Deciding to seek help for addiction is a big step and can often feel daunting. The fear of the unknown, paired with the added pressure of making the right choice is an overwhelming feat.
Whether you’re looking to start treatment yourself, or you’re helping a loved one choose a clinic, there are several factors that can aid you in your decision making.
You will first need to decide on the type of treatment and care you require. It’s often advised to seek advice direct from an addiction clinic if you’re unsure. Whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient clinic will ultimately depend on the severity of your addiction, whether you require a medical detox and any additional needs you have that may require specialised care. There are many benefits to both types of treatment.
Residential rehab is thought to be the most effective form of treatment and has higher success rates when it comes to maintaining long-term sobriety. Inpatient rehab allows you to focus on your recovery programme without the distraction of external factors. It also guarantees total abstinence while undergoing treatment.
In contrast, outpatient rehab can be ideal for those unable to commit to a residential stay due to work, childcare or other commitments. It allows you to attend therapy sessions during the week and return home once you finish. However, this type of care isn’t recommended for people suffering from severe substance use disorders, as it does not completely remove access to drugs and alcohol. This in turn increases the chances of relapse during your programme.
While it may seem like choosing a rehab near your home is ideal and convenient, it may not necessarily be the best thing for your recovery. Although you may feel more comfortable being in familiar surroundings, it may not be ideal for your recovery. There is a greater chance of rekindling toxic relationships and falling back into old habits. During some of the more challenging days in rehab, being close to home means you may be more likely to give up and go home.
Opting for a rehab clinic further away can have lots of benefits. Removing yourself from familiar surroundings can help you focus solely on your recovery. Remember, the location you end up choosing will also depend on which facility is able to admit you.
Depending on the nature of your addiction, you may require a medically supervised detox. Maybe people attempt to detox on their own at home however, this is not advised and can be extremely dangerous. Substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines are known to cause seizures during the withdrawal process. To ensure your own safety and wellbeing, a medically managed detox is always recommended.
There are many ways to decide if a rehabilitation centre is appropriate and the Care Quality Commission report can be a great place to start.
CQC is the Care Quality Commission which monitor, inspect, and regulate social care services and providers like GPs, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and care homes. All inspections are performed by highly trained experts who create a report which is graded as either, outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
It’s important that you’re happy with the types of therapy you will be receiving during your treatment. Some clinics offer holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation and fitness. Others incorporate the 12-Steps of recovery into their treatment programme, while some opt for standard treatment programmes. It’s worth finding out how much one-to-one therapy you will receive, and whether the facility offers tailored treatment programmes.
The cost of rehab – whether residential or outpatient – is often what puts people off seeking help. Wanting to keep costs down is understandable but should not come at the detriment of your health. Programme lengths can vary from seven days to three months depending on the facility. It’s unsurprising that individuals completing longer recovery programmes have greater success when it comes to staying sober.
If you’re considering rehab, or you know someone who needs help, but aren’t sure of where to start, Which Rehab can help you find the right clinic to suit your needs. Contact us on 0800 170 7000 to begin your journey to recovery.
