Electronic Health Reporter

Treatment for addiction is not the same as rehab. If you’re looking for one or both of these services, it’s important that you understand the differences and when you need one or the other. Use the following information to make an informed decision about your recovery.

Treatment Programs Are Certified

A treatment center focuses on helping participants recover from drug or alcohol addiction through the use of proven therapy methods. The methods used by facilitators have been vetted and proven over the years with official validation through the government or reputable agencies. For example, look for state or national government agencies that oversee and certify addiction service providers.

Rehabilitation Isn’t as Monitored

Rehab centers, on the other hand, aren’t bound by the same strict requirements. For example, a rehab owner could offer spa services and swimming lessons while still labeling the business as a drug and alcohol rehab center. Further complicating the situation is the fact that some rehab agencies use names and labels similar to accredited treatment centers. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t some centers with official licensing and treatment methods. It just means that you need to carefully research any rehab agency before you put your treatment in their hands.

Use Questions To Distinguish Between Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers

How can you tell the difference? The best way to determine whether you’re working with an agency that has the proper credentials, licensing, and training to provide the treatment you need is to ask a lot of questions. Here are some examples of questions to ask:

• Which therapy orientation does the center use? Answers could include behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, dialectic behavioral, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, 12 step model, or narrative. Of course, there are several other types of therapy that are also valid.
• Is medication-assisted treatment part of the program?
• Which specific medications are used for alcohol or drug addictions?
• Which disorders are treated at the center?
• What is the objective of the treatment program, and how is that objective achieved?

Expect to get clear, detailed answers. Vague terms, such as “spiritual,” “eclectic,” and “help” are an indication that you’re looking at a center without the training and certification to offer treatment.

Both Services May Be Offered Together

Sometimes, one agency will provide both treatment and rehabilitation. When this is the case, the two services should be labeled appropriately. For example, an inpatient treatment program may be offered with access to licensed professionals, supervision, and a variety of accredited services. This treatment level is highly structured, so many addiction factors are controlled, such as social interactions, access to alcohol and drugs, and daily schedules. This type of program may also have medical professionals on the staff to monitor possible health complications.

A rehab Los Angeles agency may focus on less intense services, such as counseling, individual therapy, or support groups. During the rehabilitation phase of your treatment, you can live at home, attend school, and continue to work. You’ll also have to monitor your own exposure to addictive substances as well as friends and activities that could tempt you to revert to old habits. As noted earlier, rehab services are not the same as treatment. Instead, it’s a service that supports the treatment program you’ve chosen for your recovery efforts.

Take Time To Research Your Options

Before you settle into a treatment program, consider other relevant questions, such as the differences between medical detox and addiction recovery, whether your insurance will pay for both treatment and rehab services, and how to find the best options for your specific recovery needs. Take time to research the available programs and agencies. Remember that your best hope for a successful recovery lies in finding a treatment option that fits your needs.