The search for a treatment center can feel like an arduous journey through uncharted territory. For those with no experience with this type of search, even the goals may seem fuzzy. That is why it is important to learn as much as possible from the right sources as soon as possible.
When to Begin the Search for a Treatment Center
The search for the right treatment center begins as soon as a person starts showing signs of addiction. This can seem like a bit of an overzealous move for some, but the truth is that people should not wait to assist their loved one. The more time a person has to fall deeper into their addictions, the harder it will be to retrieve them from the abyss of their own making.
Therefore, the considerations should be made as soon as possible. Even when the right treatment center isn’t within your sights, you can begin to figure out what type of program will benefit your loved one based on their situation.
Who Should Be Involved?
The search for a treatment center can involve as few or as many people as a person feels necessary. Often, there are a handful of loved ones who want to help an individual or who are close enough to realize there is an issue. The hope is to discover it before it becomes a full-fledged problem. However, since this is not often the case, the door is open for a variety of individuals to come forward as resources. These can include:
- Family
- Friends
- Doctors
- Professional organizations
- Recovering addicts
- Local support networks
- Hospitals
People Who Are Trained to Help With a Search
On top of these resources, there are also the treatment centers themselves. For many, the idea of creating a caring and open environment is important to their process. Due to this, they will often attempt to be as transparent as possible about their goals and the types of issues in which they specialize.
Another great resource can be trained interventionists. These professionals work with loved ones to discuss and devise a plan to bring the individual to a place of self-awareness about their condition. They will also act as a guiding force for people unsure of the navigation of the intervention aspect of the process. Many people believe what they see on TV and that they should just sit in a room and go after the individual until they succumb to the pressure.
However, an interventionist understands that this approach does not actually work. They also understand that a person who finally admits to their problems and is ready to accept care must be placed in care immediately. There is no time to wait until the person is finally ready. Therefore, a trained interventionist will assist with creating a plan that starts with the initial discussion with the individual and ends with them literally entering a treatment center.
Why the Right Treatment Center Matters
There are many reasons to choose one treatment center over another. The level of care that is offered may become the lynchpin. For others, it may be the type of therapy being offered.
Levels of Care
There are three main levels of care:
- Full hospitalization
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Outpatient treatment
Many people who look at these treatment centers will attempt to find one that can carry their loved one through the entire process. This means finding a treatment center that starts with full hospitalization and eventually gets them to a point where they are involved in an outpatient treatment program.
Others have either been through the hospitalization program or it has been determined that the best course of action is to begin with partial hospitalization. For these individuals, full hospitalization is unnecessary. However, they still require a level of daily observation and care to work on their issues in a stable and caring environment.
Types of Therapy
There are a variety of therapies offered at treatment centers. Depending on the issues a person has and the depth of their addictions, they may require specific treatments. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- 12-Step facilitation
- Family therapy
These are only a handful of the possible therapies that can be utilized to assist those attempting to overcome their substance abuse issues.
Individual Considerations
The main thing to remember is that treatment may seem like a very generalized field. There are options upon options available. Each facility seems to be offering “the best” care, which can feel confusing. However, it is important to remember that the main consideration is what they can do for your loved one as an individual. Even group therapy programs must be considered from the point of view of how they allow a person to focus on themselves.
This individualized mode of care should exist regardless of the program. Sober Life is an example of a program where an individual can thrive in a variety of environments. However, regardless of the program, the search should always consider the individual first and then find a program based on their needs and not the other way around.
When an individual realizes that they are ready to enter recovery, the last thing they need is an exhaustive treatment center search. Sober Life understands this and can provide information to families in advance of the individual’s choice. It is important for loved ones to prepare for this eventuality so that once the decision has been made, the individual can immediately enter a program. However, finding one that fits can often be a difficult road. Factors such as cost, specific therapies, and general client makeup can both encourage and dissuade certain people. That is why families must find information early so the individual can feel confident in their decision. For more information about Sober Life, please call (619) 542-9542.
