A recent report revealed that one in seven Americans will battle substance abuse or addiction at some point in their lives. For many, that battle is on-going without the assistance that they need to rehabilitate.
If you or a loved one are in need of help in the battle against substance abuse, the path to recovery can seem daunting. For many, that path begins with the simple search, “drug detox centers near me.”
The problem is that when you look for rehabilitation centers, you’re going to get pages of results with no clear indication of where to turn. How do you know which one to choose?
In order to shed light on this issue, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 8 things to look for in a trustworthy, suitable drug detox center. Read on to learn how to narrow down your search.
Things You Should Be Looking for Drug Detox Centers Near Me
1. Credible Contact Information
Unfortunately, the digital age makes it easier than ever to create websites for fake businesses in order to scam vulnerable people. A real detox center will have their physical address and phone number listed not only on their website but on major search engines like Google, as well.
If you can’t find contact information for a supposed detox center, do not send them your personal information. Keep in mind, as well, that a credible drug detox center will never ask for your banking information before you’ve spoken with them and visited the facility.
2. Accreditation
Drug detox centers should have accreditation that verifies their lawful ability to practice medicine and psychology. Accreditation also confirms that they meet a high standard of care that every family should look for.
Look for the Joint Commission Accreditation for Addiction Treatment Gold Seal, like the one held by this Santa Barbara detox program. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities certification is also a legitimate seal to possess.
3. 24-Hour Care
The needs of a rehabilitation patient do not start at 9 am and stop at 5 pm. Make sure that the detox center you choose provides round-the-clock medical care. Every member of the staff that is directly involved in treatment should have medical or psychological certification.
4. Medical Detox Treatment
Why is it important for individuals with severe substance dependence to detox in a detox center rather than at home? When ridding the body of substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, the patient is at risk of medical problems such as nausea, dehydration, and even seizures.
Medical-based detox treatments monitor the patient for signs of negative side effects and provide the proper treatment. Detoxing with the assistance of medical doctors is the safest way to recover.
5. Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment
Substance abuse is not a physical problem, alone. Pairing medical treatment with psychological treatment is the best way to understand triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms. We highly recommend using a facility that provides evidence-based psychological treatment, at least in addition to holistic or religious treatment.
Evidence-based psychological treatments include:
- Acceptance-commitment therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Community Reinforcement Approach (with or without family training/motivational interviewing)
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Multi-dimensional family therapy
Most quality detox centers will provide more than one type of evidence-based psychological treatments. They will also clearly address the existence of co-occuring disorders, which may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, ADHD, and gambling.
6. Family-Based Treatment
Not every patient will choose to undergo family-based treatment, but it is encouraging to have the option. If the patient is a teen or young adult, family-based treatment is highly recommended.
Family-based treatment allows family members to come together to understand one another’s needs and work through grievances or misunderstandings. It is a safe space to learn new and more productive ways of communicating and supporting one another moving forward.
Patients who are in recovery need a strong support group, and starting fresh with family members can be a positive step.
7. Clear Discharge Planning
Whether you’re signing on for a 10-day detox program or a 30-day detox and rehabilitation program, it’s important to understand how discharging works. Detox center employees should be able to give you a clear and cohesive response when you ask how this process works. If they evade this question, you may want to reconsider.
A solid discharge plan includes continuing care. Getting through the initial detox in a controlled environment is only the beginning of the battle. After resuming daily life, a patient should be involved in a recovery program or attend regular therapy appointments with a substance abuse specialist.
8. Programs Suitable to Your Needs
Not all detox centers are the same. Some focus on a specific substance and do not have the tools or expertise to help patients recover from every addictive substance. Others may admit only specific demographics, most commonly in regard to age groups.
Plus, some detox centers have one or two treatment programs and those may not be suitable to your needs. The best detox centers will offer both in-patient and out-patient treatment. This makes discharge planning easier, as patients can continue receiving aftercare through the same center if needed.
Take a look at a detox center’s programs and read through the descriptions of each. If they are described in detail and contain elements of what we’ve discussed here, then you are likely looking at a quality facility.
Go Beyond Googling “Drug Detox Centers Near Me”
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, don’t be afraid to seek help. You might start with something as simple as searching, “drug detox centers near me.” From there, use our guide to make an informed decision and begin the journey to recovery.
No matter what you’re going through, we’ve got content to help. Take a look around at the rest of our articles and bookmark our page to stay up to date.
