Seeking treatment or thinking about seeking treatment can feel daunting, even debilitating. These feelings are often experienced by both the individual struggling as well as close family and friends. The good news is that looking for treatment does not have to feel overwhelming. The key is to start asking the right questions.
What Are the Top 5 Questions to Ask When Looking for Treatment?
Many questions often arise when first looking for treatment. Initially, they are most likely questions that try and talk an individual out of looking for treatment.
These are often questions like, “What will I do about work?” “Who will take care of this or that?” “What if I’m not really that bad?” and “What will others think if I go to treatment?” These are all of the wrong questions, and they are all shared by those struggling with addiction. It is the nature of the disease.
Once these doubting questions have subsided, it becomes time to ask more pertinent and positive questions. These are questions that are going to ensure that the treatment process goes as smoothly as possible and the recovery journey is successful in the long term. They are also relatively simple straightforward questions, starting with the first one; “Do they treat what I have?”
Looking for Treatment: Do They Specifically Address My Issue(s)?
It is not uncommon for an individual to end up in a treatment facility that does not focus on their specific addiction or mental illness. This is because the recovery industry is huge and it can be confusing. Yes, a recovery center may treat addiction, but do they treat an individual’s specific addiction? It simply does not make sense to treat a specific disease without a specific program.
Another question to ask is if they treat dual diagnosis. Many people struggle with issues of both mental illness and addiction (and vice versa). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders… Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses,” and “Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.” It is also important to see if a recovery center meets one’s financial needs.
Looking for Treatment: Do They Accept My Insurance And/or Meet My Financial Requirements?
It should first be noted that financial complications should never stop someone from getting the help that they need. There is always a solution if financial issues become an issue. The key is to keep at it and find a place that is going to provide the help and support an individual needs.
That being said, it is important to first see if a recovery center takes one’s insurance or if they are a financially reasonable option. If not, most reputable recovery centers will direct people to a treatment facility that may better meet their financial needs. Some recovery centers also offer a pay scale and payment plan options. There are also government programs that can help an individual find help for addiction and mental illness.
Looking For Treatment: What Type of Treatments Do They Offer?
It is important to understand what type of means, methods, and modalities a facility offers. Generally, the best option is a recovery center that offers many different options.
These options may include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like art, music, and nature immersion therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga and meditation. Usually, the more treatment options the better because it allows for more comprehensive and flexible treatment plans.
Looking for Treatment: Do They Have Different Programs (Residential, IOP, PHP, Etc.)?
It is also important to choose a recovery center that is going to meet specific clinical and scheduling needs. For example, an individual who requires a detox may want to find a recovery center that has a detox program onsite.
Also, choosing a recovery center can depend on the severity of the addiction or illness. If an individual is in the later stages of addiction or mental illness, they may want an inpatient program that allows for 24/7 oversight. An individual who is still “functional” in their day-to-day lives may want to choose something more flexible like an outpatient program.
Lantana Recovery: Do They Align With My Values?
The last question that should be asked is whether or not a recovery center aligns with one’s values. This includes having the same long-term goals for recovery.
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over “short-term” fixes. We also value every one of our clients, which is why we only offer individualized recovery plans.
We understand that with looking for treatment comes many questions. We also know that we are here to answer any of them that come up.
While there are many, there are five specific questions one should ask when looking for treatment. First, do they specifically address my issue? Second, do they accept my insurance and/or meet my financial requirements? Third, what type of treatments do they offer? Fourth, do they have different programs (residential, IOP, PHP, etc.)? Finally, do they align with my values? Asking and answering these questions can best ensure a successful treatment process and recovery journey. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help. You don’t have to do this alone. For more information about finding the right recovery center, please call Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
