You Finally Decided to Get Help for Addiction. Now What?

Admitting you're in need of help is a challenging view to come by -- as is the realization that you can't do it alone. Still, with the help of a licensed clinician to guide you through this experience, you'll be able to choose the most appropriate level of treatment that best fits your needs. Whether it's outpatient, partial care, inpatient, long-term, residential or medical-based detox, you'll have a number of ways to plan out your treatment plan, making the most of your upcoming experience.

Once the level of care is recommended, what will the course of treatment consist of?

If the level of care recommended is intensive outpatient, for example, what does that mean for you? Will you be in group three to four times a week for three hours each? How many weeks? Will the group be facilitated by a licensed counselor who was specifically trained in addiction and mental health care needs? If you're in need of medical detoxification, will your discharge plan consist of medically assisted treatment? What longer term treatment services are recommended?

Does the program offer holistic modalities such as recovery yoga, nutritional screening/counseling, mindfulness, art/music therapy, etc.?

Integrating holistic approaches throughout the recovery process not only helps by reducing emotional stress but also for improving upon one's physical well-being. The holistic approach is vital in regaining your personal balance, as it brings harmony to the individual's mind and body. Following treatment, most clients choose to continue utilizing holistic methods as a way to maintain a stable environment outside the treatment realm.

Will your treatment consist of evidence-based practices proven to arrive at positive outcomes in an efficient and effective manner ?

From the start, it's crucial you avoid the one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter approach and instead, immediately recognize the importance of one's own treatment goals. Throughout the recovery process, there'll be an overlap with universal struggles that many may benefit from. Nonetheless, with each person's addiction comes also the individual factors that need to be identified and treated for long-term success. In addition, it's beneficial to look into whether the counselors specialize in specific treatment orientations such as trauma-informed care or cognitive behavioral therapy to see what's available.

Are medical and psychiatric services provided on-site?

Well-rounded care of addiction can include psychiatric assessments to identify mental health issues that may or may not be addressed with medication. Certain clients needs medication-assisted treatment in order to cease the intense cravings for certain mood-altering substances. Within the treatment and recovery process, it's crucial that your care be integrated with a psychiatrist and medical team consulting with your primary counselor.

Does your treatment provider endorse self-help such as AA/NA? Do they encourage participation?

Concurrent with treatment, the retrieval of support and guidance from the self-help community is key. This support comes at a low cost to the participant and can assist in long-term sobriety, as meetings are widespread and offered at convenient times for participants. Long-term sobriety is usually accomplished with the help of AA and NA groups. Attendance of these meetings will be welcomed if and only if the individual obeys the single requirement of the self-help community: to show up.

Is your provider accredited by an outside organization?

The gold-standard of addiction services is The Joint Commission. This accreditation ensures to the client that the best practices are being used and an organization is committed to certain performance standards.

What services are offered for your family to be involved in?

Addiction is a family disease -- the family system is greatly impacted when a member within its unit is struggling with addiction. Top-tier programs offer multi-family groups, which consist of both the client and his or her family taking part in group with other clients and their families. Implementing such programs allows for each family to process the changes needed within the family system. This will support their loved ones through their time of need and assist in supporting long-term recovery. Furthermore, parent-family support groups can be available to specifically meet the needs of your family members.

How and where do I get started?

The one question that most want -- and need -- to know is how they'll pay for treatment. Will health insurance cover it? How much will each person incur directly? Certain treatment providers offer their clients financial aid support, so it's important not to let finances be a barrier and instead find out what opportunities there are for assistance. After all, this is an investment in one's long-term health and well-being.

These are all crucial questions that allow you to arm yourself with knowledge as you navigate your way through your personal road to recovery and wellness. You and your family are worth it!

Roman Petrocelli, MA, LPC is the Clinical Director of Summit Behavioral Health at Florham Park in New Jersey. Roman is a master level clinician with a decade of experience in the field of addiction and mental wellness. He has practical clinical, supervisory, and administrative experience throughout the substance use continuum of care. In 2015, Roman and his staff were recognized nationally for their work on a client-made short film, which featured at-risk youth telling their story of hope and transformation. Roman's professional philosophy is based on Choice/Reality Therapy, as well as he utilizes expressive art therapy and trauma-informed care. In his spare time, Roman is an avid auto racing enthusiast, enjoys making short-films, and has been known to do stand-up comedy on occasion, especially if it is to raise awareness on mental health and addiction.