| It is often difficult, given the acute turmoil individuals and | | | | ago. If that doesn't appeal to you, or hasn't helped in |
| families find themselves in when seeking help, to sort | | | | the past, ask what alternatives they offer. There are |
| out what makes for an effective program. Nearly all | | | | equally or more effective models; |
| will declare themselves to be uniquely suited for | | | | 5. What is their success rate? Reputable programs will |
| meeting the needs of whoever is calling. It isn't true. | | | | tell you that they don't know for sure since all |
| There are, however, reasonably objective questions | | | | programs rely on self-reports that are notoriously |
| you can ask that will help you to increase your | | | | inaccurate. Programs should also be willing to give you |
| chances of selecting a program that can help: | | | | a straightforward statement of how they define |
| 1. What are the qualifications of staff? While Ph.D. and | | | | success - which in many cases amounts to little more |
| Masters Degrees do not guarantee quality, they usually | | | | than "was not noticeably intoxicated while here". |
| indicate higher standards. Conscientious counselors, | | | | 6. If you are considering in-patient, what are the |
| and programs, seek to acquire and increase skills. A | | | | provisions for aftercare? Behavior change is a difficult |
| lack of degrees and other credentials is cause for | | | | process that can't be accomplished in thirty days. The |
| concern; | | | | duration and quality of the follow-up will probably be |
| 2. How many of the staff members refer to | | | | more important than the initial stay. |
| themselves "recovering?" Despite assertions to the | | | | 7. If you decide that outpatient is more apt to meet |
| contrary, research has found no benefit to clients in | | | | your needs, and budget, how flexible is the program? |
| having recovering individuals as counselors. | | | | Rigidity isn't inspiring. |
| Effectiveness come from empathy - the ability to | | | | 8. What types of clients does the program treat? |
| listen, care and motivate; | | | | Those who claim to treat a wide variety of conditions |
| 3. Are any members of the staff themselves former | | | | and "addictions" probably don't treat any of them very |
| clients? This is a very big red flag. Former clients who | | | | well, and neither problems, nor clients, are equally |
| are unable to remain sober outside of their treatment | | | | amenable to treatment. Look for specialists, settings, |
| setting are unlikely to be of much use in helping you to | | | | and methods you feel comfortable with. |
| do so. The facility's hiring also indicates a possible | | | | 9. Will they refer you to other possibilities if you ask? |
| aversion to new ideas and models. Again, expansion | | | | Good programs know that they are not appropriate |
| of skills points towards a quality program, while | | | | for everyone and will want to help you find a good |
| constriction indicates otherwise; | | | | match either philosophically, geographically, or financially. |
| 4. What are their programs based on? Most treatment | | | | While reassuring answers to these questions won't |
| providers rely on a 12 Step/AA base known as the | | | | guarantee success, it will help to prevent you from |
| Minnesota Model where it originated over thirty years | | | | wasting time, money, and effort. |