Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands

When you are seeking addiction treatment, you may have no idea where to begin in your search for the right place to go. Fortunately, this valuable guide will highlight important factors to consider as you determine the right rehab program for you.

To start, here is an overview of the factors you may want to consider:

• The severity of your substance use disorder (SUD) and symptoms
• Which type of treatment program will fit best with your schedule
• Treatment modalities and approaches offered by potential facilities
• Cost and duration of treatment program
• Location of treatment program

Effective treatment is individualized.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment path to recover from SUD. You must consider your unique needs going into treatment rather than assuming that any treatment program will do to help you achieve lasting recovery. Therefore, consider treatment facilities that prioritize the use of individualized care. Individualized care works to treat all aspects of wellness instead of a diagnosis or set of symptoms.

That being said, as you choose a treatment program, you must consider the severity of your SUD and all other factors that may influence your treatment experience. If you feel intimidated by the idea of naming your needs, that is okay. Treatment professionals can help you address your needs both before and during a treatment program.

There are five levels of care in addiction treatment.

Once you have a better idea of your needs, you may find it helpful to become familiar with the five levels of addiction treatment. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) states the five levels as follows:

• Level 0.5: Early intervention services
• Level I: Outpatient services
• Level II: Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
• Level III: Residential/inpatient services
• Level IV: Medically managed intensive inpatient services (detox)

As these levels exist on a continuum, you can enter at a level that you and treatment professionals deem most appropriate for your recovery needs and goals. From there, you can move up into more intense treatment or down for less intense treatment as needed. Not all treatment facilities offer all five levels of care, so research each level beforehand to know what level will best serve you. Then, search for a facility that has a high-quality program at that level.

No one enters treatment with the same needs.

When considering individualized care, understand that no two people have the same needs as they enter treatment. For example, you may have severe SUD symptoms that require detox services before you begin an addiction treatment program. Most treatment facilities can help you bridge gaps if they do not offer all the services you require.

Likewise, you may be experiencing severe symptoms of SUD but also have outside responsibilities, such as work or childcare, that preclude you from entering a full-time residential program. Fortunately, many treatment programs can work with situations like this. They create a workable and flexible treatment schedule that will help you establish sobriety while attending to other commitments.

Every program to addiction recovery will offer unique treatment modalities and approaches.

Another factor to consider when choosing a program is what treatment approaches and modalities are offered by potential treatment facilities. Most treatment facilities use a combination of traditional, evidence-based and holistic interventions. However, some don’t offer such a range. It is important to know what treatment options a given facility offers before starting a program.

Here are a few treatment modalities you may want to look into:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Group psychodrama
• Experiential therapy
• 12-Step groups

Your needs can determine what treatment modalities may work best for you. For example, you may have a history of trauma that may influence your recurrent substance use. If this is the case, consider finding a program that emphasizes trauma-informed care.

Some facilities also offer programs specific to certain populations. For example, consider the unique needs of veterans. Veterans programs tailor treatment specifically to address the barriers that veterans face to treatment, helping them reintegrate into their community with effective support. If you are a veteran, you may want to consider participating in a recovery program specifically for veterans.

Cost, duration and location may influence your treatment decision.

Additional factors that are worth considering before choosing a treatment program pertain to the cost, duration and location of a potential option. If you have questions about paying for addiction treatment, consider speaking with your insurance provider to better understand your benefits. In general, the more intense the treatment program, the more it will cost. Still, insurance can do wonders for your ability to afford treatment. Additionally, treatment is well worth the cost.

Every program can vary in duration. Typically, most programs last anywhere from a few weeks up to a few months, depending on your needs and recovery goals. When researching programs, be sure to consider how much time you can dedicate to treatment each week and for how long.

Finally, location can also make or break a treatment decision. Many people live in areas where treatment options are limited. Though this may be true for you, do not settle for a program based solely on location. Sometimes, treatment far from home can be just what you need to start a new life journey. Still, location can tie in with overall treatment cost, so keep that in mind.

Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford is a premier drug and alcohol treatment center that understands how challenging it can be to narrow down your treatment options. We value individualized care when treating our patients. We can help you better understand your needs before you enter treatment. Call us today to learn more at (877) 557-5372.