Substance use disorders and addictions are serious medical conditions that have caused significant harm to many individuals and families around the world. Fortunately, there are thousands of addiction treatment centers across Canada that are dedicated to helping those in need find ways to recover. There is a wide variety of treatment programs and services that are designed to be an individualized experience, as no two recovery journeys are the same.

Finding recovery is important, which is why it’s just as important to ensure you choose the right rehab. The right rehab will make it much more likely that you complete the program successfully, leave the program in recovery, and maintain your recovery after returning home. However, the sheer number of options available means that making a choice can be hard, which means that developing a personalized plan is the first and most important step in addiction treatment.

Decide What Your Goals Are

Every addiction treatment program caters to different specialties and focuses. Many of them measure success differently and utilize different strategies to help you get there. When deciding which rehab is right for you, it’s extremely important to consider what your goals for treatment are. Once you’ve done so, you can then decide on an addiction treatment facility that will be the most effective at supporting you while you work to attain these goals.

The first step in determining your recovery goals is to identify which substances or behaviours you are trying to recover from. This can seem obvious, however, many times there are other substances or behaviours that may not feel problematic but can impede your recovery process if not addressed properly.

The next step is determining whether you have any co-occurring physical or mental conditions that should be treated alongside the addiction.

Most of all, it is important to define what success looks like to you. Is your initial goal to get through detox and remain sober for the first 30 days? Would a longer residential stay assist your goal of remaining sober after treatment? Choosing what rehab to attend often includes input from your loved ones, but ultimately it must be your choice.

Investigate Addiction Treatment Options

Whether you found the right rehab program through online research or by speaking with a treatment provider, it’s important to perform due diligence in making sure the facility has everything you need for success in recovery. Some information you need will be available on websites, while some may rely on you calling the center for additional information. Top-rated addiction treatment providers want to make sure that people find success in recovery.

Factors to Consider Before Recovery

Many factors determine which addiction treatment program may be best for your circumstances. The relative importance of these factors varies from person to person.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient

There are two major forms of treatment: residential treatment, where the patient stays at the treatment center, and outpatient addiction treatment, where the patient stays in their own home (or sober living home) but attends treatment for several hours a day. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so the right choice really depends on your individual needs and recovery goals.

In general, residential addiction treatment has a considerably higher success rate, however, it is usually more expensive and disruptive to daily life. It is the ideal choice for people with severe addictions or co-occurring conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conversely, outpatient treatment generally has a lower success rate, but is less expensive and allows patients to maintain more of their normal routine. It can be a good option for people with milder addictions and a strong support network at home.

Specialties

Many treatment centers specialize in treating certain forms of addiction or behaviours. For example, one facility may focus on treating alcohol use disorder, while another may treat patients with a dual diagnosis. It is very important to select a treatment program that both specializes in and has a positive track record of treating patients with similar needs and challenges to yours.

Treatments and Therapies

There is a range of addiction treatment methods and therapeutic programs available for substance use disorders and addiction treatment. This makes it possible for everyone to find the treatment that works best for them, but it also means that it’s possible to choose a program where the available therapies may not be the best fit. It can be very useful to research some of the different types of therapies, especially if you have not attended addiction treatment before.

Medication Assisted Treatment

One addiction treatment that has become popular among the medical profession is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). This form of recovery utilizes psychotherapy and behavioural therapies in combination with a course of medication. There have been many studies demonstrating the efficacy of MAT in improving patient retention in treatment, ongoing recovery after addiction treatment, and overall survival from addiction. This form of treatment has primarily been utilized for treatment from alcohol use disorder and can assist with other addictions as well.

Amenities

The available amenities at treatment centers are some of the biggest and most obvious differentiators between facilities. There are some programs that provide a standard of living that rivals the fanciest hotels, and there are programs with more basic facilities that are just as capable of helping patients enter recovery. The range of amenities offered throughout treatment centers is widespread. This means that depending on the area you’re in, you are likely to find several addiction treatment centers that offer everything you need during recovery.

Location

There are multiple schools of thought when it comes to whether or not it is ideal to choose an addiction treatment program located close to where you live. Obviously, nearby facilities are more convenient and may be a necessary choice if you have commitments close to home that you cannot leave for an extended period of time. However, it is also generally considered to be highly beneficial to travel outside of your environment as distance away from unhealthy relationships and triggers can provide better opportunities to develop new healthy strategies for recovery.

Length of Program

Most treatment programs last for around 30 to 60 days, with some lasting up to 90 days. Many treatment professionals strongly recommend the longer programs because of their ability to assist with the multifaceted issues involved with substance use disorders. However, treatment does not have to remain completely residential throughout a 90-day treatment program.

Often, patients will complete 30-45 days of residential addiction treatment and then transition back to their home environment or a sober living home to continue receiving support in an outpatient setting. This process allows everyone involved, including friends and family, to feel more comfortable and supported through this emotional stage. In the end, the duration of the program will be driven by the patient’s needs and challenges.

Cost

For many, cost is the single biggest factor in choosing a treatment program. The truth is that the cost of treatment varies dramatically depending on the facility, the length of stay, and the programs you participate in. Luckily, there are many options available to help patients pay for addiction treatment, meaning that there are options available no matter what your budget is. It’s also important to remember that the financial toll of long-term addiction is far greater than any recovery program.

Speak to a Treatment Provider

At Thousand Islands Rehab Centre, we will help you figure out what addiction treatment options exist, and we will create a customized program that matches your goals. We will take the time to get to know you and learn about your circumstances, and we will get you started on the road to recovery. Contact us for more information.