How to Evaluate Drug Treatment Programs

Choosing to take a step toward a life free from drug addiction can be a challenging endeavor. When a person is ready to take that step, it's important to know the options that are available in order to make an informed decision. Some drug treatment programs focus primarily on the physical addiction, while others may take a more spiritual approach. There are treatment centers that are specifically for youths, that are gender specific and that allow young children to attend with their families.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess your financial means. Check to see if your insurance company will cover the cost of drug or alcohol treatment. If you don't have insurance or funds to cover a private treatment center, contact your state regarding programs for people without financial means.

• 2

  Consider the individual. For example, some men may do better in a program designed for men only; perhaps a woman needs drug treatment but has fled an abusive situation and needs to be in a center that also provides housing and care for her child. There are youth- and elderly-only treatment centers as well. If the individual is in a setting that feels comfortable, he will have a stronger chance at success.

• 3

  Research the philosophy of the program. Drug treatment centers that focus on an alternative approach to addressing addiction by using yoga, massage, homeopathy and art studies may not work with someone more comfortable with traditional talk therapy. Ask what guiding principals the treatment center uses with their patients. Even with group therapy, a program that uses the principles of Narcotics Anonymous, a 12-step program, is very different from the philosophy used in SMART Recovery Therapy, for example.

• 4

  Determine if the center specifically addresses the patient's need. Some patients may need to withdraw from opiates, others from cocaine or methamphetamines, while others may need to focus on a marijuana addiction. The drug treatment program needs to specifically address the issues of each particular patient.

• 5

  Read the rules and restrictions information from each program. Some drug treatment centers will not allow family visits until a certain amount of time has passed. Others encourage frequent visitation from friends and loved ones. Be aware that an ideal treatment center may be quite some distance away, making visitation difficult. An individual entering treatment may appreciate a little time and space away from people while he heals.