Addiction is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on individuals and families. If you have a loved one who is struggling, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to get them help, or whether or not you can send them to treatment if they’re unwilling to go on their own.
Involuntary rehab is a process by which a person can be placed in treatment against their will. This is typically only done in cases where the person is a danger to themselves or others, or where they are unable to make rational decisions about their own care.
We answer some common questions about involuntary addiction treatment:
Can I Force My Loved One to Go to Rehab?
Yes, but only in certain locations.
Currently, the District of Columbia and 47 states allow involuntary addiction treatment.1 That number may change over time, so it’s important to stay up to date with your state’s local regulations.
It’s important to note that your state may or may not make a legal distinction between treating a person for alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and mental health. This distinction is usually intended to protect criminal court proceedings, and to prevent defendants from claiming insanity due to substance use.
Most states have two distinct processes by which a person is evaluated for involuntary care; one that applies to current patients, and another that applies to anyone in the midst of a mental health crisis. In many states, anyone can request that a person in crisis be evaluated by a court to see if they meet the criteria for involuntary mental health and/or addiction treatment.2 However, this is not always the case. Florida, for example, requires evaluation by an authority, such as a law enforcement officer, clinical social worker, or physician.
Can I Send My Spouse to Rehab?
Yes, but only in certain locations.
In many states, anyone can call for an emergency mental health evaluation of a person experiencing a mental health crisis. This includes crises that are caused by substance use. If your spouse is a habitual substance user, but is not in crisis, you may have fewer available options. Make sure to check the specific regulations in your state3 to find out which options are available to you.
If you are in physical danger due to your spouse, get yourself to safety before you help them find medical care. If you need help, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline1 at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).
Can I Send My Teen to Rehab?
Possibly, depending on your location and your child’s exact age.
Every U.S. state has slightly different rules governing a minor’s autonomy when it comes to medical care.4 Some of these laws are vague, and subject to interpretation by local authorities. You may be able to make some decisions on your teen’s behalf, while they have more control over others. For example, in Delaware, parental consent is required for a minor to receive inpatient treatment for substance use, but either a parent or a minor aged 14 and up may legally consent to outpatient treatment.
How Does a Person Qualify for Mandatory Rehab?
A person must meet certain criteria before they are legally required to attend rehab.5 These criteria vary based on your location. They may or may not be the same as the criteria for mandated mental health treatment for other conditions.
It’s important to note that there may be different criteria for a person in crisis than for a person with ongoing but less severe symptoms. In a crisis situation, the person may be held briefly before either being released or sent to residential treatment. Often, this means that they will be held for 72 hours in a mental health center, during which time they will be evaluated to see if further treatment is needed.
Is Forced Rehab Effective?
Expert opinions vary. Most seem to believe that successful recovery due to forced rehab is rare, but possible.
In some cases, however, people who are forced into rehab ultimately do recover,11 and even express gratitude for their loved one’s decisions. Reporters of these cases emphasize that these stories are the exception, not the rule.
Some experts disagree with this assessment, even stating that “patients who entered residential treatment with moderate to high legal pressure were significantly more likely to stay in treatment 90 days or more compared to those with low legal pressure.”12 However, there is little publicly available data to support this claim.
Do Interventions Work?
Yes, if you get help from a professional interventionist.
To stage an intervention, you’ll start by gathering a group of people who care about someone struggling with substance use. Ultimately, you’ll all sit down with that person face to face, explain how their substance use has affected your lives, and encourage them to get professional help.
Unfortunately, there is little research regarding the effectiveness of interventions. This is likely because many people plan these meetings on their own, without assistance from a professional. Because emotions will be running high at every stage of the process—from the moment you begin planning to the end of the intervention itself—it’s extremely important to have an experienced, impartial perspective to guide you and your loved one toward the goal.
Professional interventionists are often recovered substance users themselves. As a result, these experts are able to see the conversation from both sides, advocating for both your and your loved one’s best interests. They may also be trained in nonviolent communication, connected to local and national resources, and able to answer complex questions about rehab and recovery.
Will My Loved One Face Legal Consequences if They Go to Forced Rehab?
It’s possible. However, the answer to this question is rapidly changing.
In many states, court-ordered rehab can be offered as an alternative to jail time.14 This does not necessarily protect your loved one from accruing a criminal record. It also depends on a substance user’s exact circumstances. Possession of some substances, including dangerous substances, is perfectly legal and does not represent a risk of legal charges. Possession of other substances may result in criminal charges, but only in certain amounts. Some are highly illegal, and are grounds for felony charges in any amount.
These regulations vary widely from state to state. And as more and more municipalities begin decriminalizing substance use,15 you can expect the rules to change significantly in the near future. If you’re concerned about the legal consequences of forcing your loved one into rehab, it’s best to check with a lawyer or other expert to learn more about your options.
How Long Does Mandatory Rehab Last?
It depends on your area, and on the results of your loved one’s professional evaluation.
When a person in crisis goes to a mental health facility involuntarily,16 they’ll likely be held for 72 hours. However, this varies based on the laws in your area. During or after that emergency hold, they’ll usually be evaluated to see whether further treatment is required. If it is, they may be held for about two weeks. Following that initial period of treatment, they may be released to an outpatient program, or admitted to a residential facility.
Every person’s experience is different, and options vary based on each patient’s insurance, location, and physical and mental health. If possible, it’s best to stay in close communication with the person’s team of healthcare providers. This allows you to make decisions with or on behalf of your loved one as the situation develops.
What if My Loved One Won’t Go to Rehab?
If your loved one won’t go to rehab, you still have options. And you are not alone.
Substance misuse can have a huge impact not only on the person who participates in it, but also on their family and community. It’s important to recognize the effects of their behavior on your own mental health and well-being. Thankfully, there are many resources available for people who love someone struggling with addiction.
Al-Anon is a support group for people with a loved one who struggles with substance use.17Alateen is a similar group, specifically for young people and teenagers. CoDA, or Codependents Anonymous, is a support group for people who struggle with codependency, which is often exacerbated by relationships with substance users.18 All of these are 12-Step groups, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, and designed to help you build a healthier, more sustainable life.
If you’re not interested in joining a group, you may consider seeing a therapist who specializes in treating partners of people with substance use disorders. Or you may just pick up a book about this relationship dynamic. Whatever you decide, remember that your mental health is important, too. Whether or not your loved one ultimately gets the help they need, you also deserve to heal.
Discover your addiction treatment options by visiting our searchable list of rehabs. Take virtual tours, read reviews, learn about insurance coverage, and more.
National domestic violence hotline. (n.d.). The Hotline. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.thehotline.org/ [↩]
Rehab should feel like a safe space, where you’re supported, listened to and your recovery comes first. Many addiction treatment centers do place your recovery at the forefront. These quality rehab centers employ experienced professionals, offer a robust treatment program and apply a variety of therapies to help you find a life free from addiction. While success rates of different approaches and programs vary, the positive news is, long-term studies have found that treatment works.1
At the same time, there are a few rehab industry players who don’t have patients’ best interests at heart. From the Florida shuffle2 to fake hotlines, different exploitative practices have been brought to light in recent years. It’s important to be wary of these malpractices to protect yourself from drug rehab scams, which unfortunately exist.
