There are many reasons that people decide to seek treatment for an alcohol or drug problem. Maybe your relationships with friends and family have become strained. Maybe your alcohol or drug use is interfering with work or school. Maybe you’ve tried to quit on your own and can’t. Or maybe you’re just ready for a change. Whatever your reason is for seeking treatment, you’re taking the first step towards a new life. But, when your decision to enter rehab is new, the amount of information about treatment facilities can be overwhelming. Finding the right program can seem like a huge task. This guide will give you information on the types of services, treatments, and programs that are available at Seattle treatment centers. You’ll learn what to look for when choosing a treatment center so you can find the one that’s right for you.

What Are Your Needs and Goals?

You might think that the only goal of rehab is to get sober. And while that is one of the main objectives of treatment, people have other needs and goals they want to meet. Do you want to learn skills for coping with the anxiety, stress, and fear that your substance use has been masking? Are you looking to create a support network to help you navigate and celebrate sobriety? You may have one or all these goals. Thinking about what you need from a treatment program will help you choose the right facility. 

The Importance of Certifications and Accreditations

When you’re looking at Seattle treatment centers, one of the first things to find out is whether a center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and has received the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Level of Care certification. Treatment centers that have both of these credentials have been independently evaluated to make sure they meet high standards of patient safety, comfort, and care. These accreditations also mean they provide evidence-based care that meets or exceeds standards for outcomes. The Seattle treatment center you choose should also be licensed by Washington State Department of Health and the Department of Social and Health Services.

Licensed and Credentialed Staff

Not only should your facility be properly certified, but the staff members who will be helping you should hold the proper credentials and licenses. Addiction treatment specialists should have credentials and licensing that ensure they have the experience and education necessary to uphold established standards of care. Look for staff certifications such as Certified Co-occurring Disorders Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Addictions Counselor.

Look for Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment

Facilities offering evidence-based addiction treatment rely on methods and therapies that have been proven effective through scientific research. These practices have been proven to produce better outcomes for patients receiving treatment for substance abuse.

Treatment Options: Detox

If you can’t stop using on your own or if suddenly quitting alcohol or drug use may cause you to have serious health problems, you should look for a treatment facility that provides medically supervised detox. At a facility that offers a detox program, qualified staff members will manage your withdrawal symptoms to keep you comfortable and safe. Detox programs also provide support for the mental and emotional effects of withdrawal. 

Types of Programs: Residential Inpatient 

If you choose a residential inpatient program, you’ll live at the treatment facility for a set period of time. You’ll receive 24-hour supervised care 7 days a week, including various types of therapy and counseling as well as any needed medical care. Residential Inpatient programs help people who need a good deal of structure and support to manage triggers and achieve long-term recovery. It is best suited for individuals with severe addiction, mental health disorders, and/or high-risk behaviors like self-harm or suicidal thoughts. 

Types of Programs: Partial Hospitalization

Despite the name, Partial Hospitalization Programs, or PHPs, don’t require you to live at the treatment facility. You may hear PHPs referred to as day programs. That’s because PHPs involve several hours of therapy and treatment every day. PHP participants usually live at home or in a sober living community. Because PHPs are so time-intensive, participants typically don’t have time to go to work or school while they’re in treatment.

Types of Programs: Intensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient Programs – also called IOPs – are similar to PHPs but require less time spent in treatment per week. If you choose an IOP, you’ll spend at least ten hours a week in therapies that can range from one-on-one counseling to support groups. As with a PHP, participants live at home or in a sober living house. IOPs are a good choice for people who need some support and structure during treatment as well as the flexibility to attend school, go to work, and meet family obligations.

Types of Programs: Outpatient

Outpatient Programs provide the most flexibility during drug and alcohol addiction treatment. In outpatient treatment, you’ll schedule your therapy and treatment around other obligations such as work and school. Outpatient programs are a good fit for people who don’t require medical detox and who are in the early to mid-stages of alcoholism or drug addiction. These programs can also help people transition to a less intense form of care after inpatient treatment.

Types of Programs: Virtual Outpatient Therapy

During COVID-19, many treatment centers adapted their programs to an online format. For people who are immunocompromised or can’t attend therapy in person for whatever reason, online addiction therapy enables them to receive outpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction via telephone or online. 

Treatment Options: Mental Health Care

During drug or alcohol addiction treatment, you may uncover mental health issues that you want to address. So, it’s important to look for a facility that offers care for a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. The facility you choose should have experienced, licensed counsellors who can support your recovery while helping you address any mental health conditions that you discover during the course of your treatment.

Treatment Options: Family Education

Those most affected by your addiction are often your loved ones. Their support can also be the most critical to your success in recovery. Research has shown that involving family members in an addicted person’s recovery increases the chances of success, so look for a facility that offers a family education program. These programs are a safe place for family members to share their concerns and emotions with people who’ve been in their shoes. Family members can learn healthy communication methods as well as other skills that will enable them to support you in your recovery.

How Long Will Treatment Last?

Most programs offer 30-, 60-, and 90-day stays, but the length of your stay in treatment depends on the severity of your addiction. For people in the early to mid-stages of drug or alcohol addiction, a 30-day outpatient program may be sufficient. But if your addiction is more severe, you may need several months of inpatient treatment. Instead of focusing on how long you’ll need to be in treatment, look for the program elements that will empower you to meet your needs and goals for recovery.

Location Matters

The concentration of treatment facilities in Seattle makes it an ideal location for both people traveling from out of state and people who need treatment close to home. If you need separation from the stress and triggers of your situation at home, Seattle is a great option because it has many credentialed, qualified, and comprehensive facilities. For those who are local to the Seattle area, the convenience of multiple locations makes it easier to fit treatment around your other obligations. 

Concern about the cost of rehab can keep many people from even considering entering a treatment facility, but don’t let cost stand between you and recovery. The cost of your program will depend on the level of care you need. For the most part, private insurance plans will cover part or all of the cost of drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Look for a treatment facility with staff dedicated to helping you figure out how to cover the cost of treatment. 

How Much Will It Cost?

Knowing what to look for in a Seattle treatment center makes it easier to find the one that’s right for you. With decades of experience and facilities across western Washington, Lakeside Milam offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Our caring staff is here to help you gain the tools and confidence to create the life you’ve always wanted. We offer inpatient and outpatient programs in addition to detox, mental health, family education, and continuing care services to help you attain and maintain your sobriety. If you think you need help with your drug or alcohol addiction, don’t wait another minute. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you’ll begin to heal. Reach out to us anytime day or night for the guidance, support, and care you need on your journey to recovery.