How to Choose Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program in Phoenix, Arizona

Finding the right substance abuse treatment program isn’t easy. Here are some tips for finding the right drug and alcohol treatment.

Do you know a young person who is abusing drugs or alcohol? Finding the right drug or alcohol treatment program isn’t always easy. Here are some tips for finding the right substance abuse treatment.

When choosing a drug or alcohol abuse program or treatment center for yourself or a loved one with a substance abuse problem, it is easy to overlook how many options there are or make an uninformed decision while in crisis. Because these important decisions take place during such an emotional time, it’s particularly important not to rush into a decision, but rather to stop and gather information and consider the available options. Hopefully in reading this article you will feel equipped with questions to ask and gain some insight into finding the appropriate drug or alcohol treatment program for your family.

Insurance Network Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs

Most people’s first call is to their insurance company, which provides them with the names of programs within the insurance company’s network. These programs may or may not be the right choice. I meet parents regularly who make an initial appointment to learn about the program suggested by their insurance company and feel that the program does not fit their child. But still, thinking it is the only option, they often proceed — against their better judgment. Look further; find out for yourself if these programs suit you or your family member. If you are going to be working closely with the program, you need to know everyone involved is working toward the same goals and outcomes.

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Research

Take time to research; see what you can find on your own. Start by calling and touring substance abuse treatment facilities near you. Also, see if someone you know has a good personal referral. Get to know what is out there specifically for young people. The needs of a young person are different than those of an adult in treatment.

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Levels of Care

Here are some of the types of substance abuse programs you may find when looking for treatment for a young person that offers different levels of care: Inpatient treatment, Residential treatment, Intensive Outpatient programs, Outdoor programs, and Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

Questions to ask when Choosing an Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program

Regardless of the type of substance abuse program or treatment you’re interested in, it’s critical that you gather not just a lot of information about the program or facility, but the right kinds of information. The following is a list of questions I suggest you ask to make sure you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each substance abuse program you’re researching:

  • Does the substance abuse program or facility specialize in adolescents or young adults?
  • Does the substance abuse program offer a strong family component?
  • Can you meet the counselors who will be working with the young person and parents?
  • Does the counselor have experience working with teens?
  • What is the content of the groups and counseling sessions?
  • Are the other patients in similar situations as your child?
  • Will the focus in treatment be drug and alcohol abuse, or are the groups mixed with other behavioral health issues?
  • Do they offer access to peer support groups?
  • What is offered for parents in terms of education, counseling, support groups, etc.?
  • Is aftercare provided? If so, how long and focusing on what?
  • What happens if there is a relapse?
  • Does the facility offer different levels of care?
  • If your child needs more or less care, would he or she be able to be easily transferred or referred to the appropriate level?
  • What are the credentials of the facility or counselor?

Above all, don’t ignore your intuition. If you or your child feels a specific program is the best, it probably is the right one for your family.

My suggestion to parents or caregivers is to research different options using the above questions as a guide and choose a few they feel would fit their family. If your child is willing to get help, introduce them to these programs by sharing the website or brochures or through a visit to the facility and meeting with a counselor. If he or she is not willing, further intervention may be necessary, and the programs you have chosen may be able to guide you. Either way, if the young person is going willingly or by intervention, make it a family decision. If everyone is on the same page, the whole family can begin to recover together.

Keep in mind that this is a huge and possibly life-changing decision for your family,

The more information you have, the more likely you will have a positive experience.

To find out about Pathway’s Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs call 877-921-4050.