Certain markers can help you determine whether an addiction treatment center is using unethical marketing practices or is taking part in questionable schemes. On the other hand, there are also signs that indicate a rehab center is legitimate and reputable. Learn how to identify both the red flags and the green lights.
Watch Out for Common Addiction Treatment Center Scams
If you’re struggling with addiction or mental health issues, choosing to get help is a big, courageous step to take. During your search, you deserve to receive unbiased information that will help you make an educated decision regarding your recovery. Unfortunately, not all rehab recommendations are unbiased and some treatment centers engage in unethical marketing practices.
Patient Brokering: What Is It and How to Spot It
Patient brokering is when someone receives a commission to actively recruit and refer patients to a specific treatment facility.
How Does Online Patient Brokering Work? A fake website or online ad includes a hotline that directs your call to a call center. A call center agent (not a treatment provider or dedicated admissions specialist) receives compensation for each referral they place. Treatment centers involved in these kickback schemes will place a bid for patients and agents will refer patients to the highest bidding center.
In short, call center agents pose as caregivers and sell leads to the highest bidding rehab.
Is Patient Brokering Legal? In the United States, the Anti-Kickback Statute prohibited referrals from any source to federal-supported healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
Since the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act4 was passed in 2018, it’s now “a crime to knowingly and willfully solicit, receive, pay, or offer payment for referrals to a recovery home or clinical treatment facility”, according to congress.gov. This means that referring patients to an addiction treatment facility in exchange for a referral fee is illegal nationwide in the United States. Penalties can include a fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
In the United Kingdom, patient brokering violates the 7 Principles of Public Life,5 a set of principles applied to anyone who delivers public services, including those in the healthcare sector. On top of that, The General Medical Council (GMC) prohibits doctors from receiving referral payments.
How to Protect Yourself Against Addiction Treatment Scams
While Google’s announcement marks a step in the right direction, you can also proactively protect yourself against addiction treatment scams:
Watch out for free helplines. A website may appear to provide unbiased information about treatment centers but then require you to call a hotline. Oftentimes, these hotlines are a source of referral fees, meaning agents receive compensation for placing someone in a specific facility.
Ask the rehab center for specific information. During your initial call with a rehab, see if their admissions team can answer specific questions about the center and their program. If you’re unsure what to ask, we’ve detailed questions to ask when calling a residential treatment center. Be wary if their answers are vague or if they don’t specify details about their program. You can also be upfront and ask the treatment center about their stance on referral fees.
Be upfront with your therapist or doctor. If your therapist or doctor recommended a treatment facility to you, you can politely ask them if they’ve received any benefits or compensation for the recommendation. Feel free to respectfully voice your concerns about the referral process.
Look for These Signs of a Legitimate Addiction Treatment Center
While it’s unfortunate that a few bad apples exist in the rehab industry, there are a number of good addiction treatment centers that have your best interest at heart. Below are some telling signs that a treatment center is more likely to be legitimate.
They Have a Positive Reputation
There are many ways to check a rehab center’s reputation. You can start by asking around. See if your primary care physician or psychiatrist has an opinion on a program you’re interested in. If you’re calling different centers, you can check if the center you’re looking at is in good standing with other treatment facilities. Read their online reviews, both on their own website and on Google.
It’s usually a positive sign if a rehab is a member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). NAATP’s code of ethics9 prohibits referral payments.
They Employ Qualified Staff
Rehabs in the U.S. are required to employ addiction treatment professionals who meet certain licensing or credential requirements, depending on the state. You should look through a treatment center’s team webpage to see if they employ licensed clinicians. Our deep-dive on the qualifications of rehab employees can help you pinpoint what job titles or credentials to look for.
They Offer Specific Details About Their Program
Usually, reputable rehab centers are happy to answer specific questions about their center or program. They’ll give you a sample schedule so you can see what a day, or week, in their treatment program looks like. They have detailed information regarding the admissions process. They’re transparent about costs and have no qualms about discussing insurance coverage.
Start Your Search for a Reputable Rehab
The decision to ask for help for substance use issues is brave—it’s one that marks the beginning of a transformative life journey. In your search for a rehab, you deserve to receive unbiased information in order to make a knowledgeable decision about treatment. By being aware of industry malpractices, you can take steps to protect yourself from rehab scams. If you look for rehabs using an unbiased platform, you’re more likely to find reputable treatment centers with programs that could be a good fit for you.
Note: LuxuryRehabs.com financially supports the site through sponsors, who pay for placements which are clearly marked throughout the site. We do not and have never accepted a fee for referring someone to a particular center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Scams
What is patient brokering?
Patient brokering is when someone gets compensated for referring patients to a rehab. Rehabs involved in illegal kickback schemes pay third parties to refer patients to their center.
Is patient brokering illegal?
Yes. In the United States, it’s illegal to refer patients to an addiction treatment center in exchange for a referral fee.
How do I check if a rehab is legit?
Signs of a legitimate rehab include:
• A positive reputation online and in the medical field • Accreditations, for example from the Joint Commission •A qualified treatment team • Admissions staff with detailed program knowledge
A rehab center’s size influences your treatment experience in big ways. It impacts important factors like facilities, level of personalized attention, types of therapies offered and more.
When it comes to rehab size, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. What will work for you depends on your needs and preferences. Some people need intimate settings to open up and are more comfortable at a boutique rehab. Others require specific programs or therapies that larger treatment centers tend to offer.
To help you determine which type of center could work for you or your family member, we examine the benefits and differences between small and large luxury rehab centers.
What Classifies as a Small Rehab Center?
While there’s no official definition of what constitutes a small rehab center, they tend to have the following:
An intake limit of 10 to 15 people
A 1:1 (or better) ratio of staff to patients
Many have an intimate home-like setting with a limited number of bedrooms
Some small rehab centers are family-run
How a Small Rehab Center Can Be Beneficial to Your Recovery
You Receive More Individualized Attention
At smaller rehab centers, multiple staff service one person at a time. Some even have a 3:1 staff to patient ratio, like The Sanctuary at Sedona in Arizona which has around 30 staff members serving 10 clients.
As Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside in Princeton, Massachusetts describes:
“Our staff-to-patient ratio allows us to provide higher amounts of individualized sessions with case managers and psychiatrists. Patients can meet with psychiatry 5 days a week and with a case manager 3 times a week. With that, more processing and evaluation can be done with each patient.”
Meeting often with the clinical team gives you more opportunities to engage in important dialogue. You can discuss matters like what therapies work for you and what doesn’t. Open, frequent dialogue helps people feel heard by their clinician, which is therapeutic2 in and of itself. According to a study from McGill University Health Centre, a listening doctor can offer patients “relief from the stress and anxiety that can be induced and exacerbated by illness.”
A family-run center in Southern Spain, the team at Camino Recovery brings personalized attention to the fore.
And since clinical staff at small rehabs often service fewer people at once, they have more time to map out your bespoke treatment plan.
