Alcohol and Drug Treatment (Rehabilitation) FAQs

Do I, or someone I love, need treatment?

The first step to recovery is admitting a problem exists. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may want to seek treatment.

• Are you preoccupied with thoughts of drinking or using?
• Do others suggest to you that you might have a problem?
• Do you drink or use alone?
• If you drink, can you stop after one glass? Can you stop yourself from using?
• Do you drink or use regardless of the consequences?
• Has your job, your relationships, or your sex drive been negatively affected?
• Do you need to drink or use to have fun or to enhance your social life?
• Do you ever spend money that should be spent on bills?
• Do you hide your use or lie about the amount you drink or use?
• Do you have any legal problems as a result of use?
• Do you use or drink to cope with feelings of pain, anger, and/or depression?
• Do you compromise your values or morals for a drink or to use?

What do I need to consider when choosing a program?

Finding the right treatment program involves careful consideration of such things as the setting, length of care, availability, security, philosophical approach and your or your loved one's needs. Make sure the facility is run by state-accredited, licensed and/or trained professionals, has success statistics, and is organized, clean and well run. Consider the cost and if the facility will accept your insurance or offer payment plans. Also, understand the facilites ability to offer medicine if appropriate, the aftercare support you are likely to receive, and if the patient has any preferences or requirements related to culture, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, age or gender.

What types of facilities exist?

Facilities are typically divided into the following types: Detox, Extended Care, Halfway House, Outpatient, Rapid Detox, Sober House, or Treatment Center. The type you choose depends on your needs.

What type of treatment works?

There is much debate about addition as a disease or as a psychological or behavioral tendency or habit. But most agree that addiction is treatable through programs tailored to individual needs, and that patients can learn to control their condition and live normal, productive lives. Not everyone agrees on what type of treatment works, largely because what works for one individual may not work for another. That is why it is especially important to understand the needs and motivation of the patient to best match them with the type of treatment that will help long term success. Do your own research about facilities, treatment options and success statistics. Ask as many doctors and medical professionals as possible their opinion, especially if they know the patient.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary dramatically depending on facility, treatment program, and reputation. Treatment is usually expensive, typically costing thousands of dollars, but is sometimes covered by insurance, especially if it is primarily a medical facility. If budget is a limiting factor, be sure to inquire about this early in the investigation process.

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