Common Drug and Alcohol Rehab Questions to Ask Before Entering a Program

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that nearly four million people receive treatment for substance use disorder each year. While this is only a fraction of the people who need treatment, it’s still a considerable number, and each person has their own drug and alcohol rehab questions that they need to ask to ensure the program they’re choosing is right for them. If you or your loved one are entering treatment for alcohol or drug addiction, here are some helpful questions to ask prior to entering a program that can make the treatment process easier.

What Kind of Treatment Programs Do You Offer?

There are multiple types of addiction treatment programs, and it’s important that the facility you’re considering is equipped to meet your care needs. Perhaps you or your loved one have already gone to outpatient treatment with limited success and now require residential treatment. Perhaps you simply can’t afford to take time or attention from other areas of your life to enter an inpatient program. Perhaps you need sober housing. Whatever your treatment needs are, ask the representative at your facility if they have the right programs for you.

What Insurances Do You Accept?

One of the factors that will determine the program you choose is whether or not your insurance will cover it. If you’re considering a treatment center that takes private insurance, have the representative you speak to conduct a comprehensive insurance verification to find out what type of treatment is covered under your plan. Many insurance providers will more readily cover outpatient treatment than inpatient because of the costs involved, but the details will vary according to your or your loved one’s specific financial and clinical situation.

Do You Offer Detox?

Many treatment facilities don’t have the resources to offer medical detox and withdrawal management onsite. Before you or your loved one enters rehab, it’s important that your body is medically stabilized after prolonged and untreated alcohol or drug abuse. This will not only help ensure your safety; it will also help you get more out of your behavioral therapy and focus less on cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Instead of going to a separate facility for detox and rehab, try to find a facility that offers both on-premises; this way, you can seamlessly transition between different modes of care with minimal disruption and logistical hassle.

What Should I Bring to Treatment?

If you’re going into an inpatient or residential program, you want to be as comfortable as possible while making sure you’re staying compliant with facility guidelines. One of the most important alcohol and drug rehab questions to ask is: “What items are permitted and discouraged in treatment?” Your representative should be able to give you a comprehensive list of items you can and can’t bring or direct you to a page on their website. Remember that some items are prohibited to keep staff and fellow clients safe.

What Kind of Therapies Do You Offer?

Get an idea of the types of behavioral health therapies your prospective treatment center provides. See if they offer trusted and established therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and more. These therapies are commonly used in the behavioral rehab process and can help you develop coping mechanisms and avoid relapse in long-term recovery.

Do You Have Doctors on Staff?

You or your loved one will want to know that the treatment center you’re considering has experienced doctors, nurses, and therapists on staff to assist with any and all medical and behavioral health needs. The quality and experience of a treatment center’s clinical staff say a lot about them. Ask your admissions representative about what kind of specialists are on staff. The right staff can make all the difference in rehab.

Do You Offer Medication-Assisted Treatment?

FDA-approved medications, like Suboxone®, Vivitrol®, and methadone, have all proven effective in the treatment of opioid and, in some cases, alcohol addiction. When asking questions about drug and alcohol rehab, find out if the facility you’re considering offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if you think it might help you or your loved one.

What Kind of Accreditations Does Your Facility Have?

It helps to know that the treatment center you’re considering is backed by reputable actors in the addiction care industry, such as the Joint Commission and designated state health entities. Ask about their credentials and certifications when inquiring about treatment.

What Is Life Like in Residential Treatment?

If you’re entering residential or inpatient treatment, find out about the comfort and quality-of-life amenities they offer, such as food, recreational facilities, room size, etc. As minor as they may seem, comfort and quality of life can often mean the difference between completion of a program and premature exit.

Ask Recovery Unplugged Your Alcohol and Drug Rehab Questions

You don’t have to remain in the dark about what to expect from treatment. If you or your loved one are struggling with drinking or drug use, Recovery Unplugged can answer many of your questions about drug and alcohol rehab as we guide you toward treatment and a better future. We are available 24-7 to give you all the information you need so you can make an informed decision.

We realize that everyone’s treatment journey is unique and that they have their own questions about the process. Recovery Unplugged accepts most major insurances, offers locations nationwide, and provides multiple levels of care, including inpatient, outpatient, and PHP treatment. You or your loved one will get help from trained doctors, nurses, and therapists who are able to offer a wide range of treatment practices, including medical detox and withdrawal management.

Starting your treatment begins with asking the right questions. One thing that is beyond question, however, is your need for quality and comprehensive care. Let Recovery Unplugged help you begin your treatment process for peace of mind and lasting recovery. Start healing now.