Addiction treatment programs are as varied and numerous as the forms of addictions they are meant to address. With this in mind, how do you choose an addiction treatment program that is right for you? The obvious first answer would be the reason for seeking treatment. For example, you may be in need of treatment for alcoholism liberation, prescribed medications and street drug addictions, gambling compulsions, sexual obsessions or a combination of more than one dependency that is significantly altering your ability to enjoy a balanced, healthy and fulfilling life. So yes, it is logical to establish the type of help you need. Let’s call this the “what” aspect.
Determine “where” you want to be treated.
The next step is to determine “where” you want to be treated. Things to consider with this are the environment such as surroundings, smells, colors, décor. This may not seem like major issues, however, these factors do have a profound effect on the success rate for the individual. Are you attracted to natural surroundings or do you need the structure of a medical facility to keep you on track? Also, are you willing to travel or does the program need to be near your current location? Where you receive your addiction treatment program is an important key for your recovery.
How will you obtain the addiction treatment program?
Following the pattern, “how” will you obtain the treatment program? Do you have insurance that will cover this or will you need to self-pay for the help? Will you need a close support system to drive you to appointments and be your crisis buddy or will you be admitted for the entire course of drug rehab treatment? Will you need to make arrangements for childcare or with your employer in order to meet your goals and be able to return to a normal life?
When to start an addiction treatment program.
Sometimes an addict is able to say “when” they would like to start a treatment program and sometimes they do not. There are times when a person crashes and the option to decide when to begin is removed, however, those are not usually the best case scenarios for long term rehab success. If an individual makes a personal decision, no, let’s say commitment, to end a struggle with a familiar addictive behavior, the likelihood that that person can remain sober, dry or clean is drastically improved.
Why participate in an addiction treatment program
With all of that said, lastly the “why” participate in a drug treatment program comes into play. Why do you want to make a change? Are you doing it for yourself or someone else? Is it because of pressure from an employer or did the legal system slam down the hammer and require you to get straight or go straight to jail? Was it the look in your child’s eyes of disappointment or fear? Perhaps social service has threatened to remove your children if you cannot clean up your act and begin to think of those who really need and depend on you instead of your selfish need for gratification? The whys are yours and nobody else’s. They are totally personal.
Just as a newspaper reporter investigates a potential article, you need to ask yourself the what, where, how, when and whys of addiction treatment and create a plan that is suited for you only and not what the latest fad of the rich and famous might be. Do research about the programs available and ask for references from those who have experienced a successful outcome.
