Looking for Treatment? 10 questions that need to be asked

May 7th, 2010

Once the decision has been made to seek treatment, the next step is to find a treatment center that suits your needs. Here are some questions that can help guide your decision.

1. Does the organization hold any state licenses or some form of national accreditation?
If the organization is reviewed on a regular basis and is accredited, it shows that the organization is continually improving and maintaining the highest standards it possible can.

2. What type of education and credentials does the organization’s counselors hold?
A strong staff is crucial to any organization, as it is directly linked to the quality of the treatment. Knowing the staff’s training and experience will make the process more comfortable for you.

3. Has the organization had any clinical practice lawsuits filed against it within the last five years?
Lawsuits do not necessarily mean that the organization is guilty of negligence, but it is an indicator of how others have felt about the organization.

4. What are the dynamics of family sessions?
It is key for you and your family to understand how communication will be facilitated. Knowing this information before the treatment process begins will clear much of the anxiety for the patient and family members.

5. Do the organization accept insurance and will it process it for you?
Having the treatment center explain all costs to you upfront and reviewing the payment options with you is very important. Being able to recognize how much of the treatment is going to be covered by insurance will allow you to make plans financially.

6. What responsibilities will the treatment process require of me?
Organizations have different methods of ensuring treatment. There is the possibility that you may get limitations placed on your activities and those you can contact.

7. What type of results should I expect after treatment?
It is important to find what the organization will to do you in terms of the change of behavior after you finish their program. Addiction is a chronic disease, and needs to be managed for the rest of your life.

8. How can the organization help me manage my disease after I leave the program?
The treatment experience is the beginning of a journey that will last the rest of your life. You should inquire as to what services the organization has to offer you after you finish their program, and how much that will cost.

9. How will my medical record be affected?
Health care is becoming more integrated, and as a result communication between health care providers is becoming increasingly vital. Learning about how the organization will inform your health care providers is crucial.

10. How does the organization view medication in the assistance of abstinence?
Some organizations utilize medication as part of the recovery process, and some do not. It is important to get all information about their view on this issue and how it will affect your treatment process, so you can choose the one that matches most with your needs.