Substance abuse treatment programs are a large investment, and choosing the facility for yourself or your loved one to check into should involve a careful selection process. Here are five important tips from licensed rehabilitation staff members to keep in mind when choosing an addiction rehabilitation center:

• Effectiveness. The first priority in choosing an addiction inpatient treatment program should be its success rate. Addiction can be devastating to a person’s life and health, and nothing should be placed above receiving necessary treatment. The best program for an addict is one that offers services that address that person’s particular addiction struggle, such as drugs or alcohol. Ask the rehab representative what tools, methods and resources are available to the recovering addict. Statistically, addiction rehabs with regular one-on-one counselling sessions have the highest success rate of any addiction treatment.
• Price. Though the quality and effectiveness of the program should always be given first priority, the price of the rehabilitation stay must meet the individual’s budget. Depending on the rehab, services must be paid for through personal income, healthcare coverage or payment plans, so the addiction rehab program selected must be within the inividual’s means. However, letting this factor have too much sway over your decision can be detrimental, as many low-cost facilities lack the resources to provide effective treatment. Facilitated addiction recovery is a healthcare expense, and the rehabilitation centers that are the most current on effective treatment methods will be properly funded.
• After care. Once the program is completed, a good quality rehabilitation center will offer ongoing services to the client in the form of sober living houses, continued support through counselling and other resources, and/or continued treatment free of charge in the case of a relapse. Ask the rehab representative about their ongoing after care and exit strategy, and whether or not they have a guarantee on their program.
• Length. Studies have shown that the longer a patient stays in a rehabilitation program, the more likely they are to avoid relapse. The length of the program a rehabilitation center offers can be an indication of how intensive and involved it is. For people who know that an inpatient addiction option is best for them, the recommended lenth of time for an effective stay is 28-days to 90-days, depending on the severity of the addiction.
• Location. Committing to the right program could mean moving to another vicinity for the addict, or the ideal program could be close to their current address. It is important to consider the location of the addiction rehabilitation center as a recovery tool. For example, if the facility is located near things that will trigger the individual’s addiction, such as favorite bars or places with drug availability, it could be that this program is not ideal for the individual. Changing your setting can change your relationship with the substance you abuse. California residents may want to seek Florida rehabilitation; Washington residents may want to seek an Alberta addiction treatment center; and so on.