Addiction is a real disease. Just like diabetes or cancer. Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her. Although the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge an addicted person’s self-control and hamper his or her ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs. And just like diabetes and cancer, addiction is a condition that requires intensive treatment. Yet when it comes to paying for addiction treatment, many of us don’t feel that we have the same level of financial help at our disposal. But you do. When it comes to private rehab treatment payment options, did you know?
- Most are covered by insurance
- Self-pay (no insurance) rates can be affordable
- Payment plans offered
- Drug rehab loans can be secured at reasonable rates
A reputable treatment center will have caring professionals who will conduct assessments to determine what program is right for you, your loved one or your patient/client/employee. When you call be prepared to give information on:
- Location and personal information
- Addiction history
- Mental health issues
- Insurance coverage (if covered)
This information is critical for an admissions specialist to design a payment plan and treatment program that will fit your needs. [middle-callout] What kinds of treatment programs are there? Studies have shown that merely attending a 30-day rehab program is not enough to treat addiction for the long term. It’s important that you understand what types of addiction treatment programs are out there so that you can be sure you’re going to the right one. It is imperative that you attend a program that utilizes all four levels of treatment. While you may not need to be admitted into the more intensive parts of treatment, a center that offers a comprehensive program is one that shows a commitment to your health and well-being and a dedication to your positive outcome.
The Four Treatment Levels:
Medical Detoxification
Medical Detox is the first step in the recovery process during which the body is cleansed of the toxins leftover by drug use. The product of a successful medical detox is that the person, in a more comfortable way, no longer has any medical risks caused by no longer taking the drug or drinking alcohol. This patient is ready to move on to residential treatment.
Residential/Inpatient
Individuals on the path to recovery must be given the appropriate time, space, and tools needed to focus on themselves and their health. Inpatient care is a highly effective form of addiction treatment because it offers clients a safe, structured, and sober environment, away from everyday distractions and temptations.
Sober Living
Recovery continues but in a less restricted environment. In sober living, patients should participate in a re-teaching of life skills like how to hold a job and open a bank account. This is where they build the confidence they need to manage those skills. It is an important element to treatment that our clients are set up to be successful when they return to life. Not all treatment programs offer this level of care. It is important when you speak to a treatment center that you ask about what life skills will be taught. Without learning or re-learning how to acclimate back to life and the stresses of life, many addicts will relapse.
Outpatient/Alumni
Outpatient care is an extension of an already successful inpatient treatment program. Patients return to their own environments after drug or alcohol treatment, and must voluntarily abstain from drug or alcohol use, which requires a greater amount of diligence and means a higher chance of relapse. Addicts are provided with a strong support network of non-using peers and sponsors that provide a new, positive element of social change in an addict’s life and facilitates long-term recovery. [bottom-inline-cta] What questions should you ask to make sure this treatment center is the right one for you?
- Do you offer all four treatment levels like detox, residential, sober living and outpatient/alumni?
- What types of life skills training do you provide?
- How do you introduce the person in recover back to the struggles and stresses of real life?
- Which one do you think is best for my situation?
- Is there a program schedule?
- Is there a curriculum?
- What types of therapy do you use?
- What types of discharge planning do you have?
Knowing the right questions to ask is the first step to take to ensure that you will get the treatment you need. What are some things to look out for?
- Beware of the admissions center who only plugs their program and nothing else. A good call center will always be able to point you in the right direction for treatment, no matter what your situation is.
- Sometimes, free services can mean treatment isn’t a priority. There should be a reasonable cost for an important decision like going to rehab. Don’t just go for a free service just because it’s free. Go to the right program for you.
- It’s important to work. But you need to work on yourself. Be careful about programs that require you to work for the organization in exchange for room and board. These programs sometimes replace work with treatment.
- Addicts treating addicts. There are centers that use their former patients as counselors. Sometimes, this is a great fit. But sometimes, it’s inexperienced people with little to no training. Find out who the leaders are at the organization. What kind of certifications or training do they have in addiction or teaching life skills?
Just remember… 117 people die each day from drug addiction. It’s not your legacy to bury your child. Or your brother. Or your husband. The right rehab can save them. You owe it to yourself or your loved one to make the call. Paying for a sound rehab treatment program is not complicated nor does it have to break the bank. The positive results from attending a good rehab program will be worth the effort in the long run. A drug addict or alcoholic cannot begin the recovery process without first obtaining the help they need to overcome addiction. Invest in the future of yourself or your loved one.
