Finding the right treatment programs for alcohol addiction is imperative to one’s recovery. While health is a birthright, in the world we live in, it is also an industry. Like many industries out there, the health industry has financial goals that are sometimes prioritized before the wellbeing of individuals. Although ethical issues like these do exist, albeit indirectly, there are still plenty of treatment programs out there that are truly dedicated to providing quality care for those that need it. To help you find those goldmines, this article narrows down the three characteristics to look out for in your search for possible treatment programs. These characteristics will tell you whether or not you’re looking at a place that will genuinely treat alcohol addiction or just mimic a five-star hotel.
1. A Staff With Credentials
One way to identify quality treatment programs is to review the information about the staff. Those with credentials that showcase their expertise in treating and caring for persons with alcohol addiction are the people to look out for. If you notice that the strengths listed are limited to fitness instructors, nutrition coaches, and volunteers, you should consider these as red flags. These strengths certainly can improve one’s wellbeing, but they are not specific to alcohol addiction. You want to look out for trained professionals like psychologists, psychiatrists, 12-step leaders, and others who are directly involved in treating alcohol addiction. Expensive facilities often over-advertise their amenities to compensate for inadequate treatment. If you are bombarded with content about organic juice bars, in-house gyms, and ocean views, consider these “perks” to indicate that the program is subpar. As long as direct professionals are included, it is okay if some staff members are listed as volunteers. Many people who recover want to help others who struggled as they once did. Relying on help from people who know just what it’s like to go through alcohol addiction is a positive thing so long as these people are truly recovered. When reviewing staff information, just remember to look out for a balance of professionals and volunteers. You want to ensure that expertise and emotional support are included in treatment.
2. Offers Lasting Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Treating alcohol addiction is a vague concept because of the ways that it can technically look to those who don’t know any better. For example, some programs are dedicated primarily to detoxing patients rather than providing lasting alcohol addiction treatment, learn more about it. In these cases, alcohol addiction treatment boils down to getting alcohol out of a patient’s system. These are jumpstart programs intended to get people back on their feet to move on to more in-depth alcohol addiction treatment programs for lasting recovery. Sometimes, these treatments are necessary, such as when a person is dangerously intoxicated. However, alcohol is an addiction, and like all addictions, it will take behavioral changes and therapy to maintain sobriety over time. If using a detox program is essential to your alcohol addiction treatment, have an aftercare plan established to ensure that recovery lasts. To make sobriety a lifestyle change, you ultimately need an alcohol addiction treatment program that promotes long-term healing. If you come across an alcohol addiction treatment program that advertises the speediness of their recovery programs, this is a good indication that you’ve found a detox-focused program. In reality, treating addiction is a prolonged process, so fast recovery is not exactly something to strive for if you want it to last. Don’t be afraid to think critically about the alcohol addiction treatment programs that you are considering. You deserve the best, so don’t settle for shortcuts. As a side note, be mindful of the 12-step recovery options for alcohol addiction treatment. Although 12-step programs have shown to provide the means for achieving long-term recovery, finding spiritual refuge is not an appropriate part of alcohol addiction treatment for everyone. Look at different protocols to find what is best for you.
3. Financial Flexibility Options
You might think that the fanciest treatment facilities are the best of the best, but these typically focus on general health and see health as an industry rather than a human necessity. There may be genuine staff involvement in these programs, but that doesn’t mean that they are the people best suited to treat alcohol addiction. There is a thin line between alcohol addiction and mental illness; therefore, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to healing and recovery. Consider the treatment protocols that are most effective and look for programs that offer these protocols in their services. Do your research and find efficacy studies on various treatment plans before committing to one program’s approach. Suppose you come across treatment programs with financial flexibility and the attempt to meet people where they are. In that case, you’re probably on the right track to finding programs that truly have the means to treat alcohol addiction. Where there is more compassion, there is better treatment; therefore, finding genuine help will likely coincide with affordability. Call your insurance company and see if any options are covered, and if not, search online for programs with feasible payment plans. It might take some digging, but there are facilities out there that want to make getting help easier. You can also consider switching insurance providers if you find a program with insurance coverage that makes sense for your finances. It is important to think creatively about paying for your treatment. Where there is a will, there is a way, and treating alcohol addiction is certainly a priority to make work. Reach out to family and friends who might give you a loan if times are tough, or work with an independent coach with reasonable rates. There is a solution out there if you’re willing to put in the work.
The Bottom Line
The purpose of treating alcohol addiction is to get better, and most importantly, to stay that way. To achieve real, lasting recovery, look for treatment programs with the credentials, treatment protocols, and financial accommodations that reflect lifelong sobriety, not your dream vacation.