You’re unlikely to fall through the cracks, as Don Lavender, Program Director at Camino Recovery explains:
“When you’re working with 7 or 8 clients maximum, they don’t get lost in the shuffle because there is no shuffle. And because it’s so small and the clinical crew is rather large with a lot of expertise in the clinical mix, treatment is truly bespoke.”
Programs Are More Flexible
Inpatient rehabs with lower intakes may offer more program flexibility. With fewer people to treat at a time, they don’t have to be as stringent with bureaucracy because it’s easier to oversee everyone. And as the clinical team builds a more personal relationship with you, they are more likely to keep track of your requests.
Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Doctor at Soberman’s Estate talks about how flexibility is a welcome change for some of their patients:
“We can be more flexible with a smaller number of intakes, which suits a lot of our patients. Many have been through rehab before and found it onerous or too regimented. It didn’t suit them as individuals and they were alienated in the process. Many of those patients come here and it’s a breath of fresh air because we try to be as flexible as possible with them.”
In rehab programs where you meet with staff more often, you might be able to adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Soberman’s Estate, for example, holds a staff meeting each week with the medical director, clinical director, and nursing team. Clients are invited to sit at the table, discuss their treatment goals and make adjustments to their plan if needed.
You Have More Access to Staff Members
Staff at smaller rehabs often have higher availability to meet with patients outside of regularly scheduled sessions. In these instances, you can pull someone aside when you need questions answered or simply want to talk.
For many people, building a connection with the center staff makes them feel supported and more at home. It creates a sense of belonging. This level of staff-patient relationship, where two or more people intend for healing to occur, is a key component of an optimal healing environment,3 or as defined in the Global Advances in Health and Medicine journal, a healthcare system “that is designed to stimulate and support the inherent healing capacity of patients, families, and their care providers.” In short, it supports a patient’s recovery.
At some small treatment centers, the founders and other senior staff members are hands-on in day-to-day operations. You’ll often see this at family-run rehabs. Founders will get to know each client personally and oftentimes give a deeper, more personal story about the center’s origins. Access to senior staff can promote a sense of trust and help people feel more comfortable at the center.
“(Co-owner) Jeanine and I live on the property. We feel it’s important that we’re available to our clients. We’re always at hand, should our clients need us. We’re very proud of it. We’re here every day because this is where we want to be and this is what we want to do.”
Giles Fourie, Director and Co-Owner at White River Manor in South Africa comments says core team members are always on hand to help clients:
You Can Be Part of a Tight-Knit Community
The intimacy of small treatment centers creates opportunities to build close relationships with others. Whether you choose a residential or inpatient rehab, you have a full schedule and spend lots of time with others in the program. You get to know the others on a deeper level, especially with a smaller group of people.
Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, talks about the importance of this camaraderie:
“Small groups allow you to know people on a bigger level and learn details about their lives and the circumstances that they came from, which makes a lot of difference. Intimate settings promote trust, and trust promotes healing.”
If you have social anxiety, large group settings can be daunting. This might cause you to withdraw or avoid participating in activities, which hampers the recovery process. Smaller rehab centers can provide a more comfortable environment with less intimidating group sizes.
Group therapy is a powerful tool for treating substance abuse4 and may even be as helpful as individual therapy. Participating in group therapy has several rewarding benefits, including decreased isolation. If you can’t open up because a group size is too large or intimidating, this can be a barrier to treatment. It may prevent you from going deeper in your recovery journey.
If you have severe social anxiety, some boutique rehab centers are flexible–you may not be required to participate in group activities at all.
With an intake limit of just 15 people, White River Manor can accommodate the needs of clients with social anxiety. “None of our groups are compulsory. Each client is on their own recovery journey. It’s important they get what they need out of their time with us, so we accommodate each client’s specific needs,” states Jeanine Fourie, the center’s Therapeutic Director and Co-owner.
There’s no industry standard for what classifies as a large treatment center. They tend to have more than 30 beds, with some that intake over 100 people. Oftentimes, these centers are located on larger grounds with lots of room for guests to roam and more facilities. They usually have a big clinical team to keep a favorable staff-to-patient ratio.
Larger rehab centers are often thought of as overly clinical or sterile. But this stereotype doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the larger treatment landscape. Bigger addiction treatment centers can offer many benefits to your recovery.
What Are the Benefits of a Large Rehab Center?
Better and More Specialized Facilities
Large rehab centers can often invest in better and more specialized facilities. Since they tend to be located on bigger grounds, they may have more room for these facilities compared to smaller centers.
Spotlight on: Sierra Tucson
One of the larger rehabs in Arizona is Sierra Tucson, set on a 160-acre property. They have the facilities to assist clients through the full spectrum of care, from on-site medical detox to outpatient programs.
The option to stay with one treatment center throughout the recovery journey is beneficial for people who feel uncomfortable with a lot of environmental change, or for those who want to work with certain doctors and therapists throughout their treatment experience.
“We manage various levels of care. When individuals need medically-supported detox, we can do that on-site in our inpatient unit. Afterward, they can transition seamlessly to the residential setting and further to our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs,” says Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer at Sierra Tucson.
On top of that, Sierra Tucson has a number of specialized facilities to support different types of therapies, like experiential therapy and equine therapy.
Sierra Tucson in Arizona offers equine therapy directly on their campus.
Fitness amenities here include a pool, sports court, fully-equipped gym, climbing wall and a ropes course. They have unique onsite facilities to support the spirituality component of their program, including a labyrinth and Kiva arena. Their center even houses an equine area with stables and an arena.
The lack of certain amenities or facilities can be a hindrance to healing. If equine therapy played a necessary role in someone’s recovery journey, but it wasn’t available anywhere, this would be more than frustrating. Larger rehab centers tend to house facilities that are very important to some people’s recovery journey.
Spotlight on: All Points North
All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado is set on a verdant campus with a 77-square foot main lodge. They’ve invested in cutting-edge facilities to support specialized therapies and treatments.
On top of an on-campus indoor pool, spa center, boxing arena, game room, and golf courses, this rehab houses state-of-the-art equipment tailored for certain therapies.
All Points North recently introduced a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to their campus. This equipment helps feed the body with the right levels of oxygen to quickly heal itself when faced with different injuries and illnesses. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is now a part of their athletic program and promotes healing for athletes with concussions. But they also introduce other clients to this specialized treatment.
“We have a lot of patients that come from other parts of the country and we can give them a chance to let their bodies oxygenate. It helps them feel better quickly and really assists in treatment,” says Lana Seiler, All Points North’s Associate Director of Clinical Operations.
One of their clients who received HBOT reported, “the facility here goes to depths that most hyperbaric therapy doesn’t go. My experience was almost immediate, where my fog of war disappeared.”
If you need more specific facilities for treatment, it can be difficult to find them at a smaller rehab center. For those in situations with unique treatment needs, for example, an athlete who has had multiple concussions, it can be a huge relief to find a program with specialized equipment.
Specialized Programs and Therapies
If you’re looking for specialized programs or therapies, you’re more likely to find them at a large rehab center. These programs can get pretty specific and can accommodate the unique needs of their clientele.
