The holiday season often brings clarity to families about a loved one’s struggles with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or process addictions like problem gambling or eating disorders. If you’ve realized professional help is necessary, selecting the right treatment center is one of the most important decisions your family will make. This guide will help you navigate the process to find a facility that meets your loved one’s needs, aligns with your family’s values, and sets the stage for long-term recovery.

A Family’s Role: Education, Understanding, and Support

Before searching for a treatment center, it’s vital for families to educate themselves about SUD, process disorders, and recovery. These are brain illnesses—conditions where the substance or behavior hijacks the brain, impairing reasoning and self-awareness. Understanding this can help families approach their loved one with compassion, not blame or shame.

We recommend exploring your own family’s history with addiction and its impact on dynamics within the home. This awareness can help inform your support strategies.

Celebrating Families!, NACoA’s whole-family recovery program, is an excellent resource for families affected by the impact of the disease of addiction. It addresses communication, parenting, healthy living, and self-care, helping families heal together while supporting their loved one’s recovery journey. Visit NACoA to explore other family-supporting resources, such as Tools for Kids and Tools for Parents and Caregivers.

Key Questions When Evaluating Treatment Centers

Insurance and Financial Considerations

• What insurances do you accept, and what are the out-of-pocket costs?
• Do you offer sliding-scale fees, payment plans, or scholarships

Comprehensive Assessments and Diagnoses

• Do you provide a thorough assessment at admission to determine a proper diagnosis?
• Are evaluations conducted by licensed professionals using evidence-based tools?
• Do you assess for co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)?

Philosophy of Care

• How does your treatment philosophy align with diverse cultural, spiritual, or personal beliefs?
• What therapeutic approaches do you use (e.g., 12-step programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing)?
• Do you integrate holistic therapies, such as mindfulness, yoga, or art therapy?

Accreditation and Licensing

• Are you licensed by the state and accredited by organizations like the Joint Commission
or CARF International?
• Are your staff credentialed and experienced in addiction medicine or behavioral health?

Treatment Structure and Environment

• What is the average length of stay, and how is readiness for discharge determined?
• How many clients are in treatment at one time?
• What are the staff-to-client ratios, and what is the typical caseload for therapists?
• Are licensed staff, including nurses and counselors, available 24/7 for emergencies?

Qualified Professionals and Staffing

• Do you have a medical director, psychiatrists, or practitioners licensed in addiction medicine on-site?
• Is there licensed nursing staff to manage medication administration and monitor medication-assisted treatments (MAT)?
• Are there specialists for co-occurring mental health conditions?
• Who provides individual and group therapy? Are they licensed therapists or certified addiction counselors?

Campus Amenities and Physical Environment

• What are the accommodations like? Are there private or shared rooms?
• What amenities are available (e.g., gym, outdoor spaces, art rooms, meditation areas)?
• Are meals provided, and can dietary needs or restrictions be accommodated?
• What does a typical day in treatment look like?
• What other alternative therapies are offered? Equine? Breath work, Yoga, Mindfulness, Art, etc.

Family Involvement and Support

• Do you offer a family program, and can siblings or children participate?
• How are families involved in treatment planning and continuing care?
• Are there virtual family sessions for those unable to attend in person?
• How often can families communicate with their loved one during treatment?

Specialized Services

• Do you offer tailored programs for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, or older adults?
• Are trauma-informed care and gender-specific programming available?

Aftercare and Alumni Support

• What continuing care plans do you offer after treatment (e.g., outpatient therapy, alumni groups, peer support)?
• Are alumni encouraged to participate in ongoing recovery groups?
• How will your team involve the family in post-treatment support?
• What are the costs associated with aftercare or alumni programs?

Success Metrics and Outcomes

• How do you define and measure success in recovery?
• Do you track client outcomes, and can you share success rates?

Crisis Management and Stability

• What protocols are in place for handling relapses/use in treatment, or crises during treatment?
• How do you ensure staffing stability and avoid shortages that could impact care?

Legal and Employment Assistance

• Do you provide support for clients managing legal issues, such as court orders or DUIs?
• Can you assist clients with navigating work obligations during and after treatment?

Questions About Physical Campus and Amenities

• Are the facilities well-maintained, clean, and safe?
• Do you provide recreational activities or opportunities for social engagement?
• Are there outdoor areas or gardens where clients can relax?
• Do you offer transportation services for medical appointments or other essential activities?

Empowering Families for Recovery

By asking the right questions and focusing on quality, accreditation, and alignment with your values, your family can select a treatment program that provides comprehensive care for your loved one while involving and supporting the entire family. Remember, recovery is a journey, and accessing treatment is merely the first step.

For More Information – Additional Resources

Substance Use Disorders

Shatterproof Treatment Atlas
An online tool to find high-quality addiction treatment programs.
Visit Shatterproof Treatment Atlas.

Partnership to End Addiction
Guidance on selecting treatment programs and understanding insurance benefits.
Visit DrugFree.org.

SAMSHA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)whose mission is to improve the lives of people with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.

NAATP National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, representing hundreds of addiction treatment providers who offer critical services.

Addiction Policy Forum A nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating addiction as a major health problem.

SAMSHA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)—provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.

Eating Disorders

National Eating Disorders Association
8 Essential Eating Disorder Resources for Family Members

• Eating Disorder Helplines

o ANAD Helpline: 1 (888) 375-7767
Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CT
o National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235
Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ET
o Diabulimia Helpline: 1 (425) 985-3635

Gambling

NACoA Blog: The Growing Popularity of Online Gambling: Risks for Children in Vulnerable Homes
NACoA Blog: The Hidden Bracket: The Impact of Gambling During March Madness on Children
• National Problem Gambling Helpline – 1-800-GAMBLER
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Offers resources, a national helpline (1-800-522-4700), and treatment referrals.
Gam-Anon For family members and friends impacted by someone else’s gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous Support meetings and resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

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