Deciding to seek professional help for drug or alcohol addiction is one of the most difficult steps in recovery — but it’s also one of the most important. Addiction can not only affect the life of the person battling the addiction but their loved ones as well. This is why it’s so important for those facing addiction to choose the right rehab center for their needs.

Inpatient or outpatient?

One of the first things many people consider when looking into rehab centers is whether they want inpatient or outpatient rehab. With inpatient, the patient will stay at a rehab center to seek treatment. This type of treatment can be highly successful and can be beneficial for those who have been battling addiction for a long time, but it also prevents patients from living in their own home and working while they’re at the center.

Outpatient rehab allows patients to stay at home and visit the center during the day for treatment, meetings, and to talk with their doctors. This allows patients to stick to a somewhat normal routine, but could allow a greater temptation to continue drug or alcohol use. Ultimately, it’s up to the patient and their doctors to decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment would be best.

Consider the facility’s specialties

Each rehab center has different specialties so they can offer the best services possible. This is why it’s important for patients to ask potential centers what kind of treatments or addictions they specialize in. Some rehab centers may focus solely on alcoholism, while others may specialize in treating drug addictions. Furthermore, many rehab centers have a type of treatment they focus on, whether it’s a combination of therapy and medication or a more natural approach to recovery.

For example, the Canadian Centre for Addictions focuses on a holistic approach to addiction treatment. The ccfa assesses not only psychological and physical needs, but social and spiritual needs as well. This program involves addressing patients’ individual needs and can provide a more specialized approach to treatment.

What are your rehab goals?

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider when choosing a rehab center is personal rehab goals — not everyone goes into rehab with the same goal in mind. To discover rehab goals, patients first need to accept that they have an addiction to a specific substance or multiple substances. From there, patients can work with medical professionals to take a closer look at their addiction. Are there mental health disorders or medical conditions that are linked to their addiction? If so, the patient’s rehab experience should also focus on those conditions along with aiming for recovery from substance abuse. Treatment doesn’t have to look the same for each rehab patient.

It’s important that you don’t go into rehab thinking recovery will happen overnight. Instead, patients should focus on setting smaller, more attainable goals. For some people, 30 days sober will be an accomplishment, while others may have their sights set on a whole year of sobriety. Talking about these goals and exactly what patients are looking to get out of their rehab program will help ensure they’re choosing a center that is equipped to help them meet their goals.

Choosing a right rehab center

Choosing a rehab center is not something that should be done hastily. Instead, patients should look into several rehab options, seek advice from medical professionals, and ultimately choose a center that they think will help meet their goals. Not everyone’s rehab experience is the same, and it’s important to choose a center that will fit your personal recovery wants and needs.