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Tips for Selecting Treatment

Professionals in the alcohol treatment field offer advice on what to consider when choosing a treatment program.

Overall, gather as much information as you can about the program or provider before
making a decision on treatment. If you know someone who has first-hand knowledge
of the program, it may help to ask about his or her personal experience. 

Here are some questions you can ask that may help guide your choice:

  • What kind of treatment does the program or provider offer?
    It is important to gauge whether the facility provides all the currently available
    methods or relies on one approach. You may want to learn if the program or
    provider offers medication and if mental health issues are addressed together
    with addiction treatment. 
  • Is treatment tailored to the individual?
    Matching the right therapy to the individual is important to its success. No
    single treatment will benefit everyone. It may also be helpful to determine
    whether treatment will be adapted to meet changing needs as they arise. 
  • What is expected of the patient?
    You will want to understand what will be asked of you in order to decide
    what treatment best suits your needs. 
  • Is treatment success measured?
    By assessing whether and how the program or provider measures success,
    you may be able to better compare your options.
  • How does the program or provider handle relapse?
    Relapse is common, and you will want to know how it is addressed. For more
    information on relapse, see p. 12.

When seeking professional help, it is important that you feel respected and understood
and that you have a feeling of trust that this person, group, or organization can help
you. Remember, though, that relationships with doctors, therapists, and other health
professionals can take time to develop.

Additional Considerations

Treatment Setting - Inpatient or Outpatient?

In addition to choosing the type of treatment that’s best for you, you’ll also have to
decide if that treatment is inpatient (you would stay at a facility) or outpatient (you
stay in your home during treatment). Inpatient facilities tend to be more intensive and
costly. Your healthcare provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each. 

Cost may be a factor when selecting a treatment approach. Evaluate the coverage in your health insurance plan to determine how much of the costs your insurance will cover and how much you will have to pay. Ask different programs if they offer sliding scale fees—some programs may offer lower prices or payment plans for individuals without health insurance.

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