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How to Choose a Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

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When choosing a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, there are several important factors to consider. This decision might seem overwhelming at first, considering there are so many potential treatment options. However, when you know what to look for and you are able to make an informed decision, the process of finding a treatment center becomes much easier. At Guardian Recovery we provide people of all ages and walks of life who have been struggling with addiction with a range of effective treatment options, from medical detox through intensive outpatient treatment — and everything in between. To learn more about choosing the best drug and alcohol treatment center for you and your personal needs, contact us today.

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What Are Your Treatment Goals & Needs?

Determining your personal treatment goals and needs will help you narrow down factors that are important for your individual search. When looking for a drug and alcohol treatment center, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does the treatment center offer medical detox services? If so, what detoxifications methods do they utilize?
  • How long is the drug and alcohol treatment program from start to finish? Does the treatment center offer flexible care if you have pre-existing obligations you aren’t able to step away from for months at a time?
  • What type of treatment options does the center offer? For example, do they offer a combination of medication assisted treatment options and therapy? Do they incorporate evidence-based holistic therapies?
  • Is each treatment program personalized to meet the unique needs of each individual client?
  • Is the treatment center both licensed and accredited? Are therapeutic and psychiatric staff members licensed professionals with ample experience in the fields of substance use and mental health?
  • Does the treatment center accept your current health insurance? If not, do they offer additional coverage options like self-pay and private pay?
  • Does the drug and alcohol treatment center offer dual diagnosis treatment options? (This is especially important if you have been diagnosed with an underlying mental health condition.)
  • What type of continuing care services are offered to clients once they complete the treatment program in its entirety?
  • Does the treatment center offer support to the family members of each client by way of family therapy and educational family workshops?

At Guardian Recovery we offer a comprehensive curriculum of clinical care, providing highly focused and individualized treatment in a professional setting. To learn more about the details of our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program, contact us today.

Factors in Choosing a Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center:

Should You Travel for Drug & Alcohol Treatment?

When it comes to choosing the best option for you, consider the location of the treatment center. It is a good idea to choose a center in a recovery-rich location. At Guardian Recovery we have carefully chosen the locations of each of our treatment centers, ensuring our clients have access to a range of recovery resources and the ability to participate in sobriety-friendly recreational activities. There are other benefits to traveling for rehab, including:

  • Traveling for rehab allows you to take yourself out of your daily routine. By going somewhere new, you give yourself a fresh start in a safe environment, free of the distractions that may have initially caused your addictive behavior.
  • A feeling of starting over, which ultimately gives you a better chance of making a full and lasting recovery.
  • The option to choose a location or setting where you feel more comfortable and relaxed, like close to the beaches in Southern Florida or among the peaceful mountains in New Hampshire.
  • More opportunities to find the right type of treatment program for your exact needs while receiving higher quality clinical care.
  • A chance to get away from triggers, negative influences and (potentially) the root causes of your addiction.

Guardian Recovery welcomes clients from across the country. No matter where you are currently located, we are available to help you find your way to any one of our treatment centers — simply contact us today to get started.

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Levels of Care

The first step to receiving addiction treatment is deciding which level of care best suits your personal needs. We recommend anyone who has been struggling with drug or alcohol addiction enter into a short-term inpatient detox program as an initial step. At Guardian Recovery we offer a full continuum of care, which includes the following levels:

  • Medical Detox – In a medical detox center you undergo a safe and pain-free drug and/or alcohol withdrawal under the close observation of a team of medical professionals. In most cases detox lasts for between three days and two weeks.
  • Residential Inpatient Treatment – In residential treatment you undergo intensive therapy every day of the week as you develop and hone the skills you need to stay sober. You live in a well-appointed residence with other people who are at the same point in their personal journeys of addiction recovery.
  • Partial Hospitalization – Partial hospitalization is a level of clinical care that typically follows residential inpatient treatment, and precedes intensive outpatient treatment (IOP). During PHP clients generally take part in a full schedule of activities approximately five or six days a week.
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment – Guardian Recovery’s intensive outpatient treatment programs are a flexible form of addiction treatment that allows individuals to go to work, attend school, engage in their day-to-day lives and live at home or at sober living while simultaneously participating in a treatment program.
  • Aftercare/Continuing Care – While the recovery tools and emotional coping skills clients learn in treatment are incredibly effective, the practical application of those skills in the real world is much more challenging than in a treatment setting. A thorough and personalized aftercare plan is critical for ongoing recovery.