For example, Hanley Center At Origins is an 80-bed center in Florida with a Center for Older Adult Recovery. This program is specifically designed for older men and women and includes medically supervised detox that addresses the medical concerns unique to someone’s age.
Meanwhile, All Points North has specialized therapies that can be difficult to find otherwise, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) for depression. Both of these therapies require special equipment operated by experienced professionals. They’re offered as a part of All Points North’s athletics program, a unique recovery program designed for current and retired athletes, created by professional athletes.
Some centers with large intake numbers give you the option to break out into smaller, more targeted groups. Not only does this give you a level of safety and comfort as you go into your sessions, you can open up about trauma in your specific groups knowing others have likely been in your shoes.
Below are examples of specific programs found at different large rehab centers:
LGBTQ+ Recovery
United Recovery Project in Hollywood, Florida is a 31- to 50-bed treatment center with an LGTBQ+ program. They address the treatment needs of patients in the community and focus on providing a safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to open up. Their staff are specifically trained in cultural sensitivity and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
Veterans’ Recovery
Sierra Tucson in Tucson, Arizona offers a Red, White and Blue Program for members of the military and first responders. The program is designed to help people feel comfortable sharing their experiences with others who have also been through the line of duty. The clinical team includes former military members and first responders.
Breaking up into smaller, more focused groups helps people feel more comfortable expressing themselves and can improve therapeutic outcomes. One of the keys to successful group therapy6 is to identify common bonds between clients. According to Martyn Whittingham, Ph.D., an Ohio counseling psychologist and president of APA’s Div. 49 (Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy), “discovering commonalities is crucial to building group cohesion.”
On top of that, a study on behavior change7 published in the Health and Well-Being journal found that homogeneous groups were better at instigating behavioral changes compared to heterogeneous groups.
Large Treatment Centers Mirror the Real World
An important aspect of the recovery journey is the ability to take what you’ve learned during your time in rehab and apply it to your daily life.
Larger treatment centers offer an environment that better mimics the real world. This gives you the opportunity to put the work you’ve done in therapy into practice. You also learn how to be a part of a larger community.
“A larger facility mirrors being in a larger community as a whole: you can find your people and learn how to deal with others. You can make your way in the treatment center in a way that mirrors how you need to make your way in the world. Successful treatment usually involves reconnecting and learning how to function in a social society,” says Dr. Ryan Drzewiecki, Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge.
Greater Network of Resources
Larger facilities often have a healthy network of resources to support your recovery. Some even have the capacity to team up with industry leaders.
Take Axis Sports Medicine, for example. They employ the highest number of advanced certified physical therapists in the state of Colorado. All Points North Lodge teamed up with them to offer top-level physical therapy to clients.
If you’re looking to connect with specific leading resources, like a top teletherapist in your area, larger treatment centers may be able to help you. They tend to have a more robust network to pull from.
Find a Treatment Center That Fits You
Both small and large rehab centers offer their own set of benefits. One isn’t necessarily better than the other. Recovery is unique for each person, so the criteria that you’re looking for may differ from someone else’s.f
Frequently Asked Questions About Small vs. Large Rehabs
Should I choose a small or large rehab center?
The choice between a small and large rehab center depends on your needs and preferences. Small centers offer personalized attention and intimate settings, while large centers may have better facilities and more specialized programs. Consider what’s most important to you in your recovery journey.
What are the benefits of treatment at a small rehab center?
Smaller rehabs tend to offer more individualized attention, flexible programs, and greater access to staff members. With smaller group sizes, you can build close relationships with fellow participants. The intimate setting promotes trust, which is essential for healing and recovery.
What are the benefits of treatment at a large rehab center?
Larger rehabs can provide better, more specialized facilities and offer a wider range of programs and therapies. Large rehabs create an environment that more closely mirrors the real world, giving you a chance to practice the skills you learn in treatment. They may also have more resources to support your ongoing recovery.
In any organization that provides essential services, the experience and expertise of the staff is paramount. This is perhaps even truer for addiction treatment facilities. Clients at rehab are trusting treatment professionals to help them navigate the challenging, and often vulnerable, journey to recovery.
Rehabs staff executives who run day-to-day operations, treatment professionals (both medically licensed and not) who provide rehab services like detox and counseling, and support staff who guide clients through their day-to-day experience.
When you’re looking for an addiction treatment program that’s a good fit for you, it’s important to consider the qualifications of their team. Here, we take a closer look at who works at rehabs and what job titles, roles, licensing, and certifications they may have.
Who Works at Rehabs?
In the U.S., drug treatment facilities are state-regulated. This means that treatment professionals at rehabs must meet various licensing and credential requirements as determined by the state.
Following, you’ll find more information about the various employees at addiction and mental health rehabs, by area of expertise.
Medical Professionals
Medical and mental health professionals have medical training and licensing. Not all rehab facilities house medical team members, but many luxury programs do. These highly qualified professionals oversee aspects of treatment like detox, health screening at intake, and managing medication. Depending on the program, they might also help clients address co-occurring physical health problems while in residential care. They may or may not have specializations specifically related to addiction treatment.
Medical Doctors
Luxury rehabs with on-site detox facilities often staff doctors who oversee detox programming and safely guide patients through withdrawal.3 They may also review and administer clients’ regular medications, as well as oversee their general physical health and wellbeing. Some rehabs also have an addiction medicine physician,4 which is a doctor with an advanced education in addiction, on-site.
Nurses
There are actually several different rankings and certification requirements for each rank of nurse. The highest ranking, advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), must have a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice. In descending order or rank, registered nurses (RN) have either an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing; a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed nurse practitioner (LNP) must complete a one-year program pass a state licensing exam; and lastly, certified nursing assistants (CNA) obtain a certification after passing a 4-12 week program and earning their state license.
Another clinical role you may see is a behavioral health technician,5 which are also called paraprofessionals, psychiatric technicians, and mental health technicians. These professionals support doctors and nurses by assisting clients with daily tasks, implementing treatment plans, and recording client behavior. Behavioral health technicians are required to have a bachelor’s degree, but most states do not require specific licensing.
Note on Detox Programs: When evaluating a detox program, a strong qualification to look for is if the doctors and nurses staffing the facility are specialized and/or experienced in addiction.
These formally educated therapists can have a range of certifications and job titles:
Counselor or Therapist. The difference between counselors and therapists6 is their respective training and degree requirements. Therapists receive training on connecting with clients and generally require a master’s degree, while counselors draw from their own experiences to connect with clients and require a bachelor’s degree. Neither of these professionals can recommend or prescribe medications, but they can refer you to other professionals for medical evaluation or treatment.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). These therapists are qualified to work with people to help improve their family relationships, which can be important in rehab since family dynamics can often trigger or enable disordered behavior. In most states in the U.S. a master’s degree or doctorate degree is required to become a LMFT. You can check your state’s licensure requirements on the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards7 website.
Psychologist (PhD, PsyD). Psychologists have doctoral-level training and state licensing. They assess, diagnose, and treat people who have mental health disorders and are highly trained to help people understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors.
