A person considering going to rehab for alcohol.

5 Things to Look For in an Addiction Rehab Center For Alcoholics

Last Updated: Fri, March 29, 2024

If you are ready to take the plunge and seek help for alcohol addiction, you will want to look into local addiction rehab centers. No matter where you live, you most likely have an abundance of options, which can make it challenging to know which rehab center is the best for your situation. In this article, we will be discussing five specific features you should look for in a high-quality addiction rehab center for alcoholics.

1. Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

Before researching addiction rehab centers in your area, you need to understand inpatient and outpatient programs. Some rehab centers are specifically inpatient or outpatient, but many have started to provide both options.

An inpatient program is when you check in to the addiction rehab center and stay there for the length of your treatment. On the other hand, an outpatient program allows you to live outside of the center and have more independence while still getting treatment.

There are benefits and downsides to both options, and an inpatient or outpatient program may be the right fit for you, depending on your situation. You may find that you choose one option but later want to also try out the other option. This is why it is best to find a rehab center that provides both programs so that you have the option available.

2. Alumni Group

When it comes to alcohol addiction, your recovery journey is never going to really come to an end. Any kind of addiction will have a long-term impact on your life and result in you needing to keep up with your recovery indefinitely. That is why you need to find an addiction rehab center that provides more than just treatment programs.

It is ideal if you can find a rehab center that also provides an alumni group. The purpose of an alumni group is to keep in contact with the patients of the rehab center and connect them with other recovering alcoholics and with free resources. Some alumni groups have meetings and events, allowing you to stay connected to the community.

Having this resource available is invaluable, especially if you do not have much support during your recovery. An alumni group can help hold you accountable and connect you with like-minded individuals who understand what you are going through.

3. Mental Health Resources

A lot of research has been done on alcohol addiction and the situations and triggers that can lead to this disorder. We now have a better understanding of alcoholism and how it is often connected to more clinical conditions such as anxiety or depression.

It is best if you can find an addiction rehab center that also provides mental health resources. These resources can include counselors, therapists, and mental health treatment options. Many rehab centers offer dual diagnosis that can help you get to the bottom of your addiction so that you have a better chance of long-term recovery.

4. Medication Management

Depending on the type of treatment you are interested in, you may want to find a rehab center that provides medication management. Some treatment centers do not offer this and have a stronger focus on other forms of treatment.

Although there aren’t many options when it comes to medication for alcoholics, you may want medication management for other conditions. For instance, if you have a dual diagnosis of alcoholism and depression, you may want to start taking antidepressants to aid in your recovery.

5. Amenities

If you are interested in an inpatient alcohol treatment program, you will want to consider the amenities the rehab center provides. However, it is crucial that you keep in mind that just because a center has excellent amenities does not make the treatment more beneficial.

Some rehab centers provide amenities and an atmosphere that rivals many five-star hotels or resorts. But, at the end of the day, what is important is the quality of care you receive that will help you with your long-term recovery.

Some basic amenities you want to look for include:

  • Private rooms

  • Counseling or therapy

  • Adequate staff

  • 12 step program

  • Group counseling

It may also be beneficial if the center provides fitness, nutrition, and other lifestyle programs that can aid in your recovery.

Safety Tips For Researching Addiction Rehab Centers

Anytime you are looking for treatment online, there are certain things you need to be aware of regarding safety. There are plenty of scams and low-quality rehab centers that you should be aware of so that you can do your research safely. Here are some things to keep in mind that can help you find the right addiction rehab center for alcoholics:

  • Overwhelming promises: If a rehab center promises too much, this may be cause for concern. It should never guarantee success or recovery, and you want to be wary of centers that promise things like luxurious amenities that aren’t required for your recovery.

  • Credentials and accreditation: A legitimate rehab center should have all of the necessary credentials and accreditation to be legally operating in your state. This information should be available on the website to prove that it is legitimate and safe.

  • Vague information: If the information on the rehab center is very vague, this could be a red flag. Scam websites will provide just enough information to capture your interest but won’t provide anything substantial to answer your questions.

  • Ads and website location: If you find a rehab center through ads, you want to be very careful and ensure that it is a legitimate center. You also want to be very wary of rehab centers that are located on paid directories or that you find through patient brokers.

Conclusion

If you are ready to join an addiction rehab center for alcoholics, you most likely have an overwhelming amount of options. By narrowing down your focus to rehab centers that provide specific things, you have a better chance of finding the right option that aligns with your goals.

The most important thing is that you are seeking help and have made the decision to get the treatment you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people who are also going through alcohol recovery or to organizations that may provide helpful resources.

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