What Should You Ask Before Treatment?

Five questions everyone should ask before entering and while searching for a treatment program

If you’ve taken the step to look into drug or alcohol treatment, you’ve accepted that the best option is to ask for help. A major component of attempting a successful time in treatment is finding the right treatment for you.

One of the biggest challenges for patients in treatment is to stay long enough to achieve the goal of stopping drug and alcohol use in order to lead productive lives in recovery. This means that researching and finding the right treatment is critical.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has a list of five questions that everyone should ask before entering and while searching for a treatment program.

1. Does the Program Use Treatments Backed by Scientific Evidence?

Effective drug abuse treatments can include behavioral therapy, medications, or, ideally, a combination of them all.

2. Does the Program Tailor Treatment to the Needs of Each Patient?

No single treatment is right for everyone. The best treatment addresses a person’s various needs, not just his or her drug abuse.

3. Does the Program Adapt Treatment as the Patient’s Needs Change?

Individual treatment and service plans must be assessed and modified as needed to meet changing needs.

4. Is the Duration of Treatment Sufficient?

Remaining in treatment for the right period of time is critical.

5. How Do 12-step or Similar Recovery Programs Fit into Drug Addiction Treatment?

Self-help groups can complement and extend the effects of professional treatment.

The NIDA, the U.S. Department of Health, and Human Services National Institutes of Health have created a free pamphlet to help further those struggling with finding the right rehabilitation program.

Click here to download or receive a hard copy of “Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What To Ask.”