There are many factors to consider when deciding upon a treatment center. Some key points include staff credentials, availability of onsite physicians, detox availability, counselor/patient ratios, amenities, treatment model, location, AA philosphy, and cost. With treatment centers popping up throughout the nation, consumers can easily be overwhelmed with available options. Ultimately, there is no substitute for due diligence when considering a treatment center. Make the calls and ask questions.

While the list of questions may include topics ranging from food options to cell phone rights, two questions should always be asked: Do they treat dual diagnosis patients and is there a family program.

A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual is affected by both chemical dependency and an emotional or psychiatric illness. Both illnesses may affect an individual physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Each illness has symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively and relate to themselves and others. Not only is the individual affected by two separate illnesses, both illnesses interact with one another. At times the symptoms can overlap and even mask each other making diagnosis and treatment more difficult. If a patient has a dual diagnosis, it is extremely important to address both issues while in treatment. Treating one to the exclusion of the other may render treatment attemps as ineffective.

The ability of the treatment center to treat the family is another important consideration. Chemical dependency is a family illness and all members of the addicted person’s family are affected. Every family member faces their own issues as they relate to the patient’s dysfunction and process. Learning how to distinguish between codependency and the appropriate display of love and support is an important issue for the family in recovery. By incorporating the family support system in treatment, patients, and family membrs, are better able to integrate and maintain the important changes learned in treatment once they return to the home environment.

For more information on the intervention process visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call 866 534 4443.