Addiction Treatment Centers

Types of Addiction Treatment Centers

Several types of addiction treatment centers are available. A licensed therapist, counselor, or medical professional should help evaluate individual needs to determine the best treatment.

Addiction treatment center programs usually involve behavioral therapy, support, self-help groups, and sometimes medications. Inpatient treatment centers offer round-the-clock support, with live-in care, for between four and six weeks. Individual counseling and group counseling take place while the patient lives at the facility. Nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and stress management are stressed during the stay. Outpatient care involves the patient coming to the center for individual and group counseling, from three to five times a week, depending on the level of care needed.

Long-term residential care facilities are another treatment center option. Similar to inpatient treatment centers, long-term facilities usually allow for stays from ranging from four months to one year. They focus on persons with a dual-diagnosis, other mental health problems, physical problems, or severe addiction.

Searching for Effective Treatment Centers

Finding an effective treatment program tailored to your specific needs can be difficult. Many people are limited by financial and familial obligations. Steps to follow when looking for a treatment center include:

• Call your insurance provider. Find out if you are covered for your addiction. If so, ask if they have a listing of centers they cover.
• If you have no insurance, contact your local county or state non-profit organizations. These groups often have listings of more affordable programs in your area.
• Search the listings you receive. Find a center with a program that fits your needs.
• Make sure the center has licensed professionals working at the facility.
• Schedule an appointment to meet with someone from the center and tour the facilities before making a commitment to that particular center.

Questions to Ask

Asking the right questions when you find a treatment center near you is imperative. Things you should inquire about include:

• Ask them to describe the program. Is it a 12-step program, cognitive behavior, or something else? Have them provide you with research confirming their success rates in treating your particular addiction.
• Find out how often and how long each session will run. This is especially important for outpatient centers, because of the scheduling conflicts a person may have with other commitments.
• Find of the cost of the program, if they accept insurance, and what types of payment options they have.
• Ask if they provide referrals for family members who are dealing with your addiction.
• Learn if they can treat other mental health or physical problems.
• Make sure they will continually monitor your progress and re-evaluate your particular needs as you undergo treatment.
• Find out what kinds of medications are prescribed (if any) and under what circumstances.
• Ask if the program has something set up for relapse.

Places to Start

Doing an Internet search is a good way to start your search for a treatment center. Some places to begin your search (which are not endorsed by this website) for addiction treatment centers are:

• National Council on Problem Gambling—provides listings for counselors at treatment centers around the nation
• Sexual Addiction Recovery Resources—lists centers found by the author over the Internet
• Sober Recovery—provides links to helpful resources on Internet addictions
• US Drug Rehab Centers—provides listings of drug rehab treatment centers by state, listed alphabetically by city
• American Society of Addiction Medicine—provides treatment and recovery resources

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