identifying the most appropriate treatment options for your needs.
email us at enquiries@lifelinetherapydirectory.com