Drug & Alcohol Treatment Licensing

When choosing a treatment center, regardless of the level of care being offered, be sure to look for a center which possesses a range of licenses, accreditations and certifications.

  • State Licensing and Certification – Being licensed through the State confirms we are strictly adhering to all clinical and medical standards, and we follow all of the guidelines outlined by the State in the context of the addiction treatment and outpatient services we provide. Our treatment centers in Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado, New Jersey and Florida are licensed and accredited through each respective state.
  • Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval – Guardian Recovery’s treatment centers have received Joint Commission accreditation, the highest accreditation a treatment center can receive. This means we consistently hold ourselves to the highest possible standards, providing each individual client with effective and personalized treatment services.
  • LegitScript Certification – Being LegitScript-certified means that an addiction treatment center has been evaluated and certified to operate safely and legally. LegitScript also performs ongoing monitoring throughout an addiction treatment provider’s certification period to ensure compliance. The LegitScript seal displays “LegitScript Monitored” to reflect ongoing monitoring, which can be found throughout our website.

Importance of Licensed Drug & Alcohol Treatment Staff

When choosing a drug and alcohol treatment center, be sure to look up the staff members (which are usually included on the website). Finding a treatment center with licensed and experienced clinical staff members ensures a more positive treatment outcome, and you are more likely to receive the highest quality of care available.

Insurance and Costs

When choosing a treatment center consider how you are going to cover the cost of treatment. Are you insured through a major regional or national health insurance provider? If the answer is “yes,” there is a good chance the available treatment services are going to be covered partially or in full. If the answer is “no,” be sure the center offers additional coverage options like self-pay and private pay. At Guardian Recovery we offer free, no obligation insurance benefit check to those in need.

Private vs Public Treatment Options

There are many benefits to choosing a private facility over a state-funded facility, regardless of which level of care you decide upon. In a private center like those operated by Guardian Recovery, you have access to homestyle retreat accommodations, highly individualized care, a range of evidence-based treatment options and personalized aftercare planning (among other benefits).

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Why Choose a Guardian Recovery Facility for Treatment?

When choosing a drug and alcohol addiction treatment program, look for a treatment center that takes all of the steps necessary to ensure each and every client is receiving the most individualized and effective care available. At Guardian Recovery we offer a full continuum of clinical care which was developed by a licensed, compassionate and highly experienced team of substance use and mental health professionals. If you or someone you love is in need of professional treatment but is unsure of what steps to take initially, we are available to help. The moment you reach out you will be put in touch with one of our experienced Treatment Advisors who will be ready to walk you through our simple admissions process, or who will answer any questions you might have about the early recovery process. All you or your loved one has to do is make initial contact, and we will take care of the rest.

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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.

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Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:

Ryan Soave

L.M.H.C.

Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.

Written by:

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Cayla Clark

Cayla Clark grew up in Santa Barbara, CA and graduated from UCLA with a degree in playwriting. Since then she has been writing on addiction recovery and psychology full-time, and has found a home as part of the Guardian Recovery team.

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Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Guardian Recovery aims to improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health disorders by offering fact-based content about behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and related outcomes. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Important Notes:

The content on this site is believed to be current and accurate at the time of posting, but medical information is constantly evolving.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about your health or medical condition.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Guardian Recovery does not provide free medical advice. For personalized treatment recommendations, please consult with a licensed healthcare professional.

By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer. Guardian Recovery and its affiliates disclaim any liability for the use or interpretation of information contained herein. SEE TERMS AND CONDITIONS