Choosing to enter a drug treatment program is one of the most important decisions for someone struggling with addiction. But not all programs are created equal. Research shows that, with the growing national opioid crisis, some drug treatment centers are focusing more on profits than patient care.
It can be hard enough for individuals suffering from addiction to find proper treatment due to fears of the stigma associated with getting help. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 23 million Americans have a substance use disorder. Yet, only a tenth of those in need of addiction treatment resources receive them. How can you be sure you’re getting the professional care and treatment services you need to finally overcome dependence on drugs or alcohol? What dictates quality addiction care? How do you spot a bad addiction treatment program?
A recent investigation by NBC News found that unscrupulous addiction treatment centers in South Florida are capitalizing on federal loopholes to make profits from the nation’s opioid epidemic. By billing insurance companies millions of dollars for needless testing and counseling services, they’re more concerned with making money than making a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction. Many of these corrupt treatment centers not only overlook drug use but encourage it because their patients’ relapses lead to more profits.
Deciding to seek treatment is difficult enough without having to worry about the quality of care you receive. So, how can families separate bad drug treatment programs from the good? Experts and law enforcement officials have compiled tips and questions for patients and their loved ones.
Finding the right treatment center is a painful process for some individuals; it’s not easy to find a good fit. This can make it easy to find whatever option is available, even if it means some red flags are being flown in the process. It is imperative that even if someone is agitated with how painstaking the process of finding a good fit is, they don’t settle for a treatment center with bad qualities.
Red flags are important to spot in any situation; they usually can be interpreted to mean, “stop, don’t go any further,”. This could mean the difference between a successful recovery and an unsuccessful recovery. Some treatment centers don’t value the concept of individualized care, all they care about are numbers. When numbers are all an organization cares about, there is no personal connection to be made which speaks volumes about the lack of existence of accountability.
For someone to successfully move past their addiction, they need unique care that fits their particular circumstances. If this doesn’t happen then the rehab will feel more like a copy/paste edition of recovery. While this may work for some people, it does not work for the vast majority. People are uniquely made with their background and experiences to boot. Treatment should be individualized based on this so that it lessens the likelihood of relapse.
Sometimes a potential patient will make an exception for red flags based on the fact that red flag behavior has been normalized. There’s a conception that it’s “just the way things are” and that it will always be that way, but it doesn’t have to be. If we begin to make exceptions for being treated poorly by others, what does that say about how we treat ourselves as a result? If the exception to the rule starts with brushing poor rehab off the shoulder, then there becomes some dangerous potential for the chance of excusing behavior that will lead to relapse, landing someone right where they started in the first place (maybe even worse off than before).
Lifetime recovery is possible with treatment and management, but everyone has their own story and needs to follow a treatment path that meets their unique needs. As you or your loved one considers a treatment program, here are some questions to ask to ensure you’re choosing a reputable facility that fits your needs.
Not every drug treatment center is the right fit for every person. In your search for addiction care, don’t just rely on phone calls, emails, and claims. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also provides a free confidential hotline and search tool to help you with your research.
Above all, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Addiction is a widespread problem and there are plenty of people affected by it who are willing to offer support and advice. As Florida’s most renowned drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, Unity Behavioral Health has helped thousands of people recover from the impact of addiction.
Substance use disorder is a difficult hurdle to overcome. The only thing that could make it worse is attending a recovery center that treats you poorly. Settling is not worth the dangerous potential for relapse. Our staff of professionals is specifically trained and experienced in the field of addiction medicine to ensure every person receives the personalized care he or she needs. Contact us today to learn more about our life-changing programs.
Speak to one of our experienced and caring representatives at Unity Behavioral Health to learn about how our rehab programs can help your loved one defeat addiction.