Rehab Treatment Options
Rehab is all things to all people. We advise clients to be mindful that everyone has different needs, especially when it comes to treatment for an addiction. The longer a person has been in active addiction the longer they may need for their treatment plan.
Good quality treatment is not cheap, so proceed with caution. Check that the centre has the correct licenses to operate. Be on the look out for ‘smoke and mirrors’ responses in regards to this question.There are some less than credible operators in this industry.
It is also very important to look for whether the staff are suitably qualified. Some treatment centres will employ past clients into support work roles.
This can prove very helpful for the support worker (the past client), but is not always helpful for the (current) client.
Treatment programs aim to not only deal with addiction, but also any pre-existing psychological issues including trauma, anxiety, and depression. This is why qualified and experienced staff are critical to increasing a client’s chances of maintaining a period of abstinence.
It is also critical that the client be motivated.
Treatment should be challenging, and should not be regarded as a vacation.
Types of Rehab Treatment
Sober Living House
Time in a ‘Sober Living’ facility would ordinarily follow on from a more intensive programme. Such facilities are also referred to as ‘Halfway Houses’ or time spent ‘In Transition’. Supervision and contact hours – in therapy or group sessions – are usually minimal and there may only be a couple of other people sharing the house.
Outpatient Programs
An intensive outpatient treatment program can benefit someone who is still able to attend work or may have other reasons why a residential programme is not possible.
Residential Programs
Residential treatment is the most engaging and intensive form of treatment for addiction. The client sleeps at the treatment facility while being treated. Length of stays last usually from 30-90 days.
Aftercare
Is is vitally important that the treatment program you choose has a ‘genuine’ aftercare program. Our experience tells us that most treatment centres ‘claim’ to engage in treatment post discharge, but this is very often the forgotten component – with potentially catastrophic consequences.
When choosing a treatment centre, don’t hesitate to ask these 3 questions:
- What qualifications do your staff have?
- What level of training do your staff receive from you?
- Are you clinical staff given clinical supervision?