A Parent’s Guide To Drug Rehab in Florida

If you live in Florida, and you’re looking for a good drug treatment center for your son or daughter, you’re probably confused by all the different facilities available. You want to be sure that your child receives quality treatment, but you’re not sure what to look for. This article will help guide you in your quest for the best treatment facility.

Here are some key points to look for in a drug treatment center:

  • Accreditation
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Evidence-based therapy
  • Qualified staff
  • Formal admissions process
  • Aftercare program included
  • Clean, comfortable facilities with emphasis on family involvement

In order to operate legally, any drug treatment center in Florida must be licensed by the state. However, centers are not required to be accredited. Treatment centers that have been accredited by such independent entities as CARF or the Joint Commission are likely to offer high quality treatment. That’s because accreditation standards are high. Always ask about accreditation. If the center doesn’t have it, move along.

Ask about treatment plans. The center should tell you that all treatment plans are individually designed for each client. Plans should be tailored for each patient’s needs. One size definitely does not fit all.

Ask about detox. If your child is addicted to alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids, detox will be necessary. Be sure the center offers medically supervised detox. Also ask about therapy. All therapy should be evidence-based. This means that it’s been proven to work. Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing are two evidence-based therapy protocols, but there are many others. Inquire as to which therapies the center uses. You can then research them yourself online to be sure they are credible and evidence-based.

A Warning About Bad Facilities

Be very wary of any center that offers incentives for your son or daughter to attend. They may offer to cover travel expenses. Or they may offer deep discounts. These are red flags and indicate a possible substandard treatment facility.

All staff at the facility should be licensed, certified and experienced in drug treatment or a closely related field. A clinical admissions interview, conducted by an addictions professional, should be included. There should be an adequate staff to patient ratio.

Before allowing your family member to attend a drug treatment center, insist on a tour. It should be clean, comfortable and also should offer a reasonable menu of nutritious food. Family is key to an addict’s recovery, so visiting areas should be bright and comfortable.  If you are unable to physically tour the facility, then at a minimum do plenty of research online for reviews and carefully digest them.  Making a few calls to other places to check the reputation of the facility you’re looking into is worth the time as well.

Finally, ask about an aftercare program. A quality center should include this as part of their treatment. Aftercare is critical to ongoing sobriety.