So you have acknowledged that you have an addiction and need help to quit. That is a tremendous first step. Next, you must decide where to turn for help. If you choose to look at inpatient treatment programs, make sure you pick the right one for your situation. There are several things you can do to decide this.

Tour the facility

Inpatient treatment programs vary greatly in terms of geographical location and facility atmosphere. Some have a very clinical atmosphere that feels almost like a hospital, and this may be best for very severe addictions to hard drugs like heroin. Other facilities have a spa-like atmosphere, with soft music, trickling water, and soothing interior design. Some are located by the ocean or a lake, some in the mountains, and others in the woods, perhaps near a river. By touring the facility, you can observe how contented the patients appear, and view any amenities on the grounds.

Talk to staff

This is a big decision. After all, you will live here for 30 days or more. It is natural to have many questions. Engaging the staff in discussion can help you answer those questions, as well as provide a sense of how friendly and open the staff is. They should be happy to see you and very willing to answer your questions or direct you to someone who can. If you get a closed, judgmental vibe from the staff, that is certainly a bad sign. You will need support during this addiction battle, and facility staff will be key.

Policies and procedures

You will need to check into all facility policies, like family visitation, detox procedures, and aftercare routines. Detox can take a medicinal or all-natural approach. There is no “correct” way, but it depends on individual preference and the type of drug addiction. For instance, heroin addicts would benefit from a methadone-assisted detox to wean them off a very strong drug. Most facilities offer aftercare with outpatient counseling, but the services and duration of this post-treatment program vary by facility. Perhaps most importantly, the facility should have all the appropriate experts, licensed medical and psychological professionals who are experienced with your type of drug addiction.

Financing options

While money isn’t the first thing you want to consider when comparing inpatient treatment programs, it is an important factor. Even if a facility seems beyond your financial capabilities, it isn’t necessarily out of the question. Insurance coverage may be an option, or the facility may offer patient financing or even sliding scale fees based on an individual’s income.