Deciding to receive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is the best investment you’ll make.  You are investing in your quality of life and overall health and wellbeing, so picking a good treatment facility is paramount.  But with the wealth of options to choose from, how can you tell if the treatment center is a quality facility? Thankfully, there are several ways to spot a bad rehab. 

Dangers of “Scam” Alcohol and Drug Rehabs 

Unfortunately, there has been a surge of “scam” alcohol and drug rehabs in the United States.  NBC News recently reported on addiction treatment centers in Southern Florida who have been profiting from the national opioid epidemic.  This is done by fraudulently billing insurance companies for unnecessary tests, or exaggerating time spent with patients. 

Red Flags to Look Out For

• The treatment center does not hold licenses or accreditation.  Facilities must adhere to a Code of Ethics to hold licenses and certification, so you know you will receive quality care if the center you choose has these.
• Limited access to individual therapy.  Individual therapy costs treatment centers more than group therapy, so some facilities will limit the number of 1:1 sessions you receive in order to turn a bigger profit.  This is damaging to your recovery, because intense healing can occur in individual therapy.
• Insufficient programming.  Effective addiction treatment includes the use of a variety of programs and therapies.  These provide an opportunity for self-reflection and addresses underlying causes of addiction. 
• Daily drug tests are a clear indicator that something is aloof.  Insurance is billed each time you receive a drug screen and lab tests, which can increase out of pocket costs to the patient.   
• Just as you should do your due diligence when choosing a treatment center, the facility should do the same with you.  The treatment team should ask permission to chart review with your previous providers so they know what treatments you’ve received and any medication history.  Furthermore, you should receive a full psychosocial and medical assessment upon admission to the facility. 
• Free sober housing.  Like anything in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  In another greedy attempt to increase their profit, some treatment centers provide kickbacks to the operators of local “sober homes” as incentive to refer the residences to said facility.  You may be offered gift cards or cigarettes if you agree to receive treatment at a specified location, and while this sounds good, if these people are being paid to tell you this, they may not have your best interests in mind. 
• Referrals to certain treatment centers.  If you are speaking to a representative about receiving treatment and they are pushing a particular location, they may be receiving referral bonuses from that facility to draw up business.  When this is the case, people may enter into a program that does not fit their individual needs.

Questions to Ask Before Deciding on a Rehab.  While your need for treatment may be urgent, it is so important to slow down, ask questions, and do your research!  Here is a guide to get you started:

• What certifications or licenses does your facility hold?
• What is the patient to staff ratio?  Ideally, you would be looking for around one staff for every 4-5 patients depending on the ages of the patients.
• What programs are offered?  What therapies are provided?
• Are there doctors or nurses present 24/7?
• Are certified chemical dependency counselors on staff?
• Are the doctors certified by the American Society of Addictions?
• Are treatment plans individualized for each patient?
• What out-of-pocket expenses should I expect?
• Does your facility connect me with resources in the community to help me continue treatment after completion of the program?
• Do they provide a mentorship program?
• Don’t forget to check the facility’s reviews on multiple sources, not just their website.

The Source, a Great Choice for Addiction Treatment.  The Source Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida provides all of this and more.  We are certified by the Florida Association of Recovery Residences, Joint Commission, and multiple state authorities so you know you will receive quality and affordable care.  We offer several levels of care to fit your unique needs and are available 24/7 on the phone or on our website to help get your journey to recovery underway.  Please give us a call at (800)204-0418 or online at www.thesourcetreatmentcenter.com.