What is the best drug and alcohol addiction treatment program? That has been the question for millions of Americans. In the last 10 years, drug and alcohol treatment has changed a lot. Now, there are more treatment options focused on each person’s unique needs. Addiction treatment centers today also pay more attention to both addiction and mental health.
Some people have both addiction and mental health problems, called co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, and it’s important to find a rehab that can treat both. But just like going to the gym, simply showing up isn’t enough—you have to put in the work to get results. The right program should offer accredited care, clear treatment plans, and strong relapse prevention steps to help you stay sober. Asking the right questions can help you choose the best inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment for your needs.
What Questions should you ask to find the best drug and alcohol addiction treatment program?
1. What types of programs do you offer?
Rehab centers have different types of programs, like inpatient treatment (where you stay at the center), PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programs) (where you come in for treatment but live at home or at a transitional living housing), and intensive outpatient (IOP), which provides more structured care without requiring a full stay. Knowing the treatment options can help you pick what fits your needs, especially if you also need help with mental health, alcohol abuse, or a co-occurring disorder.
2. Do you offer Detox?
Detoxification is often the first step in treating drug addiction or alcohol abuse, and it’s important to ask if the rehab center provides medical detox services to help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms. This ensures you’re cared for while your body cleanses itself from substances like drugs or alcohol. We at Asheville Recovery Center works with quite a few Medical Detox Facilities all across the country and can help you get into one that fits your needs
You can speak to someone in the Admissions Department by Filling out this form or calling (828)237-4582
3. What is your style of treatment?
Each person’s addiction is different, so the treatment should be made to fit you. Ask if the rehab center offers individualized treatment plans based on what you need, whether that’s for drug use, opioids, or alcohol abuse, or for a co-occurring disorder that involves both substance abuse treatment and mental health support.
4. What credentials do your staff have?
It’s important to make sure the rehab center is accredited and the staff are fully trained and licensed. This ensures you’re getting care from people who are qualified and experienced in healthcare and addiction recovery. Some Programs will use interns in place of credentialed staff as a way to save on costs. Interns are an extremely valuable addition to the clinical team but should NOT replace a fully qualified and credentialed Health Care Professional.
5. Are you accredited by organizations like the Joint Commission or CARF?
Accreditation from groups like the Joint Commission, CARF means the center meets high standards of care. It means the facility has been checked by an outside group to make sure they provide good quality healthcare and treatment services.
6. Do you accept health insurance, and what kind can you accept?
Health insurance can help make treatment more affordable. Ask the center if they work with common providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UMR, Cigna, or United Healthcare. Some centers are in-network, which can lower costs, while others are out-of-network, offering more flexibility but potentially at a higher cost.
7. What evidence-based and holistic treatments do you use?
Good rehabs use evidence-based treatments, which means their methods are backed by research. Ask if they use proven treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and if they offer holistic treatments like yoga or meditation to support overall wellness, especially for people recovering from drug use, opioids, or alcohol abuse. Make sure you choose a rehab that offers more than just a Holistic Approach, although those styles of programs can be rewarding the stats show the long term recovery rates are lower.
8. How long is the program, and is there aftercare or relapse prevention support?
While many people have heard of “30-day programs,” they aren’t typically recommended anymore. It’s difficult to say during the first conversation how long it will take for someone to heal to a safe level. Each person is unique, and recovery can’t always fit into a set time frame. A more realistic approach is to expect a range, often 4-8 weeks or more, depending on how much clinical work is needed. Some people may require longer if they need more intensive treatment. Aftercare and relapse prevention support are also key for long-term success, so ask if the center offers intensive outpatient programs or referrals for follow-up care.
9. Is family therapy part of the treatment process?
Family therapy is a key component in repairing relationships and building long-term support during recovery. It helps families improve communication, address the effects of addiction, and foster a healthy environment for everyone involved. Be sure to ask if family therapy is included in the treatment plan. Asheville Recovery Center not only offers family therapy but is the only facility in Asheville that provides off-site passes, allowing clients to leave the property with their family during treatment. This unique feature helps clients reconnect with loved ones while maintaining the structure of their recovery, making it a valuable part of the healing process.
10. What is your success rate, and how do you measure it?
Success in addiction recovery is difficult to measure because it looks different for everyone. A center’s definition of “success” might not align with your personal goals. Be cautious of places that offer firm success rates, as these numbers are often used for marketing purposes and can be misleading. Instead, ask how the center gauges success—do they track progress through sobriety, long-term health, or client feedback after treatment? A more transparent approach can give you a better sense of the program’s effectiveness.
11. What is the staff-to-client ratio?
A lower staff-to-client ratio means you get more one-on-one attention. This can be important if you have a co-occurring disorder and need more specialized care.
Choosing the right rehab is a big step in getting better. Asking these questions can help you find a center that is accredited, provides personalized care, and has strong plans for relapse prevention and family therapy. If you’re searching for rehab facilities in North Carolina, Asheville Recovery Center is here to help. We offer comprehensive inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient programs, holistic treatments, and expert substance abuse treatment services to guide you on your road to addiction recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can support you or a loved one. You can also visit resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for additional information and support.
