When alcoholism is finally recognized and the alcohol-addicted individual agrees to seek treatment, the need for enrollment can feel understandably urgent. Whether you are seeking alcohol treatment programs on behalf of yourself or a loved one, the decision can feel overwhelming and even confounding, due to the sheer number and variety of alcohol treatment programs available. Learning to draw comparisons between alcohol treatment programs for selection can prove daunting at first. However, with a methodical and guided approach, the process can be easily simplified, expediting enrollment into a reputable alcohol treatment program.

Similarities Among Alcohol Treatment Programs

At first glance, many alcohol treatment programs may appear all too similar. Most residential (inpatient) alcohol treatment programs will provide on-site detoxification facilities, replete with medical supervision and the ability to prescribe necessary physical or psychological drugs. The vast majority of treatment centers will follow the time-honored 12-step approach, though some will also offer secular or specialized therapy paradigms – and others, though in the minority, will diverge from the 12-step model entirely. Most inpatient alcohol treatment programs will provide some level of customized treatment, an acknowledgment of the varying learning styles, personalities, personal histories and specialized needs that each individual brings to alcoholism treatment.

Comparing Alcohol Treatment Programs

However, despite these similarities among inpatient alcohol treatment programs, there are still plenty of differences that can help you select a treatment center. Remember that the goal is to simply select a treatment center with robust offerings, high levels of success, and the ability to treat the physical and psychological underpinnings of addiction. Below, you’ll find a few key points with which you can compare alcohol treatment programs, along with important questions to consider as you approach your selection process.

Alcohol Treatment Program Accreditation

Though it should go without saying, inquire as to which agencies have accredited the inpatient alcohol treatment programs you are considering. Ask about licensure and state compliance. Any reputable inpatient alcohol treatment program will provide you with this information without hesitation and unlicensed or unaccredited programs are out there.

Alcohol Treatment Program Success Rates

Success rates of inpatient alcohol treatment programs can be difficult to gauge and even harder to objectively interpret from a layperson’s point of view. Graduated patients may have special circumstances that interrupt treatment, secondary drugs of choice may affect alcoholism treatment success rates, and studies seek long-term follow-up with patients that requires their cooperation to accurately assess. However, success rates can be an indicator of the effectiveness of the treatment modalities and environment in which an inpatient alcohol treatment program operates, so don’t hesitate to inquire regarding a center’s recovery rates.

Dual-Diagnosis Alcoholism Treatment Capacity

In many cases, alcoholism affects the mental health of patients in recovery, causing conditions ranging from depression to amnesia. In other cases, alcoholism has been exacerbated by mental health conditions and often stems at least in part from some patients’ attempts to self-medicate. In such cases, dual diagnosis inpatient alcohol treatment programs can provide concurrent treatment of both mental health issues and alcoholism – an approach shown to be more effective than isolated treatment in either arena.

Transitional Planning and Aftercare for Alcoholism Recovery

The top centers in the country have now adopted relapse prevention planning, partnering with the patient to assess alcohol triggers, home environment, support systems and ongoing needs before graduation from alcoholism treatment. Ask for the extent and description of such transitional services available, including a la carte add-ons such as sober coaching, extended sober living programs and dedicated relapse-prevention programs.