Questions to Ask When Calling a Rehab Center

The idea of going to rehab can be a bit daunting and overwhelming, but it’s a step that can change your life. If you’ve decided that it’s time for you to get help, choosing the right rehab facility is important. You’ll want to ask a host of questions to find the rehab center that is right for you.

Do You Need Rehab?

If you have not quite decided if rehab is right for you, you can do some self-assessment to determine if you have a substance use disorder that requires treatment. The best way to do so is to evaluate yourself by 11 criteria that are used by mental health professionals to diagnose a substance use disorder. The criteria are:

1. Using the substance more than intended or for longer than intended
2. Wanting to reduce or stop substance use but not being able to
3. Spending excessive amounts of time using the substance or recovering from using the substance
4. Feeling cravings for the substance
5. Failing to live up to responsibilities due to substance use
6. Having relationship problems because of substance use
7. Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to use the substance instead
8. Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while using the substance or under the influence
9. Continuing to use the substance in spite of negative consequences like health issues
10. Needing more of the substance to get the same effects
11. Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not using the substance

If you meet two to three of these criteria, you have a mild substance use disorder, four to five is considered moderate, while six or more is severe.  Any substance use disorder needs treatment, no matter what the level, but it’s a personal decision that only you can make. If substance use is disrupting your life, however, choosing rehab is likely the best decision you can make.

Finding a Rehab Facility

Before you call a rehab facility, you need to know your options. You can check with your insurance provider to get a list of covered rehab centers. You can also get referrals from your primary care doctor.

If you don’t have insurance, you can look for rehab centers that offer payment plans or grants if you are unable to pay in full. You can go to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website to find options near you.

Questions to Ask When Calling a Rehab Center

Once you have options, you can call each facility to ask questions. Here are the most important questions to ask.

1.      Do You Take My Insurance or Offer Payment Plans?

If cost is an issue, you’ll want to find out what options you have. If you have insurance, verify that the rehab center accepts it. If not, ask what other payment options they offer and what the total cost would be.

2.      Do You Specialize in Certain Types of Addictions?

Some rehab facilities only offer programs that are specific to a certain type of addiction, such as alcohol or opioids. Make sure they treat your specific addiction.

3.      What Treatment Options Do You Offer?

Treatment options may be both inpatient and outpatient. If you have obstacles to going to inpatient rehab for 30 to 90 days, an outpatient program may be right for you. However, some addictions need a period of inpatient medically supervised detox to keep you safe during withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol, for example, can be very dangerous. A medically supervised detox lasts for seven to 10 days.  Outpatient programs can last anywhere from eight to 16 weeks.

However, a 30 to 90 day inpatient program followed by an outpatient program is the most effective course of treatment, particularly for severe addictions.

4.      Will I Be Medically Supervised During Detox?

As mentioned, a medically supervised period of detox is recommended for most addictions, so make sure that the rehab center offers that supervision.

5.      Do You Treat Co-Occurring Disorders?

Many people with substance use disorders also suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. When this is the case, both disorders need to be treated at the same time. Many facilities can offer this concurrent treatment, but not all.

6.      What Types of Therapy Do You Use?

The most effective therapies are evidence-based, meaning that there is scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Evidence-based therapies for substance use disorders include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Contingency management
• Relapse prevention therapy

Most rehab centers use multiple types of therapy which occur in a group structure. Ask if individual therapy is provided as well.

7.     What Accreditations Do You Have?

Facilities with accreditations have met certain quality and other standards to become accredited. A few typical accreditations are from:

• CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)
• The Joint Commission (TJC)

8.      Do You Offer Support After Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is just the first step on the road to recovery. Many facilities offer comprehensive treatment programs that include two levels of outpatient care after rehab. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the next step, followed by an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Other ongoing support may be offered by the facility, such as support groups or peer support programs.

9.      What Can I Bring with Me?

It’s good to know what you can bring with you so that you’ll be comfortable. Ask for a list of what you can bring, and what is prohibited.

10.    What Is the Typical Daily Schedule?

You may feel more prepared for rehab if you know what to expect. Ask about the typical daily schedule for meals, therapy, free time, or other activities. In most programs, the majority of your day will be spent in group therapy.

Preparing for Rehab

Once you’ve chosen a rehab center, you’ll need to prepare by making work arrangements, handling your personal obligations, and wrapping up any loose ends. However, the most important thing to do is to prepare yourself mentally. You have to go in with an open mind, and ready to engage fully in everything treatment has to offer.

Some people find it helpful to write themselves a letter before entering a rehab center. It should express your desire to leave your substance abuse behind and to dedicate yourself to recovery.  You might want to include your personal goals, and what is motivating you to get better. Writing this letter can help you to commit fully to the treatment process.

In Closing

Asking the right questions can help you to choose the rehab center that’s best for you. It can also help to prepare you by letting you know what to expect in treatment. At Bridges of Hope, we are happy to answer any of your questions about our facility and our treatment options. We are committed to helping you get on the road to recovery by providing compassionate, personalized, comprehensive care. Give us a call today to learn more.