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How do I Choose Between Types of Drug Rehab?

Alicia Sparks
Alicia Sparks

Unless a judge or some other officer of the court is handling drug rehab therapy preparations for you, there are several considerations you can make that will help you choose from among the different types of drug rehab. You’ll want to think about the kind of drug you’re addicted to, how severe your addiction is, and how long you’ve had the addiction. Depending on your location and resources, you might have to choose from among rehabs that focus on vastly different treatment methods. You’ll also want to consider the costs of various drug rehab centers as compared to your current financial situation. Also, you should make sure you understand its various policies before deciding on a particular rehab center.

Understand that, depending on your situation, you might not get a choice. The kinds of drug rehab available to you might depend on other powers. For example, some people who are convicted of crimes agree to receive drug rehab therapy as part of plea agreements. Sometimes, a judge will order someone to enroll in drug rehabilitation as part of an alternative sentence. Going even further, there are times when a probation or parole officer will send a person to a drug rehab center instead of revoking his probation or parole due to a violation.

One drug rehab center might base treatment on psychology, while another might not.
One drug rehab center might base treatment on psychology, while another might not.

Some types of drug rehab facilities are designed to treat addictions to various substances, while others are designed to focus on one or just a few kinds of addiction. For example, you might find centers that serve both alcoholics and drug addicts, and you might find centers that specialize in treating the addiction of one particular drug. Consider your addiction and determine whether you think a facility that focuses solely on that condition would work better than one that treats various addictions.

Outpatient rehab may offer the opportunity for group therapy.
Outpatient rehab may offer the opportunity for group therapy.

Considering your own addiction will help you also determine whether you should choose inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab, also known as residential rehab, means the patient lives at the drug rehab center. Outpatient rehab means the patient receives drug rehab therapy at the facility but lives in his own home. Typically, patients begin with inpatient rehab and gradually move to outpatient rehab. Factors like availability, level of addiction, and length of addiction will help determine which to choose.

People suffering from a narcotic addiction may require more severe rehab treatments.
People suffering from a narcotic addiction may require more severe rehab treatments.

Keep in mind that you will find that some kinds of drug rehab centers approach addiction treatment in different ways. For example, certain centers might base their treatments on factors like science and medicine, others on psychology, and others still on religion. Your choice will depend on a mix of personal preference and each center’s success rate.

Some drug rehab programs specialize in helping troubled teens.
Some drug rehab programs specialize in helping troubled teens.

Cost is another factor to consider when comparing the different types of drug rehab. Depending on the kind of health insurance coverage you have, your policy may or may not cover drug rehabilitation. If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll have to pay for treatment yourself. Most types of drug rehab aren’t affordable for everyone. If you find you can’t afford treatment, you can look for free rehab centers or facilities that offer low-cost treatment or services on a sliding fee scale.

Cough syrup abuse can be just as harmful as illegal drug abuse.
Cough syrup abuse can be just as harmful as illegal drug abuse.

After you consider every possible factor, be sure to check each center’s credentials before making a choice. Make appointments with administrators and, if possible, talk with patients currently receiving treatment. Ask for information about each facility’s success rate. Also, don’t overlook matters such as the facility’s policies on visitors, dress, and travel passes. These might seem like trivial matters but in some cases they can affect your ability to succeed at a particular facility.

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    • One drug rehab center might base treatment on psychology, while another might not.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      One drug rehab center might base treatment on psychology, while another might not.
    • Outpatient rehab may offer the opportunity for group therapy.
      By: Monkey Business
      Outpatient rehab may offer the opportunity for group therapy.
    • People suffering from a narcotic addiction may require more severe rehab treatments.
      By: fotomaximum
      People suffering from a narcotic addiction may require more severe rehab treatments.
    • Some drug rehab programs specialize in helping troubled teens.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some drug rehab programs specialize in helping troubled teens.
    • Cough syrup abuse can be just as harmful as illegal drug abuse.
      By: ognianmed
      Cough syrup abuse can be just as harmful as illegal drug abuse.
    • Drug rehab programs may be offered as part of a jail sentencing.
      By: Vibe Images
      Drug rehab programs may be offered as part of a jail sentencing.
    • Drug rehab may be helpful for individuals suffering from a pill addiction.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Drug rehab may be helpful for individuals suffering from a pill addiction.
    • Some programs work with friends and family members who have been negatively affected by addition.
      By: mrcats
      Some programs work with friends and family members who have been negatively affected by addition.