Psychiatrist (MD). Psychiatrists hold medical degrees. Similar to psychologists, psychiatrists provide mental health counseling but can also prescribe medications as they’re qualified to monitor clients for side effects.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Social workers act as case managers and liaisons for clients and their families and help them navigate the rehab system. In the U.S., clinical social workers8 have master’s degrees and passed licensing exams to be able to independently diagnose and treat mental disorders, as explained on the Social Work Licensure website.
Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS). In this role, a person can choose to specialize in a specific field of addiction, like adolescent addiction. Again, certification requirements for addiction professionals9 vary per state, but the National Certification Commission for Addicted Professionals (NCC AP) provides different levels of national and international credentialing.
Other Clinical Professionals
This group of rehab staff includes any non-medically qualified clinicians who still work with diagnosing and treating patients.
Dietitians, Nutritionists, and Similar Rehab Staff Members
Nutrition is a key component of rehab. Throughout your treatment experience, your mind and body go through intensive changes, and proper nourishment helps restore your bodily systems to health. Because of this, many rehabs house dieticians and nutritionists, who may hold a range of job titles and certifications:
And others like nutrition coach, health coach and fitness instructor
In the U.S., dietitians are certified to treat clinical conditions and specific health conditions, like eating disorders. In order to practice, a dietitian must be certified from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.11 On the other hand, nutritionists in the U.S. aren’t always certified, and if they are, certification requirements differ from state to state.
Holistic and Complementary Medicine Practitioners
Holistic and complementary medicine are similar practices, with a few distinct differences. A broad term, holistic describes non-mainstream “treatments and practitioners12 who don’t work within the system of conventional medicine.” Conversely, complementary medicine means any treatments or therapies used in addition to and alongside other conventional medical and psychological therapies.
Rehabs may staff a wide array of holistic and complementary medicine practitioners, depending on their program focus:
Homeopathic and naturopathic doctors and herbalists
Energy medicine practitioners
Somatic therapists
Personal trainers
Important Information About Wellness Therapists
There are a lot of different ways to become a holistic or complementary professional, which vary greatly on location and position type. Some positions require certifications, but in general there are no license requirements regulated by governing bodies.
In the U.S., the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was formed within the National Institutes of Health to test the safety and effectiveness of complementary treatments.13 This center publishes guidelines to help people choose the best treatments for them.
Admissions
Admissions staff are the first point of contact for people inquiring about rehab programs. They are essentially the rehab’s sales team, though they can play a very hands-on role in helping clients and their loved ones get information, plan for treatment, and arrange logistics such as travel.
Luxury rehabs also typically involve general workers in their clients’ treatment experience. These supportive peers may greet clients and help them get settled in when they arrive, transport clients to group outings, or be on hand to answer questions as clients make their way through the program. This position doesn’t require any special certification. In fact, many times these staff members are former clients or people in recovery who nonetheless play an important role because of their frequent interaction with clients.
In general, a lower staff-to-client ratio is a sign of rehab program quality, as this allows clients to receive more individual attention throughout their stay. “Luxury centers also allow, through their higher cost, the kind of extra staffing that is helpful in management of certain people’s cases,” explains McLean Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Frederick Goggans.
Rehab Executive and Administrative Teams
A private rehab’s executive staff are the leaders who run the organization. This person or group of people is responsible for implementing the center’s business strategy as well as establishing the client’s journey through their particular program. Depending on the program size, you may or may not have much interaction with this part of the rehab’s team. However, the higher-level decisions they make have a direct impact on the center’s overall culture and, as a result, your treatment experience.
Rehab executive teams can consist of one or several people including but limited to the following positions:
Founder or CEO
President
Chief operating officer
Program director
Clinical director
Small boutique or family-owned luxury rehabs may only have one person acting as an executive. An intimate team does not necessarily mean you’re getting lower quality care (just as the opposite is also true). But if there is only one executive staff member, make sure that person’s credentials are legitimate.
Important Information About Rehab Executive Staff
In general, you’ll want to consider the answers to the following questions when reviewing the qualifications of a rehab center’s executive staff:
What Degrees Do They Hold?Formal education is a standard requirement for running a business, though some executives gain their positions through professional experience and connections. Either way, this information can usually be found on the team page of a center’s website.
What is Their Professional Experience?Direct work experience related to the rehab space can be just as valuable as an education. Consider this the same way you would look at someone’s resume: if they don’t have any previous experience in the field related to their current role, you might wonder how they got their position.
Do They Have Executive Skills? The success of a company is often steered by the leadership of its executives. In general, a rehab executive should have strong management and leadership skills in addition to field-specific expertise, a strong stance on addiction treatment ethics, excellent communication and presentation skills, and proactivity when it comes to the rehab’s staff and client satisfaction.
Making Sure You’re in Good Hands
A rehab facility is successful when the many different staff members cohesively work together to make the program run smoothly. Some of these people you’ll see and closely interact with every day on your recovery journey and others you might not.
Having a general idea of what to look for in the qualifications of rehab staff is one factor that can help you feel more confident in your decision to go with a particular program.
Discover a luxury rehab that fits your needs by exploring our list of facilities around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Staff
Who works at rehab facilities?
Rehab facilities employ a diverse range of professionals to support the treatment and recovery process. These include medical professionals, mental health and clinical professionals, holistic and complementary medicine practitioners, admissions staff, support staff, and executive teams.
What qualifications do medical professionals at rehab facilities have?
Medical professionals at rehab facilities have medical training and licensing. Depending on the program, they may oversee aspects such as detox, health screening, medication management, and addressing co-occurring physical health problems. Medical doctors and nurses play essential roles in providing medical care and support.
What types of mental health professionals are found at rehab facilities?
Rehabs employ various types of mental health professionals, such as counselors, therapists, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers. These professionals guide clients through psychotherapy sessions using different treatment methods to address mental health disorders.
Addiction can affect anyone, including public figures and those in high-profile positions. For these clients, concerns around confidentiality can be one of the biggest barriers when it comes to seeking treatment.
Because of this, privacy is among the most important considerations when choosing a rehab.
The good news is that you have options. In general, rehabs are at least held to clinical standards of patient confidentiality, and due to the sensitive nature of addiction treatment, most are located in discreet premises and take measures to protect your privacy. Some premium programs cater specifically to clients who need extra seclusion, with many featuring private villas and exclusively one-on-one treatment sessions. Other treatment centers also focus on confidentiality and understand that for certain clientele, like celebrities and recognizable figures, anonymity is essential.
Understanding the protection you’re entitled to in clinical settings, and learning what to look for in a residential rehab, can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your recovery.
Why Privacy Matters
Recovery is a highly personal journey. If opening up to others about your struggle isn’t something you feel comfortable with, that choice is completely valid.
While mental health stigma is decreasing1 thanks to growing visibility, coming out about a substance use disorder can, unfortunately, have consequences in some cases. In a 2017 study published in Addiction Research & Theory, researchers found that the stigma of being identified as someone struggling with addiction2 can have personal, medical and professional consequences similar to those who are dealing with mental illness. These consequences can be especially high-impact for those who are in the public eye.
