What should I look for when choosing a ‘rehab’?
Which brand is better?
How do I know it will work?
Choosing anything can sometimes be difficult. The decision is made even more difficult when you know nothing about the subject. Choosing a rehab facility is much the same as choosing a new washing machine. How do you know you are making the right choice? The simple answer is you don’t! However, there are certain things that you can look, and ask, for to identify if the facility is genuine:
Registration as an in-patient facility with the Department of Social Development according to Act 70 of 2008
Registration with the Department of Health as a registered detoxification unit.
The programme structure is especially important as rehab is not just a ‘flop-house’. The facility should have a structured psycho-social intervention programme. Ask to see an outline of the programme.
Look at the facility’s social media pages. Look for frequency of posting, content posted, and testimonials/reviews. These will give you an idea of the facility’s focus.
Ask about their recreational activities.
A reputable rehab centre should have all of the listed items above and more
Remember, a ‘rehab’ programme shouldn’t just be about going somewhere… it’s about healing and dealing with the causes and consequences of the addiction. Also bear in mind that going into a rehab programme is not like checking into a hotel. You are there to deal with the addiction, not to have a holiday.
The most important consideration though, is never choose a rehab based on price – the cheapest might not offer you the correct intervention, and the most expensive might give you the least in terms of recovery planning. Your future is at stake, so make your decision based on the points above.
In closing, the decision to go into a programme is a brave big one. It is not a decision that should be made in the same way as deciding which hotel to stay at. Evaluate which programme will offer you the best opportunity to build a solid, healthy recovery.