The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a great tool for someone in need. The administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) will help you find the right drug treatment program for you. The service is open all day long. You should call 1-800-662-HELP for assistance. The administration also offers a similar service on the web at findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.
Reach out to family members
If you are physically unable to search for help, ask trusted family members to help you search for the right program. Talk to them about your addictions or symptoms of withdrawal (if applicable). Even though you may have pushed your family away during your initial drug use, they’ll be more than happy to help you clean up. Be prepared, however, to face rejection by some family members because they may not trust your sincerity to get clean.
Visit prospective centers
If you visit the treatment center, be on the lookout for red flags. If the facility is in extremely poor condition, or if there appears to be a staff shortage, it’s probably not right for you. You should also ask many questions while touring the facility. Ask if the facility and the doctors and nurses are licensed by the state. You should also ask questions about counseling and individual needs and goals.
What about the price?Unfortunately, drug treatmentprograms cost money—sometimes a lot of money. Cost usually depends on the intensity of the treatment program. Usually, your insurance carrier will help with the cost of the stay. If you don’t have health insurance, try to arrange some type of payment plan with the facility. If they refuse, you may have to look elsewhere.
Seek out referrals
If you know someone who has already walked a mile in your shoes and is now clean and sober, ask him or her about the facility they went to. If you and the acquaintance share similar stories (and addictions), research the recommended center to see if it’s to your liking. If you have strong ties to a church or other religious institution, ask your clergyperson for help. They can refer you to a church-approved treatment center.
Take advantage of aftercare
Some of the best drug treatment programs offer aftercare help. Aftercare programs will help you maintain sobriety and remain in contact with those that helped you. If you’re currently searching for a drug treatmentprogram, this is a great component to look for.
Find specialty groups after treatment
Congratulations, you’ve made it through treatment, but what do you do now?
There are a lot of drug treatment groups tailored for a specific drug. Substance abusers have alcoholics anonymous, while drug users can choose between marijuana anonymous or cocaine anonymous. If you rather have a general drug use support group, you can always go to narcotics anonymous.
Please know that drug addiction is an illness and if you don’t get help, the problem could get worse. If you do have family, think about the pain they’re going through. But most importantly, think about yourself.
By Michelle Presbury