Celebrities, politicians, and high-profile businesspeople often choose to pursue more discreet treatment options. Fortunately, many centers have exclusive programs that cater specifically to this need.
HIPAA is a privacy law that enforces national standards to prevent the sharing of health information of individual patients without their consent or knowledge. Under this law, you have the right to access and examine your healthcare records and can request amendments or accounting of disclosure of your protected health information.
All healthcare providers, health plans, businesses and healthcare clearinghouses must comply with HIPAA.
Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, Switzerland treats only one client at a time in their completely bespoke program.
42 CFR Pt. 2
While HIPAA applies to all medically-related information, 42 CFR Part 2 applies specifically to those who will enter, who have entered, or who have already gone through addiction treatment programs.
Under this law, rehab centers are prohibited from disclosing any individual information that identifies or indicates that the patient has dealt with addiction. This is so that people in recovery aren’t treated unfairly in cases of employment, child custody, or divorce. Without your written consent, treatment centers are unable to share any of your information, even with other medical facilities and practitioners.
42 CFR Part 2 applies to any entity that provides a recovery program, so all programs in the U.S. must adhere to this federal law.
Because privacy levels can vary from program to program, it’s best to ask admissions staff at centers you’re considering what steps they take to ensure privacy and what kind of regulatory oversight they have in this area.
While these protection laws are designed to keep the information of rehab center patients safe, there are still ways you can ensure extra layers of privacy if discretion is a major concern.
Privacy at Different Addiction Treatment Programs
Whether you’re looking for a residential rehab program or an intensive outpatient program (IOP), certain markers can help you identify which ones offer a more confidential experience. On the most exclusive end of the spectrum are luxury rehab centers that cater specifically to clients who need to keep a low profile.
Residential Rehabs
Here are some of the ways residential rehab programs can offer a more private experience:
Distance From Your Community For many people, the fear of bumping into familiar faces during or on the way to rehab prevents them from starting treatment. With residential rehabs, you live onsite for the duration of your program. Removing yourself from your everyday environment not only reduces the chances of being recognized, but also reduces circumstantial triggers. This gives many people the comfort they need to focus on their recovery.
Discreet Locations Luxury inpatient rehabs are often located in remote, naturally beautiful settings, which offer the added benefit of total seclusion. These peaceful, awe-inspiring surroundings are the perfect backdrop for inner healing, says Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer of Sierra Tucson in Arizona:
“Trying to heal in a main metropolis, where you hear cars, sirens and noise is not very conducive. When clients come to Sierra Tucson for treatment, suddenly they’re in a quiet space without extraneous sound. There’s no interference from the outside world and people can really focus inward and take care of themselves.”
Many luxury rehabs aren’t recognizable as treatment centers from the outside, and some don’t even publicly list their location.
An Extra Layer of Privacy at Destination Rehabs If you’re looking for anonymity, you may consider traveling to a destination rehab where you have even more space from your usual surroundings. Local culture can even play into which destination is more appropriate for those seeking an escape from the public eye.
Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus in Zurich comments on Switzerland’s non-sensationalist culture, and how it can be attractive for clients who want to avoid media attention:
“Confidentiality is Switzerland’s second name. Some of our A-list celebrity clients will go to a local Starbucks, and while they’re recognized, they’re not in the news. Local tabloids don’t write about it and they’re not harassed for autographs either.”
Mercui Recovery, a single-client rehab with locations in Malibu, Aspen and Costa Palma, Mexico offers a full continuum of care on-site, from initial detox to aftercare.
Privacy Options for Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are for those who don’t need 24/7 care or medical detox. This could be a good option for people who have a milder addiction diagnosis, or as a step-down from a residential rehab program. Some studies show that IOPs are just as effective as residential rehabs,6 as they offer more intensive schedules with additional hours of therapy in comparison to standard outpatient programs.
If you’re looking into an IOP but are concerned about privacy, keep the following in mind:
Some IOPs Cater to Your Schedule Some luxury rehabs offer IOPs as a step down from residential rehab or as a standalone program.
These treatment centers understand that many clients who want to attend intensive treatment still need to keep up with their daily responsibilities. Most of their programs are designed to fit your schedule, and are located in metro areas that are more accessible from where you live.
Passages Malibu in California, for example, has an IOP program designed to help graduates of residential treatment integrate back into daily life. They understand that this is an opportunity for clients to return to work and other day-to-day responsibilities while still receiving a high level of support for their recovery journey.
Virtual IOPs Offer Extra Privacy With telehealth on the rise, many treatment providers now offer a virtual IOP option. This is especially beneficial if you’re nervous about being seen at a treatment center. Usually, you can design your schedule to avoid causing any disruptions at work. Additionally, many people feel more comfortable attending treatment from the privacy of their own homes.
A small number of rehabs cater specifically to high-profile clients who need very high levels of privacy. They place a special focus into ensuring client comfort and utmost confidentiality. These centers may be in isolated locations, and some even accept only one client at a time.
Paracelsus
Paracelsus in Zurich, Switzerland is one of the world’s leading and most exclusive luxury rehabs. Catering to the ultra-wealthy, including politicians, celebrities and royalty, their program is designed for those who need to remain completely discreet: they take in only one client at a time. Founded in 2012 as a family business, Paracelsus boasts an incredibly tailored treatment experience, with a team of over 15 therapists and doctors who care for one client.
During treatment, clients stay at their exclusive lakefront residence, featuring penthouse apartments with a main bedroom and ensuite bathroom plus an additional room for an on-site therapist. Stays here also include a private butler and housekeeper.
Paracelsus goes to great lengths to accommodate their clients–their CEO Jan Gerber explains why:
“There’s a group of people who are underserved when it comes to addiction and mental health treatment. These are people who come from money or power and require 100% confidentiality and a place they can trust. They have a very specific background and need comprehensive care tailored to their situation. It’s important for our clients to feel at home without any disruption to the lifestyle they’re used to. Such disruptions can be incredibly negative for treatment.”
The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia takes no more than 8 clients at a time at their luxury residence on 13, secluded acres.
Mercui Recovery
Mercui Recovery prides itself on its high standards of discreet care. As a top luxury treatment center, their private residences rest amongst some of the most scenic and tranquil surroundings in Aspen, Colorado; Malibu Canyon, California; Ibiza, Spain; and the Pacific coast of Mexico. They take in one client at a time, and you can choose from one of their many locations or select an in-home option.
Clients can expect five-star service and exclusivity at Mercui Recovery, with a team of dedicated professionals for 1:1 treatment. Their treatment program is hyper-tailored to each individual, with clients ranging from politicians to business elites. Here you’re offered the full continuum of care, from initial detoxification to intensive aftercare.
The Banyans
The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia is an exclusive treatment center that caters to the privacy needs of clients and places emphasis on the clinical aspect of care. Taking in no more than 8 people at a time, clients are accommodated in a luxury residence on a secluded 13 acres overlooking lush hills.
Known as Australia’s most therapeutically intense private treatment program, they offer over 9, 1:1 treatments with 6 medically trained doctors as part of your clinical team.
