The Best Rehabs for Veterans
There are now over 14,000 drug, alcohol, and addiction rehabilitation treatment facilities throughout the US. These facilities are responsible for helping over 3.7 million people who are struggling with substance abuse. If you or a loved one needs help, it’s important to narrow down your options.
With these nine tips, you can find the best rehab centers for veterans in the country.
Choosing the right treatment facility can help you accomplish your goals. You can make an informed choice before beginning your treatment.
Otherwise, you might choose a facility that fails to offer the services and treatments you need.
With these tips, you can find peace of mind in your choice. Start your search for “the best drug rehab near me” using these nine easy tips today!
1. Determine Your Goals
Before you Google “best drug rehab near me,” take a moment to consider your distinct goals. Determining your goals can help you find the right facility. You can make sure the facility offers the services you need to help you accomplish your goals.
Otherwise, you might waste time and money choosing the wrong facility. Remember, there are thousands of facilities across the US. Determining your goals first can help you narrow down your options.
During your search, make sure to choose a facility that offers customized treatments. Otherwise, the facility won’t work with you to accomplish your goals.
The facility should see you as an individual; not another number.
First, consider the type of substance you’re recovering from.
Do you have an underlying mental condition, such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety? About 13.5% of veterans screen positive for PTSD. Other studies indicate the rate is as high as 30%.
You might need to look for a facility that offers dual diagnosis treatment.
Separate your goals into short- and long-term goals.
As you visit each inpatient rehab on your list, ask how their services can help you accomplish those goals. Will they help you develop a customized treatment plan? If they can’t help you accomplish your distinct goals, look elsewhere.
Break your larger goals into smaller benchmarks. Then, track your progress along the way. If you seek treatment and feel like you’re not reaching your benchmarks, consider another facility.
Detoxing
Is the substance still in your system? In that case, you might need to find a facility that offers medical detoxing. Not every facility allows patients to detox on-site.
Detoxing under medical supervision is safer for your health and wellbeing.
It’s important not to detox alone. Otherwise, you could experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Shaky hands
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Nausea
You might start to experience hallucinations and delirium tremens (DTs). Your symptoms could grow more intense. For example, you might develop:
- Confusion
- Fever
- Racing heartbeat
- Heavy sweating
- High blood pressure
Some patients who try to detox alone end up relapsing to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Again, it’s important to detox under a medical professional’s supervision. Look for a rehab center that can help you accomplish the short-term goal of detoxing.
They can ensure your safety throughout the process.
2. Look at the Facility’s Credentials
Before choosing a rehab facility, it’s important to make sure they’re accredited and licensed.
Look for facilities that have accreditation from the Joint Commission or CARF. You can ask each facility for proof they’re accredited.
An accredited facility will strive to meet and exceed standards of care. Otherwise, they might not offer the services you need.
Make sure the facility you choose is licensed by the state as well. Choosing a licensed rehabilitation facility will give you peace of mind. You’ll know they follow the necessary treatment and safety guidelines.
Look for facilities that have local or professional memberships as well. For example, they might have a membership with the:
- National Board of Certified Counselors
- State and Federal Chambers of Commerce
- Better Business Bureau
- National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers
A facility that has a professional membership will likely remain up-to-date with treatment options and standards.
3. Consider Their Staff
Before choosing between rehab centers, consider the staff each facility employs. You’ll want to make sure the staff includes licensed professionals. Make sure their credentials are up-to-date, too.
An experienced team will strive to offer the highest standards of care. If they lack training, however, they might fail to offer the help you need.
You can look for credentials such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Certified Addictions Counselor
- Certified Co-occurring Disorders Counselor
Choose a facility that has a multidisciplinary treatment team, too. You could benefit from receiving help from different professionals. These professionals will ensure you receive the help you need.
For example, the rehabilitation center might employ a:
- Nutritionist
- Wellness specialist
- Spiritual care counselor
- Medical doctor
- Nurse
- Chemical dependency counselor
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
Each member of their team could benefit your long-term sobriety.
About 29.9 million adults in the US need treatment. Only 2.1 million (10.8%) receive the help they need. Choosing a facility with an experienced team will ensure you’re properly cared for.
4. Tour the Facility
You can start narrowing down your options by scheduling a tour with at least three facilities on your list. While at each inpatient rehab facility, consider your surroundings.
Do you feel safe at that facility? Does it seem secure?
Make sure your surroundings inspire feelings, rather than fear or anxiety. If you don’t feel safe, it could impact your treatment. You might struggle to focus on the rehabilitation process.
Before touring each facility, make a list of questions you want to ask. Speak with the team as well as a few residents.
Are the patients there happy with the services they’re receiving? Are they benefiting from treatment? Ask if they would recommend you choose another rehab center instead.
5. Look for Evidence-Based Practices
Before choosing an inpatient rehab facility, consider the programs they offer. You might benefit most from choosing an evidence-based program. These programs can include:
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medication-assisted therapies (MAT)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Twelve-step facilitation
- Motivational enhancement and interviewing
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Before choosing a rehab center, ask the team if they have proof these evidence-based practices work. Ask them which programs they would recommend for your treatment, too.
You can also ask if they offer any programs or services specifically for veterans. For example, you can find a VA alcohol rehab here.
Finding a facility that offers the best programs will ensure you receive the help you need. You’ll have an easier time accomplishing your goals as a result.
Don’t forget to ask how long each program lasts. Some facilities offer 30-day programs. If you have a more intense addiction, however, you might benefit from 90-day treatment.
6. Consider Specialized Programs
Everyone’s addiction is different. With that in mind, your rehabilitation should feel unique, too.
Some patients prefer to look into specialized programs. Remember, it can help to find a program that’s customized with your goals in mind.
For example, you might want to consider a gender-specific program. Maybe you would feel more comfortable receiving treatment with other veterans. You might benefit from learning more about their experiences.
If you’re interested in finding work after your rehabilitation, consider a facility that offers vocational training.
Consider the sober activities each facility offers, too.
7. Ask About the Success Rate
Before choosing a rehabilitation center, make sure they’re successful in helping patients. Ask each rehab how they measure treatment outcomes. If they don’t measure outcomes, how do they know they’re helping patients?
Each facility might have a different way of measuring success.
Don’t choose a facility that offers a “100% guarantee.” They can’t anticipate how each patient will react to treatment. Instead, choose a facility that uses data and research-based methods.
8. Consult Your Insurance Company
You might need to consult your insurance company before choosing an inpatient rehab center. Your insurance company could help you narrow down your options.
You’re not limited to choosing a facility that falls within your network, though. Instead, prioritize finding a facility that can help accomplish your goals.
9. Look for Post-Treatment Support
Sometimes, inpatient rehabilitation isn’t enough. Ask each facility if they offer post-treatment support, too. For example, they might suggest you find a sober living home after treatment.
Sober living homes can offer you continued support after your rehabilitation. You can live with other veterans who are striving to maintain their sobriety. If you ever feel like you’re struggling, you’ll have support.
Ask each facility about the other outpatient services they offer. For example, you might want to continue checking in with a therapist. Some facilities will recommend you continue taking medication, too.
The facility should help you develop a customized post-treatment plan. This plan can help you maintain your sobriety long-term.
Reviewing Your Options: 9 Tips for Finding the Best Rehab for a Vet
Don’t choose the first rehabilitation facility you find online. Instead, use these nine tips to find the best rehabs for veterans. With these tips, you’ll have peace of mind in your choice.
You can find the best rehabilitation center equipped to help you maintain your sobriety long-term.
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