Anyone who has seen or experienced opioid withdrawal understands how intense the cravings and physical symptoms can be. They also understand why it can be so difficult to get through the first days of recovery alone – without relapsing. Hence, why any professional would recommend choosing a rehab with a medical detox program to assist with managing any and all opioid withdrawal symptoms. Before making any decisions, here is what you should know:

Staff Experience & Facility Accreditation Matter

The first thing you should know when choosing a rehab is who will actually be treating you. Go to the facility’s website and look for an “About” or “Team” page. Learn about the care provider, what kind of experience they have, and what their philosophies are. Also, look for mentions of licensure and accreditations as these can provide insight into the standards their facilities are required to meet. For instance, Joint Commission Accreditation is recognized as the gold standard for care in addiction treatment.

If you are seeking treatment from a single provider, a quick Google search of their name will bring up troves of information about their experience and education. 

Not All Therapeutic Options Are Available Everywhere

It’s true, many facilities have an incredible staff and appropriate licensure, but you should know that not all programs provide the same therapeutics options. Are you looking for a safe space that offers alternative therapies to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, like yoga and chiropractic care? Maybe you need basic medical interventions such as an IV drip. Or, maybe you would benefit from a medication-assisted program such as a facility with a Suboxone doctor. Don’t assume that the rehab option you choose will be able to offer all of these options: ask first!

Location & Living Arrangements Are Crucial

The next thing you need to know before choosing a rehab is where you will be living and where your treatment will take place. Does the opioid rehab you are looking at provide inpatient residential treatment (where you reside onsite the facility) or is detox completed as outpatient care? If the program is outpatient, do they help make housing arrangements? Some outpatient programs have sober houses that they own or partner with. Many recovering addicts benefit from a change in their living environment during early recovery because it can reduce exposure to triggers and improve access to recovery resources.

You may consider traveling to rehab in another city or even another state. Some states have limited treatment facility options and you should not have to compromise on a local facility if it is not right for you. We also mentioned above that a change of environment can be beneficial. For some people, going to another state is the only way to avoid their usual distractions and triggers. If you live in a cold state, getting to a warmer climate where days are longer can also help with possible seasonal depression. It’s all about finding what works for your needs.

What Happens After Detox

The last thing you really need to know is what will happen after detox if you were to choose a particular rehab for opioid withdrawal. For instance, do they provide lower levels of care focusing on relapse prevention? 

Consider where you will live after rehab:

  • Do you have the option for long-term residential treatment? 
  • Can you continue to live in a sober house? 
  • Will you have to return to a previous home or find a new living arrangement? 
  • How will a rehab help you in your living arrangements?

Recovery doesn’t stop once you are clean. Long-term recovery starts with detox and can include individual therapy, group therapy, family recovery, and so much more. Many rehab programs offer various levels of care that carry you through each stage of recovery in addition to alumni programs. This means you will have continuous care from the first days of recovery until you have developed the tools, confidence, and coping skills to overcome relapse triggers. 

The bottom line is that you should know what a rehab program offers before you choose to admit for opioid withdrawal.