You’ve agonized for months, maybe even years, watching a friend or family member anguish while hopelessly addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Finally, through an intervention or perhaps the addict’s self realization that something must happen and treatment is the solution, you now begin the process of deciding where to treat and how you are going to fund it.

There are many factors to consider when selecting a treatment facility. Geographic location, staff credentials, treatment modalities, number of patients at the facility, detox capability, and onsite doctors and nurses are just a few factors to consider when making this important decision. For listings of treatment facilities in California visit Calfornia Rehab Guide.com. Sadly, the decision may very well come down to money.

Occasionally I’ll work with families on an intervention where money is not an issue. They simply want the best and have all the financial resources to select the best facility given the needs of the addicted family member. The vast majority of cases I work with, however, do not have an abundance of money sitting around just waiting to be diverted into treatment.

Some families have the advantage of medical insurance. For these people I strongly suggest taking advantage of their policy. After all, a large amount of money is spent each year maintaining the policy so why not investigate whether or not coverage exists for treatment. And the good news is that most treatment facilities have people working full time who are able to research your policy, usually within 24 hours, to determine the exact amount of benefits available for treatment. You’ll need to give them some basic information such as the name of the insurance company, policy number, ID number, insurance company phone number, insureds social security number, date of birth, address of insured and primary diagnosis (drugs/alcohol).

For those families without insurance and who are struggling to come up with money for treatment, you might consider asking friends and family members to contribute to a fund set up for treatment. Think of it as joining in to purchase the best gift the addict will ever receive. Make it the best and most memorable present the addict will experience in his lifetime. And make no mistake. It is a gift; a gift of life.

For information on interventions visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call 866 534 4443.