When you’ve made the decision to get treatment for addiction, you’ve already crossed the first big hurdle toward recovery. Even when you know you’re ready for treatment, it’s normal to feel confused about what to do next. There are so many treatment centers out there, different types of addiction rehab programs to choose from, and questions to consider, like how you’re going to pay for it. We’re here to help you with everything from getting started to understanding your options.
Where to Start Looking for Addiction Rehab
When you’re feeling overwhelmed about how to find the right addiction rehab program, one of the best places to start is with a professional you already know. Many people feel most comfortable talking to their family doctor or a therapist. Even if you aren’t already seeing a therapist, finding an addiction specialist or other psychologist in your area can be a great way to make that first connection to getting help.
Choose a Location for Rehab
Enter your chosen location below and find a rehab facility near you:
You’ll probably want to stay relatively close to your support structure at home. There are rehab centers all across the United States so chances are you’ll find one. Use the search bar to the right or choose from the cities below:
| Seattle | Detroit | San Francisco | Los Angeles |
| Boston | Boise | El Paso | Dallas |
| Chicago | Missoula | Spokane | Reno |
| Denver | NYC | Louisville | Vegas |
| Kansas City | Portland | Miami | San Antonio |
Find Out What Rehab Your Insurance Covers
One of the biggest questions most people have is how they’re going to pay for treatment. Many insurance plans provide some coverage for addiction treatment, but the extent of what’s covered varies from one plan to another. Here’s our guide on insurance for rehab.
Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”) and Medicaid: If you have a health plan through the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid, your plan is required to cover substance abuse treatment. Because ACA plans are provided through private companies, the specific details of what your plan covers can vary. The best way to find out exactly what coverage you have is to call the number on your health insurance card.
If you have Medicaid, it’s important to note that even though Medicaid covers substance abuse treatment, not every center accepts it. You can search for a center based on whether they accept Medicaid.
Medicare: Medicare is available to individuals who are over age 65 and those with disabilities. If you are eligible for Medicare, your coverage for substance abuse treatment depends on the type of plan you choose. Medicare Parts A and B cover some inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment, but you may be required to pay co-insurance. If you have Medicare Part C (also called a Medicare Advantage Plan), your coverage is provided through a private insurance company. In this case, you will need to check with your insurance company directly to find out what coverage you’re eligible for.
Private Insurance: If you have private insurance, the best way to find out what your coverage includes is by calling your insurance company directly.
Veterans: If you are a veteran, you are eligible for substance abuse treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Regardless of the type of insurance you have, one important thing to note is that some addiction rehab programs cost more than others. Outpatient treatment and more basic treatment centers come at a lower cost than luxury centers that provide extra amenities. With all of this in mind, remember that cost is just one of many factors to consider when you’re looking for the rehab center that’s best for you.
Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment?
The term “rehab” is most often used to refer to inpatient treatment centers. However, some people choose to get outpatient treatment instead, which means you continue living at home during the course of your care. These centers provide the lowest level of care when compared to inpatient treatment, but some are more intensive than others. They may provide treatment from a therapist, a psychiatrist, or an addiction counselor. In addition to individual treatment, some facilities provide group therapy, and they may coordinate regular meetings you can attend, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Because outpatient treatment is a lower level of care, it isn’t best for every situation. Individuals who have a strong social support system at home may do well with outpatient treatment. Even if you do have a strong support system, some people need the more advanced services and the environment of an inpatient center. Most importantly, if you seek outpatient treatment, it’s crucial that you go into it knowing the exact level of care the facility provides.
Inpatient care refers to when you stay at an addiction rehab treatment facility for a certain length of time. Many people benefit more from inpatient treatment than outpatient programs, because you are removed from your day-to-day life. Not only does this mean you are away from triggers that make abstaining from substances more difficult, you also have the opportunity to focus 100 percent of your energy on treatment. In addition to these benefits, inpatient treatment provides a greater level of care, which typically includes medically-managed withdrawal.
What Should You Look for in an Inpatient Addiction Rehab Program?
There are all kinds of inpatient treatment centers, with some that offer specialized care options. Despite these differences, most inpatient centers follow similar methods that are based on established best practices. Any good addiction treatment center will meet these basic standards of care.
When you first enter a residential addiction rehab program, you can typically expect to start with a detox period that is medically managed. This means the facility should have qualified medical professionals who provide oversight and appropriate care as you go through this transition. The side effects of stopping drug or alcohol use can be very intense, and even dangerous in some situations. In many cases, physicians will give medications that help manage the physiological effects of withdrawal.
Following this detox period, the next phase of treatment typically includes psychological treatment for addiction along with peer support. With most care models, this psychological or behavioral treatment includes learning about harmful beliefs that contribute to addiction and ways you can rebuild your life to remain substance-free. The difference in how these behavioral therapies are structured is what primarily sets addiction rehab centers apart. This is why it’s a good idea to explore your options to find the best fit for you.
Photo credit: Pixabay
What Types of Addiction Rehab Programs Do You Connect With?
- Therapeutic Community – A therapeutic community (TC) is one of the most common types of treatment centers. These centers may use a variety of behavioral treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and 12-Step programs, among others. TCs provide a highly-structured environment, and they typically include the whole community as part of your care. For many people, part of what makes this type of program so successful is the process of learning new thoughts and behaviors that help them reintegrate into regular life in a positive way.
- Faith-Based – Some people find that connecting their faith to addiction treatment provides additional support that helps them maintain a life of sobriety. The original 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is rooted in Christianity, and many faith-based programs continue to use the 12-Steps approach.
- Holistic – Many programs are now incorporating holistic approaches to treatment along with traditional therapy. Holistic care is all about the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. This type of addiction rehab program may help you learn ways of handling negative thoughts or triggers through breathwork, meditation, or other practices. You may work on this through time spent outdoors in nature, doing yoga, or via other healthy lifestyle choices.
- Specialized Focus – One of the most important factors in choosing a treatment program is finding one that provides a personalized approach. Many quality programs can give you this individualized approach, but some people feel most comfortable in a setting that is even more specialized. You can find centers that are gender-specific, substance-specific, or LGBTQ+ specific, just to name a few.
- Location – Many people start their search by looking close to home, but limiting yourself to your own hometown isn’t always best. When you limit your search by location, you may miss out on finding the perfect fit for you. For some people, simply getting away from home is beneficial in and of itself.
One last consideration to keep in mind is that some addiction rehab centers provide more comprehensive services than others. For example, would you benefit from employment training or developing social skills that will make returning to “real” life easier? If so, there are care plans that can help you.
The reality is that there isn’t just one solution that’s right for everyone. This wide diversity of addiction rehab program options means that the one that’s perfect for you is out there. You just have to keep an open mind and be willing to take that next step.