Keeping privacy at the forefront, association of clients with The Banyans is never disclosed. This means they use personal names instead of ‘The Banyans’ on booking and reservations, no uniforms with their logo and unbranded cars for transportation.
They also offer a 14-day virtual program called The Banyans at Home for those who prefer to receive treatment from the comfort and privacy of their own house.
Your ability to focus on recovery and healing can make your addiction treatment experience that much more impactful. Recovery is a sensitive process that shouldn’t be hindered by external factors like privacy issues.
In addition to standard protections, there are many ways luxury rehabs centers can cater to clientele in the public eye, with solutions that range from single-client intakes to discreet transportation to and from facilities.
You deserve a safe space for recovery and healing. See our collection of select luxury rehabs to discover a center that could be the perfect fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Privacy in Rehab
How can I ensure privacy during rehab treatment?
When choosing a rehab program, consider facilities that prioritize privacy and confidentiality. Look for rehabs located in discreet premises, offering private accommodations and 1:1 treatment sessions. When calling a treatment center, ask what measures they take to protect your privacy. This knowledge can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on recovery.
Why is privacy important in rehab?
Privacy matters in rehab because addiction recovery is a personal journey. Seeking treatment in a confidential setting helps avoid potential consequences of stigma. Luxury rehab centers often have exclusive programs tailored to clients who need extra privacy, ensuring their anonymity is respected throughout the treatment process.
How can I find a rehab program that offers privacy?
Choosing a program that’s not located in your home community can provide an extra layer of privacy for your treatment experience. Luxury rehabs often have discreet locations in remote and naturally beautiful settings. For those opting for an intensive outpatient program (IOP), luxury rehabs may offer flexible schedules and even virtual IOP options for added privacy and convenience.
If you’re hesitant about calling an addiction treatment center for the first time, you’re not alone. We understand how it can feel like another hurdle to clear on your way to getting reliable residential care.
But whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or for a loved one, and whether you’ve researched inpatient rehab centers for weeks or not at all, that initial phone call is the first step to actively getting help. Plus, talking to an admissions specialist will help you determine if a particular treatment facility is the right fit for you.
Knowing what to expect when you get on the phone with a rehab center can give you the confidence you need to make that first call. Keep reading to learn more about inquiring at a residential treatment center.
Who Answers the Phone?
When you call a rehab center, you’ll talk to an intake or admissions specialist. Sometimes a receptionist will answer first and redirect your call.
It’s important to know that, in general, a rehab’s admissions staff performs the same functions as a sales team. Their job is to sell their rehab center’s treatment to potential clients. Yes, they want you to get the help you need, but typically they want you to get that help through their program. This is especially true if you call a hotline that’s trying to refer you to a rehab center for a fee.
Residential rehab admissions staff are usually trained to help people going through various mental, emotional, and physical struggles when they call. And all rehab staff should have ethical standards for interacting with potential clients and helping them get the treatment they need.
Still, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive unbiased information when calling a treatment center. Knowing which questions to ask, and what questions to be prepared to answer, will empower you to get the facts you need and to determine for yourself if the rehab you’re calling is really the right one for you.
What Happens When You Call?
Usually, the admissions specialist will begin the call with a series of questions to learn more about you, your medical and substance use history, and your current condition. This series of questions is often referred to as an “initial assessment,” and is quite standard between different facilities. Initial assessments usually occur via telephone. But you can also do it in-person if you visit a rehab center to see their facilities.
Note: This initial admissions assessment is different from your check-in assessment, which is a much more in-depth evaluation performed by licensed mental health professionals and medical staff when you arrive at an inpatient facility for your stay.
The purpose of the rehab intake assessment1 is for the center to determine what level of care you need and any logistics that need to be arranged for your treatment. As the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes, this assessment helps “pinpoint places where there are—or may be—concerns.”
Having an in-depth conversation about your background and concerns also allows the rehab to determine which standard length of stay is appropriate for you and if their core program needs to be adjusted to meet any of your specific needs. For example, if you’re struggling with sex addiction and not a substance use disorder, you might be scheduled to join Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meetings instead of Narcotics Anonymous meetings during your stay.
During your intake assessment you’ll also have the chance to ask any additional questions you have, like details about the center’s facilities or specific therapies offered. And remember—everything discussed during this phone call is to help you decide if the rehab center is the best match for you.
Basic Questions Inpatient Rehab Centers May Ask
When you call a rehab, the questions you’re asked may vary slightly from center to center. This is because each addiction treatment center’s intake questions1 “depend on the types of clients treated and the kinds of services offered,” as explained in a SAMHSA report on Treatment Improvement Protocol.
No matter who you call, you’ll probably be asked to share most of the same general information. This includes your basic demographics and background, your medical and family history, and your substance use history.
According to another SAMHSA report on Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders, you should also be prepared to discuss any “medical issues (including physical disability and sexually transmitted diseases), cultural issues, gender-specific and sexual orientation issues, and legal issues,” which will further aid the treatment matching and planning process.2Rehabs may ask you questions about the following topics:
Basic demographics and background
How old are you?
Where are you from?
What is your racial and ethnic identity?
What is your gender and sexual identity?
What, if any, is your religious background?
Do you actively follow any religious practices?
Medical history
Do you have any current or past physical health conditions (like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Do you have any current or past mental health conditions (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Have you had any major or minor surgeries?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications due to these surgeries?
What are your current and past prescription medications?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Family history
Do/did any of your parents have problems with alcohol or other drug use?
Does your partner have a problem with alcohol or drug use?
Do any of your second- or third-degree family members have a history of substance or alcohol use disorders?
Do your relatives have any other notable physical or psychological conditions?
Substance use history
What substances do you currently use?
What substances have you used in the past, but are no longer using?
How long have you been using substances and/or alcohol?
Do you have any co-occurring conditions or dual diagnoses?
Are you, or have you ever taken any prescription medications to treat substance or alcohol use disorder?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Even if you don’t have the answers to all these questions, or some of them are difficult to discuss, understanding your complete personal and family history is the starting point of addiction treatment.1“The assessment examines a client’s life in far more detail so that accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment placement, problem lists, and treatment goals can be made,” explains the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in a SAMHSA report. “Usually, a clinical assessment delves into a client’s current experiences and her physical, psychological, and sociocultural history to determine specific treatment needs.”
After discussing your general background and history, you’ll have the chance to ask any of your questions about rehab in general and about that facility’s staff, policies, and programs in particular.
What to Ask a Residential Rehab Center
Before your first phone call with any rehab center, it’s a good idea to write up a list of questions you want to ask. In addition to helping you feel even more prepared, this ensures you’ll get all of the information you need to make an educated decision about your treatment.
You may have more questions than those listed below, but these are a good starting point to help you make the most out of your call.
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Basics
How much does treatment cost?
“How much is this going to cost me?” is the first question on most people’s minds when they call a rehab center. Knowing the costs of treatment upfront will allow you to financially prepare for inpatient rehab, which in turn can give you the mental clarity to fully focus on your recovery while you’re in treatment.
