Which Drug Rehab Is Right for You?

When considering drug rehab treatment you will be analyzing a number of factors that might influence your decision.

Should you stay close to home or go far away?
Are you dependent on insurance or can you afford private pay?
Do you want individual therapy?
Do you want to see a psychiatrist?
Do you need any specialized clinical services?
Will you be able to stay in contact with your job or family?

Let’s address these considerations one by one.

Should You Attend a Drug Rehab Close to Home?

This is actually probably the least important consideration. A drug rehab should be chosen based on the clinical program and the ability to address any specialized issues you may have. Limiting yourself to a location close to home may preclude getting the best treatment for your addiction.

Being far from home can also have certain benefits. It creates a feeling that you are truly focusing on recovery and healing and you will not be distracted by what’s “just down the street.”

In the end, the choice of location should be based on what program has the best clinical services and track record for the treatment of addiction and any underlying diagnoses such as depression or anxiety.

Insurance-Dependent or Ability to Pay Privately

If you are dependent on health insurance to fund your treatment, the best thing to do is contact your insurance company and get a full explanation of your benefits. They may also have a list of approved treatment providers. Many plans only pay for outpatient treatment – and will only pay for residential drug rehab if the outpatient treatment fails. They want to focus on the least expensive forms of treatment first.

If you are able to pay privately for care, figure out your budget. This way you can contact the different drug rehabs and find out if they are within that budget. Some drug rehabs will offer some price consideration if you are very serious about your treatment, although this usually depends on demand at that particular rehab.

Do You Want Individual Therapy?

Drug rehab programs vary in how much individual therapy they offer. Most offer group therapy with a limited amount of private therapy. If individual therapy is important to you, make sure you are offered this on a regular basis – twice a week is a good place to start. Generally you will also have to participate in group therapy, but the individual sessions can enhance the effectiveness of these sessions.

Do You Want to See a Psychiatrist While in Rehab?

If you have a psychiatric diagnosis such as depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, or ADHD for example, this will be more critical in your decision-making process. It will be essential that you have access to board-certified psychiatrists while in treatment.

Do You Need Any Specialized Clinical Services?

Do you have a problem with spending? Have you been a victim of trauma and suffer from PTSD? Do you feel your sexual behavior is out of control? These are all specialized issues that require individual attention. A top drug rehab will offer at no extra charge to you access to specialists who can treat these particular issues or any others you may want to address. When speaking with the intake specialists at the drug rehab ask about dual diagnosis and specify what clinical issues you will need specialized services to treat.

Can I Stay in Contact with Work and Family?

Although your primary focus needs to be on addressing your addiction, it is very possible to fit in time each day to check e-mail, make phone calls, and connect with your job and family. Usually special times are set aside for these types of activity, but double-check with the drug rehab you are considering to find out their policy.