If you have been living with an addict for some time, it is very likely that you have spent a large chunk of that time trying to get this person to accept help for his or her addiction. This can be a very difficult task considering that most addicts are in denial for a long time. The affected person will often repeatedly deny that they have a problem and he or she may become defensive or aggressive when asked about their drinking or drug taking.
While some may know on some level that they have an addiction, they may not want to admit it. Others may be appalled at the idea that they could be suffering from an addiction because this does not match their idea of what an addict is.
However, if you have finally managed to get your loved one to see that they do need help, it will be time to think about a programme of rehabilitation and the best treatment centre to choose.
Assessing Treatment Centres
Before you decide on a treatment centre for your loved one (or, indeed, yourself if you are the sufferer), you may want to carry out an assessment to ensure it meets certain criteria. There are some questions you should get answers to before making a decision. It is possible to find answers from the treatment centres’ websites or you can call them and speak to a trained advisor.
It is important that the treatment centre you choose considers addiction to be a primary illness and that the staff there hold professional qualifications. You also need to ensure that the wellbeing of patients is a priority and is put ahead of financial considerations. The best way to find the answer to this particular issue is to speak to someone who has already completed a programme of rehabilitation at the centre or who is currently being treated there. You can do this by asking a professional counsellor or by checking out reviews of the centre.
Detox may be the best course of action for your loved one’s addiction, so it would make sense that the treatment centre you choose offers this course of action. Being able to get detox and treatment at the same centre is a good idea as it means your loved one will get better care in the end, particularly if he or she is experiencing medical effects from the detox. If those providing the treatment are all in the same centre, they will be familiar with the case from the beginning, which will allow them to clearly see your loved one’s progression through the programme.
Education Programme
Addiction is an illness and in order for your loved one to get the most from his or her treatment, an education programme is essential. This will allow him or her to understand the illness and it will provide the tools required to fight it going forward. A good education programme will focus on things such as addiction as an illness, history and statistics of addiction, denial and how to break through, tolerance and withdrawal, cross addiction, medical consequences, and relapse prevention.
These are topics that are often taught during rehabilitation and a good treatment centre will ensure that patients fully understand their addiction and the consequences of it before they leave the programme.
Use of Medication
You may also want to check the facility’s policy on the use of medication. During detox, medication is often used to ease symptoms and, in some cases, medication can and does save lives. Nevertheless, it is important that medication is not used throughout a programme of rehabilitation unless absolutely necessary.
Helpful Advice
If you require more advice on the best treatment centres for a loved one’s addiction, contact Addiction Helper today. Our team of expert advisors can provide you with guidance and information on the treatments available and the centres providing these treatments. We also provide family addiction support information.