Looking for addiction rehab treatment centre in BC, Canada! Where do I start, what do I look for, what models of care are suitable for me, what services do I need and the list goes on!

Looking for a suitable Alcohol and Drug rehab centre in British Columbia can be an over whelming tasks even for the professionals in the industry. Many people can simply get overloaded with all of the information and can feel like pulling their hair out!

Finding the “right” alcohol and drug treatment centre is simplified once you take time to review your goals, expectations, needs and ask some general questions.

What am I looking for in an alcohol and drug treatment facility?

5 top questions to ask when finding an Alcohol & Drug Treatment facility:

1) What length of time am I willing to invest?

This can be a very important question to ask, because it will be a large factor on facility you chose. Typically the rule of thumb is the longer the better. Why? This gives the individual the opportunity to address many factors of their addiction. Addiction is not only about the drink or the drug it also about the behaviors. A respectful treatment facility, works with the individual not only on “stopping the using” but address the person as whole.

2) What is the cost of the Treatment Program and what’s included?

Don’t be fooled into the typical thinking that paying more means better services, not always!  There are excellent quality programs that are offered at a fraction of the price.  Don’t get dazzled by amazing photos, spa like packages and the treatment adventure feeling.

Quality programs offer many services focusing specifically on the “treatment of the addiction”. However some people are looking for that adventure style and top quality services like; chief cuisine, yoga on the beach, sailing, riding horses in the forest, Olympic size pools, mega gym, beach front access, etc… One of the challenges this might present is what about after treatment and where is the money being allocated too?

Quality treatment centers for the most part focus on total integration. Having services reflect typical daily routine and balance can be a very important tool in learning effective self-management, coping skills and more importantly long-term sobriety.

3) What type of environment am I coming into?

This is a very important question because it can be different in almost every facility. Some of the main reason can be;

a)    Funding sources, understanding what funding sources can be a great tool in understanding what the environment is going to be like. For example if they receive direct referrals from correctional institutions, ministry funding, employee assistance programs, etc…

b)   Abstinence-based Vs. harm reduction models: Please take the time to educate yourself on the two different approaches. Not all treatment facilities have the same foundational approaches and it can make a big difference in the program delivery.

c)    Flexibility; Effective alcohol and drug treatment needs to be client focused and be flexible in its delivery. Many times during treatment, the client can disclose information, display signs or symptoms that can alter the course of treatment. Quality facilities understand these needs and have the resources to address the need and change the course of action immediately.

d)   Population and size; Does the alcohol and drug treatment program have a mixed population (male & female) or is the program focused on treating one group. Size can be a major factor in considering an alcohol and drug treatment facility. Ask the important questions; group size, population size both currently and in full capacity, ratio of counsellor to client (maximum should be 3 clients) remember, people entering into treatment need a lot of one on one interaction and help.

4) What is the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facilities Curriculum and Daily Schedule?

a)    A key factor in having a positive treatment experience is built on the curriculum and daily schedule. Quality facilities will have excellent curriculum content and delivery. Having versatility, dynamic material and tools heightens the chances of keeping the clients motivated and focused with a sense of hope.

b)   Individualized services; what specific services are you going to receive for example; assessments, treatment plans, goals, treatment packages, reviews, counselling sessions, education, nutrition, exercise, etc..

c)    Daily schedules; need to be balanced in respect to the individuals addressing the many needs of the client.

5) What are your services?

a)    Traditional or Complementary Services; does the facility have a number of flexible services such as; interventions, detox, inpatient / outpatient programs, counselling, aftercare services, educational services, etc… Modern treatment centres understand the need to offer quality services. This can be especially important for everyone involved as in most cases they are in need of professional assistance too.

b)   Wellness for the “whole” person; What approach does the facility use to address the under lying problems such as; emotional factors, development of healthy coping strategies, Biological needs (nutrition, physical balance, exercise), Psychological needs (developing self esteem, dealing with depression, anxiety, self awareness, mental reasoning) Social factors ( systemic issues, social awareness, healthy boundaries, developing supportive relationships) Spiritual needs (understanding self, belief systems, developing a sense of purpose, thinking of others)

Take some time to reflect on these questions and write down some of your own. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, any quality facility understands and doesn’t hide information from the public.