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Addiction Treatment Centers

This article looks at the differences between the two basic categories of addiction treatment centers ...

Addiction treatment centers are all over the United States and most other post industrial countries.  Choosing between the ones with available openings can be hard, especially if you are like everyone else and are on a limited budget.  If you are relatively wealthy or have excellent health insurance, you’re in luck and will more than likely be able to find a program with an opening.  There is a good chance you’ll have to fly in somewhere, so count on taking an extended trip.

Although they all vary significantly, there are two basic categories that all addiction treatment centers fall into; social model and medical model.  Social model addiction treatment centers emphasize therapy, discussion, counseling and group work, but generally have a limited or non-existent medical staff.  These treatment centers normally will not provide detox services.  Medically based addiction treatment centers have the same kinds of therapy and counseling in the social models, but also have a medical staff that includes one or more doctors.  These centers will usually provide a detox service prior to treatment, and are able to administer and prescribe medication for use throughout treatment.

Today, the most popular addiction treatment centers are medically based.  These centers also tend to be the most expensive.  If you can afford it, or have health insurance willing to pay part or all of the costs, I recommend using a medical model treatment center.  Having the advice and services of an addiction-trained physician is very valuable in the early stages of recovery. 

However, it is a good idea to research the facility before signing up.  In your research, pay special attention to the doctor or doctors they have on staff.  Are they ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) certified?  Do they actually have any experience in addiction treatment?  A doctor with limited knowledge or experience with addiction can actually make your problems worse by prescribing you highly addictive medications.  And it is dangerous to assume that just because the doctor is working at an addiction treatment center that he or she must be an addiction specialist.  Many addiction treatment centers help cut costs by hiring any doctor they can find!

Also, when looking for an addiction treatment center, look into the kinds of services they offer.  If you have any say in the matter, look for a center that provides a variety of different kinds of therapy, exercises, nutritional information, meditations, etc.  An addiction treatment center provides plenty of resources will help you to customize your recovery a little more, which increases the chances of finding a form of treatment that works for you.

For more information about addictions and recovery, see the "resources" section of this website, or go to articles about addictions and recovery.

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

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