| At the beginning it is important to know that | | | | addiction problem? |
| drug addiction can be conquered with rehab. | | | | |
| It takes hope, determination and treatment by | | | | · Am I eligible for your programs? |
| skilled specialists. It is a difficult task, | | | | |
| akin to steadily climbing a hill with a heavy | | | | · Are the applicable programs covered by |
| load, other physical hardships and constant | | | | any funding agencies (like insurance, |
| fear. But the good news is that reaching the | | | | Medicare or Medicaid)? |
| top of the hill is a 100% certainty! | | | | |
| | | | · What will I have to pay for myself? |
| Emergency Help | | | | |
| | | | · Could you give me patient references so |
| First and foremost, if at this moment you are | | | | that I can ask them about their experience |
| in a state of crisis, call any of these | | | | with you? |
| numbers NOW for immediate help and guidance: | | | | |
| | | | Do not consider centers whose answers were |
| · The U.S. Department of Health and Human | | | | indifferent, rude, hazy, unsympathetic or |
| Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health | | | | poorly worded, and in this way arrive at a |
| Services Administration's Center for | | | | shortlist of centers. You will have to visit |
| Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) (800) | | | | centers on the shortlist to further evaluate |
| 662-HELP | | | | them, so keep the size of the shortlist |
| | | | within practical limits. |
| · National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline | | | | |
| (800) 662-4357 | | | | When you visit a center to check it out, here |
| | | | are the aspects you should consider (it is |
| · Cocaine Anonymous (800) 347-8998 | | | | advisable to take a family member or close |
| | | | friend with you so that you will have more |
| · National Help Line for substance abuse | | | | than your own opinion to consider when making |
| (800) 262-2463 | | | | your evaluation of the center): |
| | | | |
| Finding a Rehab Center | | | | · Do the staff members treat patients with |
| | | | respect and compassion? |
| If you are not in a crisis situation, you | | | | |
| should find a nearby quality rehab center by | | | | · Do the staff members respect differences |
| emailing or phoning the Commission on | | | | in culture? |
| Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities | | | | |
| ("CARF"). Their email address is , their web | | | | · Are the premises clean? Are the fittings |
| address is carf.org; their telephone numbers | | | | in good repair? |
| and postal addresses are: | | | | |
| | | | · Are there necessary facilities for |
| CARF International | | | | patients such as adequate medical |
| | | | specialists, medical drugs and equipment? |
| 4891 E. Grant Road | | | | |
| | | | Here are questions to ask of staff members in |
| Tucson, AZ 85712 USA | | | | the center you are visiting: |
| | | | |
| (520) 325-1044 or toll-free (888) 281-6531 | | | | · What programs are available here? |
| voice/TTY | | | | |
| | | | · Once I sign up, how long does it take to |
| (520) 318-1129 fax | | | | start? |
| | | | |
| CARF Canada | | | | · Could I see a schedule of activities |
| | | | connected with my program? |
| 10665 Jasper Avenue, Suite 1400A | | | | |
| | | | · How will the services be customized to |
| Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 Canada | | | | my particular situation? |
| | | | |
| (780) 429-2538 voice | | | | · What type of residential accommodation |
| | | | do you have, if my program requires it? |
| (780) 426-7274 fax | | | | |
| | | | · What part will I play in configuring my |
| CARF-CCAC | | | | program? |
| | | | |
| 1730 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Suite 209 | | | | · How can my family and dear ones be |
| | | | involved in the program? |
| Washington, DC 20036 USA | | | | |
| | | | · What facilities do you provide for |
| (202) 587-5001 or toll-free (866) 888-1122 | | | | patient complaints and corresponding program |
| voice | | | | correction? |
| | | | |
| (202) 587-5009 fax | | | | · Do you provide transportation if |
| | | | required? |
| In the unlikely event that CARF does not know | | | | |
| of nearby rehab centers, go back to the | | | | · Is personal nurse or orderly care |
| emergency phone numbers and ask them for this | | | | available in case I am physically incapable |
| information. | | | | of attending to basic needs? |
| | | | |
| Types of Rehab Programs | | | | Finally, address the issue of quality by |
| | | | asking these questions: |
| Rehab programs are offered in many formats. | | | | |
| They can be inpatient (long or short stay), | | | | · Could you show me examples of how your |
| outpatient or residential. The nature, | | | | programs have succeeded? |
| severity and stage of the affliction usually | | | | |
| determine which one is most suitable. | | | | · Do you consult former patients when |
| | | | revising or expanding your programs? |
| Rehab programs administered in licensed | | | | |
| hospitals are always better than those | | | | · How are you involved with your |
| administered at home because in a hospital | | | | community? |
| all treatment must meet rigorous standards. | | | | |
| | | | · What are the qualifications of your |
| Evaluating a RehabCenter | | | | staff members? |
| | | | |
| The first step in evaluating a rehab center | | | | · Could I please see your accreditations? |
| is to telephone them and inquire about their | | | | |
| services. Here are some suggested questions: | | | | Based on the answers, the most suitable |
| | | | center will most likely be self-evident, and |
| · What are the programs you have | | | | you would have made a highly informed |
| available? | | | | decision. |
| | | | |
| · How long have you been operating? | | | | Conclusion |
| | | | |
| · In which geographical area are you? Is | | | | I hope and pray for your successful |
| there a bus stop or train station nearby? | | | | rehabilitation and again assure you that |
| | | | although your situation may seem hopeless |
| · What are your working hours and days? | | | | now, your feelings are typical; there is |
| | | | hard data to prove you CAN resume a normal, |
| · Do your staff members speak my language? | | | | happy life, and that is just what you are |
| Are there bilingual staff members? If I'm | | | | going to do. |
| deaf, do they know sign language? | | | | |
| | | | Good luck, and may triumph soon be yours ! |
| · How will your programs help solve my | | | | |