If you suspect or know you have a substance use disorder (SUD), then you may need addiction treatment. However, with so many treatment options available, it can be challenging to narrow down a treatment facility or program. When seeking treatment, researching different facilities and services can help you better understand your options. Additionally, speaking to treatment professionals at specific facilities can help you make an informed decision about what program you choose.
Why Might I Need SUD Treatment?
Substance abuse and SUD affect the mind and body. Alcohol and other drugs impair a person’s ability to process information and memories and interfere with their ability to learn.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says the changes in the body and mind are the “body’s attempt to adjust to or compensate for the intermittent or chronic presence of substances.” They continue to explain that “repeated exposure to a substance can also lead to adaptations in the reward circuitry that oppose and/or neutralize the substance’s effects.”
When you begin feeling these adaptions – or changes in your body and mind – as a result of substance abuse, it may indicate that it is time to seek treatment for SUD.
What Is the Benefit of Going Through Treatment?
When treatment is necessary, it can help better your life tremendously. While struggling with substance abuse, you may feel fogginess in the brain. You may not feel able to make sound decisions at work or in your life. Further, you may be constantly exhausted. Any of these side effects from intoxicants can encourage a person to seek treatment in an effort to cease these cognitive and physical symptoms.
By going through a treatment program, you gain accountability and have access to a sober community. Surrounding yourself with supportive peers and focusing on recovery can help you establish and maintain lasting sobriety.
How Do I Research a Treatment Facility?
The best way to find a treatment program to meet your needs is to research facilities yourself. However, there are aspects to look for in a treatment center that can help you figure out if it is worth your while. Consider the following:
The Treatment Centers Philosophy
The philosophy of a treatment facility matters. When researching, you should first read their “About Us” page or call their facility to learn about what they stand for. Reading their philosophy can tell you what the treatment facility prioritizes and what they value. If the philosophy is referencing the needs of their clients, it is a sign that they value their clients’ recoveries over profit.
The Center’s Treatment Approach
There are different treatment modalities available for addiction recovery. Some are more effective than others. Additionally, not all treatment centers provide all approaches, such as trauma-informed care. A facility’s approach to treatment is important, as improper or ineffective treatment can re-traumatize you. However, if a facility provides trauma-informed care, then they emphasize:
- Safety
- Trust and transparency
- Choice in your treatment
- An understanding that trauma exists
- Understanding that trauma influences choices and life
- Try to mitigate any further trauma
Experienced Professionals
If a treatment facility shows its staff on its website, you can trust its staff is probably of quality. Treatment facilities that over-burden, underpay, under-value, and do not have the proper staff training will have a high rate of employee turnover. This usually means they cannot advertise their staff and their accomplishments on their website.
Being able to see a treatment facility’s staff can give you an idea of how well their program functions and how content their staff is to stay with the facility.
Ability to Treat Dual Diagnosis
Holistic treatment does not focus on one aspect of SUD or one aspect of a person. When receiving holistic healing treatment, a person can heal from the trauma that may have informed substance abuse.
If a treatment facility does not advertise the treatment of dual-diagnosis or have an understanding of holistic treatment, then you should not trust them with your mental health. Substance abuse does not happen alone; trauma or mental disorders can cause you to abuse alcohol and other drugs. Addiction treatment must treat the whole person to be effective.
Meeting Your Needs
You have to consider your needs when researching a treatment facility. Do you need space away from family and friends? Do you need to be able to meet work obligations? Since all treatment facilities are not equal in what they offer, you have to make sure the facilities you are interested in offer a program that fits your needs.
Continued Support
Recovery is not a one-step process. It does not end after completing one treatment program. You need support after treatment because it will be an adjustment to go from constant structure and support to independence. Without aftercare services or groups, a person may relapse without the proper support and validation from others in recovery.
Is Lighthouse Recovery the Right Place for Me?
At Lighthouse Recovery, you do not need to worry if you chose the wrong place. Struggling living at home while in recovery? Sober living is one of our program options. Want more treatment groups and help with life skills? A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a structured day program that is perfect for people who need more help, but who do not want to go to residential treatment. Whatever your needs are, your needs will be met at Lighthouse Recovery.
Have you been considering getting professional help with your substance abuse? Have you previously heard treatment does not help? Addiction is a health concern and should not be treated alone. At Lighthouse Recovery Texas, we believe your recovery is the main priority. From our numerous treatment programs and services offered, you can work with us to design a unique and individual plan to meet your recovery needs. We believe you can obtain sobriety with the right support, environment, and tools. If you or a loved one is struggling to establish or maintain lasting recovery from addiction, we can help. Call us today to learn more about our programs at (214) 396-0259.
