To commit to a drug or alcohol recovery program may very well be one of the most impactful decisions of your life. Knowing where to begin getting help can feel overwhelming. While each individual decides upon a rehab facility for unique and personal reasons, asking these ten questions can be a helpful way to start.
- Am I Ready to Stop?
First and foremost, you have to be ready to stop. Rehab works best when you understand that you’re helpless to end your alcohol or drug use on your own, you attend out of a desire to end your substance abuse, and you are willing to accept help from others.
- What is the Detox Process Like?
Regardless of your drug of choice, it’s likely that you’ll need to undergo a period of detoxification, during which the ‘drug’ is physically removed from your body. Ask if the facility provides medically supervised detoxification, and if so, what does that process look like?
- What is the Treatment Philosophy?
There is no one way to help someone with addiction. Because of this fact, recovery centers vary widely when it comes to the programs offered, types of therapy, and treatment philosophies. At the Dunes, we use the Syndrome Model of Addiction, as presented by our Senior Program Consultant, Dr. Howard Schaffer. This approach includes a full physical, emotional, and psychological evaluation, which allows us to develop individualized treatment plans.
- What Will My Individual Treatment Plan Look Like?
It can be helpful to understand what your treatment plan will look like, if the center provides individualized treatment options, or if everyone follows the same protocol. You may want to know which therapies are available/used, and if you’ll have a say in designing your individualized program.
- What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Outside of eating and sleeping, one can’t be in therapy, classes and workshops every hour of every day. How much free time will you have at any given facility, and what will you do with that time? Will you be able to enjoy visits from family and loved ones? Will you be able to check in with your office/work, access emails, and stay in touch with the outside world?
- What Are the Amenities and Facilities Like?
Your time in rehab will be challenging at times. The environment around you can help ease the stress of facing your emotions and personal challenges without the use of drugs or alcohol. Understand where the facility is located, and what it looks like/offers you. Is it quiet, surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty, are there amenities to help you relax, rejuvenate, and rest?
- How Much Will Treatment Cost?
Of course, the cost of your treatment is an important consideration. A counselor is available to review costs with you at all times. It’s possible that your health insurance plan will cover some or all of your expenses.
- What Are the Aftercare Options?
The process of recovery doesn’t necessarily end with your time at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Recovery continues when we return to our families, our jobs, and our daily lives. Weekly Alumni Meetings, the Dunes Sober Network, and our e-Hab Digital Support Network are here for you as a needed support once your 90 days with us has come to an end.
- Is the Program Successful?
Often, the alumni of a treatment program are those who can speak most clearly about the process of recovery. By sharing their stories of challenges, highlights, strength and hope, they remind us that all is possible. When exploring options for treatment, listen to the stories of alumni. It may be possible to attend an open house or hear a scheduled speaker.
- Am I Willing to Try?
Finally, are you ready and willing to try change? Once you’ve decided upon a treatment facility, will you be ready to surrender to the process, or to let go of absolute control and allow others to help you? Trust in your choice to improve your life and give the decision to try your best effort. The best is yet to come.
At The Dunes of East Hampton in New York, you can embark on a journey to recovery in a luxurious setting. Call 877-818-5539 or Contact Us online to learn more and begin alcohol or drug addiction treatment.