Making the decision to seek help for an addiction to alcohol or drugs can be a life-changing choice. With the right approach, recovery is both achievable and sustainable.
As with other chronic health conditions, addiction requires ongoing care and support, making it important to seek help from professionals with expertise in treating alcohol and substance use disorders.
Treatment options in substance use centres can significantly vary. Some people attend outpatient centres for daily or weekly care, while others stay at a rehab facility for a set period to receive residential treatment.
With so many options available, how do you select the right private addiction treatment facility? This article will cover some of the key questions you should ask when speaking with a healthcare provider or exploring different treatment programs.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient
There are two main types of treatment options available at an alcohol and drug treatment facility: inpatient (residential) and outpatient (community).
Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care and often involves intensive, structured programs. This option is generally recommended for individuals who also have medical or mental health conditions that would benefit from round-the-clock care and monitoring.
In contrast, outpatient care allows the patient to live at home while attending treatment sessions delivered at various community locations like addiction or healthcare providers’ offices, mental health clinics, or substance use treatment centres during the day. This option is generally used by people whose alcohol or substance use does not put themselves or others at serious risk, and who have stable home environments.
Location
When selecting a treatment program’s location, multiple factors should be considered. Local facilities offer convenience, especially if you have obligations that make long absences difficult.
However, attending a treatment centre away from your typical environment can be very beneficial. Distance from environmental triggers and unhealthy relationships can offer a better chance to develop newer, healthier recovery strategies.
Licensing and Accreditation
Since recovery from drug and alcohol addiction involves both medical and psychological interventions, you should select a program that has been accredited, as this indicates that the facility has been rigorously evaluated to ensure its services meet specific quality standards.
In Canada, six organizations can evaluate addiction treatment programs: Accreditation Canada, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities Canada (CARF), the Council on Accreditation, the Canadian Accreditation Council, the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, and Conseil Québécois d’Agrément.
Similarly, when considering staff qualifications, look for a program that is staffed by experienced professionals holding relevant credentials, such as licensed/registered psychologists (Ph.D., Psy.D., M.A., M.Sc.), medical doctors (M.D.), addiction medicine specialists (M.D.), psychiatrists (M.D.), licensed/registered social workers (B.S.W., M.S.W.), licensed/registered psychotherapists or counsellors (R.C.T.), certified addiction counsellors, or National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) workers.
Staff Members
The best addiction treatment facilities typically feature a team of multidisciplinary experts who work together to address all aspects of the addiction, including the mind, body, and spirit.
All staff members should be licensed in their specific field. Exercise caution when one individual is taking on several responsibilities simultaneously. A multidisciplinary treatment team might consist of the following:
- A medical doctor
- Nurse
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Addiction counsellor
- Dietician
- Social worker
- Peer support worker
- Spiritual care practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Occupational therapist
Additionally, it is important to consider the staff-to-client ratio, as it demonstrates the attention and quality of care you will receive during your treatment. The fewer clients that each staff member has to handle, the more individualized your care will be.
Therapy Options
Therapy and counselling are the most common treatments for alcohol and substance use issues. These services can be delivered in various formats, including for individuals, couples, families, and groups.
The most common approach is individual therapy, where you meet one-on-one with a therapist and counsellor. The second most common involves group therapy, which involves meeting with a therapist or counsellor alongside other patients who are facing similar challenges in a group setting.
Within therapy, several common types are delivered to treat alcohol and other drug use, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A widely used method that helps patients recognize and change maladaptive thoughts and behaviours associated with addiction. CBT equips individuals with strategies to identify triggers, manage cravings, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): A therapeutic approach aimed at teaching individuals coping strategies, emotional regulation, and ways to rebuild relationships. DBT emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): A widely used method in addiction treatment that strengthens patients’ motivation and commitment to a positive goal. MI is a client-centred, directive approach that empowers you to take control of your recovery journey.
- Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT): The use of complementary medications in combination with behavioural therapy to achieve treatment goals. MAT helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for patients to focus on therapy and recovery.
Specialized Programs
Quality addiction treatment facilities avoid a cookie-cutter approach to care. It’s important to find programs where care is customized and individualized to your needs.
This may involve offering gender-specific programs, specialized treatment for survivors of trauma or abuse, LGBTQ+ individuals, or other distinct groups. Some issues discussed in treatment may be challenging to explore in mixed-group settings.
Post-Treatment Recovery Support
Completing an addiction treatment program or regularly attending therapy and counselling sessions is a huge accomplishment. As with other chronic health conditions, addiction requires continuous care and support.
Quality treatment centres offer various post-treatment options, such as relapse prevention plans, alumni programs, sober living homes, phone-based coaching, peer support groups, and additional resources to support your recovery.
Find the Right Private Addiction Treatment Option with Metamorphosis Centre for Change
Choosing an addiction treatment facility requires carefully weighing several important factors, each significant in its own way. The type of treatment (inpatient vs. outpatient), the location of the facility, the qualifications and roles of the staff, and the variety of therapy options available can all affect the program’s effectiveness.
By understanding these factors comprehensively and seeking advice from healthcare professionals, individuals and families can make an informed choice that sets the foundation for a positive path to recovery.
For more information on private addiction treatment options, contact the Metamorphosis Centre for Change. You can call us at 1-888-616-1678 or contact us online.
