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How to Choose Alcohol Rehab Centers: Everything You Need to Know

a sign on a beach that reads "rehabilitation"

About one-third of people who are treated for alcohol problems no longer experience symptoms a year later.

Unfortunately, alcohol-related problems are among the most significant public health issues in the US. About 14 million American adults already have alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Learning how to choose alcohol rehab centers can ensure you find the help you need. Not sure how to choose a facility? Read on to discover how to find the best San Diego alcohol rehabilitation center today!

Look into Program Options

Before vetting your options for rehab centers, it helps to understand the different program options that are available. For example, you might need to choose between inpatient or outpatient care. 

Patients who choose inpatient rehab treatment remain at a facility full-time. These programs usually last 30, 60, or 90 days. 

Choosing an inpatient program will ensure you have medical supervision around the clock. You’ll participate in therapy programs throughout the day. You might find inpatient care is ideal if you’re struggling with long-term alcohol addiction.

Inpatient care is also ideal if you’ve relapsed in the past. 

Outpatient care, on the other hand, allows you to remain at home as you receive treatment. You can maintain your current schedule, attending work or school. However, you’ll also need to schedule time at a facility for three to six hours a day.

Outpatient treatment offers individual, group, or family therapy sessions.

You might find outpatient treatment offers more flexibility. You can still work or go to school while seeking treatment. This option is ideal for patients with milder addictions.

Some patients also seek extended care or long-term rehab. This inpatient rehab is residential. Programs can last between six to 12 months. 

If you’re unsure which option to choose, consider scheduling a consultation appointment at a facility. 

Establish Specific Goals

Before choosing between alcohol rehab centers, it also helps to outline your SMART goals. Outlining specific goals can help you find a rehabilitation program that aligns with your distinct needs.

For example, you might need to complete a medical detox before you begin treatment. 

Be wary about completing a detox at home. Within six hours after you stop drinking, you could experience withdrawal symptoms like:

  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Shaky hands
  • Anxiety

About 12 to 48 hours after your last drink, you might experience seizures or hallucinations. Between 48 to 72 hours, about 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal experience delirium tremens (DTs). 

Symptoms can include fever, racing heart, confusion, and high blood pressure.

A medical detox will ensure you’re under professional supervision during this process. A medical professional could provide you with medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms.

Perhaps your goal involves total abstinence. Maybe you want to develop the skills to prevent a relapse instead. If you have a mental health condition and addiction, you might want to treat both simultaneously.

Determining your SMART goals can help you determine the best way to achieve each goal. Then, you can make sure the facility offers the specific services you need. 

Review Their Treatment Options

As you look into San Diego alcohol rehabilitation options, make sure to look into the center’s treatments and therapies.

For example, the rehab center might offer behavioral counseling and group therapy. Perhaps they also offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). 

Remember, some medications can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. They could also discourage future substance abuse. Other medications can treat any underlying mental health conditions you’re struggling with. 

The center might offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) instead. During CBT sessions, you’ll sit down with a licensed professional to discuss why you drink. They’ll help change your pattern of thought and behavior to minimize your risk of relapsing in the future. 

Review each treatment option available at each facility. Then, determine which programs align with your goals.

During your consultation appointment at a facility, ask if they customized their treatment plans, too. Addiction is different for every patient. Customizing your treatment plans based on your needs can help you accomplish your distinct goals. 

Consider the Staff

Look into the staff at each rehab facility, too. Determine who will become an active part of your treatment plan. Then, determine if they have the proper credentials.

Find a team with the necessary qualifications. If they lack accreditations or licensing, remove them from your list. 

Make sure the facility is licensed by the state, too.

Finding a team with the proper training and education can give you peace of mind. These teams are more likely to meet higher standards of care. 

Check for Amenities

You might want to find a facility that offers certain amenities, too. These might include massage therapy, on-site gyms, yoga classes, or other fitness activities.

Make sure the amenities they offer align with your goals.  

Otherwise, consider where the facility is located. For example, you might want to choose a facility that’s far from your old haunts. If you choose an outpatient program, find a facility near your home or work instead.

Read Review

You can learn more about each facility on your list by reading online reviews. Learn from the people who were once in your position. They can help you determine which facilities to avoid or prioritize.

Remove any facility from your list that has any medical malpractice claims filed against a member of the team.

Instead, look for a team with a strong reputation. Reading reviews can help you find the best alcohol rehab program in San Diego.

Consult Your Insurance Company

Before making your final choice, consult your insurance provider. Determine if the treatment program is covered under your insurance.

If it’s not, talk to someone at the facility. Determine if they offer any financing options. 

Choose Alcohol Rehab Centers Based on Your Needs Today

Don’t rush to choose alcohol rehab centers in San Diego. Instead, use these tips to make a more informed choice. Using these guides will ensure you find a facility that offers the treatments you need.

With help, you can start on your road to recovery with ease.

Eager to get started? We can’t wait to help. 

Contact our team today to learn how we can help.

Call Our Toll-Free Hotline 24/7 at 877.881.2689