Each addiction experience has unique qualities, as do many drug treatment programs. The basic building blocks might be the same, but there are slightly different nuances with each program. The following criteria, both within the facility itself and within the organization’s treatment philosophy, can help you decide which drug treatment program is right for you.

The facility

• Environment

  You must tour the facility to get a good sense of the operations, and even that might not be the most reliable impression. However, things to watch for include staff interactions with other staff, with patients, and with family. Also observe interaction among patients – do they seem relatively happy, sociable and upbeat? A positive, encouraging environment is key to a successful rehab experience.

• Location

  Recovering addicts must also consider the facility’s location. Depending on the circumstances, a considerable geographical distance may be preferred between the treatment site and the site where the drug abuse occurred. This can provide separation from any friends, family and social hangouts that may be a negative influence.

• Cost

  The cost of a facility is, unfortunately, a factor many recovering addicts must take into consideration. However, far from being a prohibiting factor, the cost of a program may be viewed as just a hurdle that can be overcome with help from financial assistance grants, the rehab facility itself, or private medical insurance.

The program

• Services

  A drug treatment program can offer a wide variety of services, depending on the operating budget and the facility director’s priorities. Treatment for dual diagnoses is one service useful to many recovering drug addicts. Dual diagnoses address such co-occurring disorders as schizophrenia or an eating disorder. The addiction and the co-occurring disorder often exacerbate each other. A drug treatment program should also offer aftercare, which is follow-up care after the addict graduates out of the program and returns to regular daily life. Aftercare, essentially ongoing counseling and therapy, can greatly reduce the chances of relapse.

• Detox philosophy

  – Some facilities believe in a medical approach to detox, with the assistance of harmless medications. Other facilities believe in an all-natural approach, sometimes involving a sauna treatment to “sweat out” the drug-related toxins lingering in the body.

• Religious affiliation

  While religious faith may be very important for some, others may consider it a farce and want nothing to do with it. Some facilities do have religious affiliation, so this should be researched before making a decision.

• Addiction philosophy

  Does this facility believe addiction is a disease or a choice? Does the facility’s belief align with that of the prospective program participant?

• Contact policy

  Does the facility allow contact with relatives? If not, then why? You may not agree with everything about the facility, but at least ensure that you are informed with a satisfactory explanation as to why they do what they do.