In the United States, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance policies to cover up to a certain level of treatment. Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions at Gallus Detox Center in Colorado, explains that coverage “depends on each individual’s policy and what their out-of-network benefits are. We run a verification of benefits for every patient that has insurance to see what we’re able to cover.”
“We also have self-pay rates that are guaranteed, regardless of what they may need during their stay. They don’t get back bills when they’re with us: the cost is the cost.”
Many people seeking treatment want to get the help they need as soon as possible. Because of the extensive number of treatment centers available, waitlists are generally not common in the U.S. But in Europe and Australia, where relatively fewer luxury rehabs are sought after by those wanting top-quality treatment, having to wait to check into treatment can be a real concern.
Because addiction is by nature an urgent issue, whether a center has a waitlist or not may determine if you can, or want to, attend treatment at that facility. Knowing this information right away can save some time in making your decision.
Tell me more about your center’s treatment philosophies and modalities.
The path to recovery is an incredibly personal journey: What works for one person may or may not work for another. That’s why so many different methods are used to treat substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Faith-based, 12-Step, non-12-Step, and holistic rehabs are examples of rehab treatment approaches that underpin entire programs and may appeal to different types of people. Meanwhile, treatment modalities, or therapies, can range from conventional, such as talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to complementary therapies like art therapy and adventure therapy, to name a few.
The best treatment options for you will depend on your past treatment experiences, your substance use history, and even your personal interests. Maybe you already know what kinds of treatment methods you’re interested in trying or continuing. Or perhaps having a variety of modalities is important so you can try something new or discover your preferences.
Learn this information so you can reflect on whether the center’s overall approach resonates with you, whether you’re interested in doing any of the particular therapies, and to decide if the treatment philosophies align with your personal beliefs.
How qualified is your staff?
Knowing who will be helping you throughout your time in treatment is just as important as knowing what modalities are used. These staff-related questions will help you get a clearer picture of the people overseeing your treatment:
What kind of professionals will I be interacting with on a day-to-day basis?
Who will be on my treatment team?
What are their qualifications?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Details of Your Stay
What types of clientele does your program serve? Do you offer the specific specialized services I need?
These two questions are important for several reasons:
Some rehab centers are tailored to the particular needs of specific clientele. There are luxury rehabs that cater to executives and wouldn’t be appropriate for teens, for example.
If you identify with ethnic or sexual minority groups you may require specific resources to address your minority experiences. For example, a transgender person may have trauma around their lived experiences and would likely need an LGBTQ+ affirming environment to safely process this during treatment.
There may be other specialized services that you know you need for a successful treatment experience, such as co-occurring disorder treatment or trauma-informed care.
Whether or not these apply to you, asking this question helps you make sure the rehab center can adequately serve you. In addition to having resources to address certain experiences, the main value of being in a program with similar clientele is that this can create an atmosphere of collective safety and comfort that allows you to do vulnerable therapy and group work.
Do you offer on-site detox?
Some people require detox before they begin inpatient treatment. And some residential rehab centers, like Cypress Lakes Lodge and Camino Recovery, are equipped with the facilities and medical staff necessary to offer detox services on-site. Alternatively, other centers may offer detox off-site through partnerships with local medical facilities.
There are different settings for detox treatment and varying levels of care,3 which is why you should discuss if the rehab center can provide you with the appropriate detox program. If needed, detox is an essential step in beginning treatment. In a report on detoxification, SAMHSA describes that “this phase of treatment frequently requires a greater intensity of services initially to establish participation in treatment activities and […] increase the patient’s readiness for and commitment to substance abuse treatment.”
Please remember that when done incorrectly or on your own, detox can be potentially harmful to both your physical and mental health. Because of this, it’s important to consult with your physician or a qualified medical professional when making any decisions about detox.
What does the initial check-in assessment include?
Most addiction treatment centers will carry out additional in-person physical and psychological assessments when you first arrive. The more extensive these check-in assessments are, the better, because this information is used to determine your treatment program.
“What we find a lot of times is people come to us with multiple comorbidities, very complex situations, so we use an intensive assessment center to fill out our continuum of care,” says Jerry Vaccaro, President of All Points North Lodge. “We firmly believe there has to be multiple options for people who require treatment, so they can plug in where their needs are.”
How many clinical hours does your program include?
A key indicator of a rehab center’s value is how many individual therapy sessions you’ll actually receive per week. The more time you get to spend with your counselors and therapists, the more help you’re directly receiving. Some treatment programs consist mainly of group therapy sessions, while others include more one-on-one time with practitioners. Asking about program details like this upfront can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive.
What are the center’s policies and expectations with regards to contacting loved ones? To what extent am I allowed to use my laptop or cell phone?
Relationships with your partner, family, and friends are an essential part of your life and recovery. Don’t let fear of not knowing whether you’ll be able to maintain your relationships with your partner and/or family be the roadblock that stops you from getting help.
If relationships are an important factor for you, ask the center what their outside device or communications policies are:
To what extent is my family going to be brought into treatment?
Do you have a family program? If so, what does this look like?
Will my partner/family be able to visit?
Am I going to be able to maintain my relationships while I’m in treatment?
Will I be able to video call or chat with my loved ones?
Will I be allowed to use my personal device for these calls?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—Important Facts About Aftercare
Is it possible for me to extend my stay if necessary?
Most inpatient rehab programs have set lengths of stay that typically range from 30 to 90 days. Your admissions specialist can help you determine what length of stay is appropriate for you. Still, you never know what’s going to happen and if you’ll feel fully prepared to check out once you’ve reached the benchmark time spent in treatment. And while most centers are happy to allow clients to extend their stay, if yours is waitlisted, this may present an issue. It’s helpful to know whether your center allows their clients to continue receiving residential treatment if required.
What kind of continuing care, if any, is provided?
Most people require ongoing support and care after their stay at a residential rehab. “What happens after treatment is probably the most important question about treatment, because that’s what people go back to after they leave from treatment,” says Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus in Zurich, Switzerland. “The whole concept of aftercare is maybe even more important than the treatment itself.”
Certain components of continuing care, such as ongoing therapy and a strong support network, are essential to relapse prevention. But aftercare options vary greatly between rehab centers. Some centers may not offer continuing care, or may offer these services at an additional cost. So make sure you find out as much information as possible about your rehab’s aftercare program.
Ask the Questions That Matter to You
Asking all of the questions above is a great way to suss out whether a residential rehab center feels like a good fit. These questions may lead to more questions that are specific to your personal needs. For example, if you know you’re going away for a month to receive treatment, maybe you already know you’re going to need specific accommodations or allowances. Or if you have certain issues to address while you’re in treatment, you need to make sure the center can adequately help you. Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you have! Only you can decide if a center is going to be able to meet your needs and offer everything you’re looking for during your stay.
What Happens Next?
Once your initial assessment is over and all of your questions have been answered, you’ll likely receive treatment and length of stay recommendations from your admissions specialist. At this point, you can also schedule a visit to tour the facility, if it’s feasible for you, before you make any final decisions.
Your admissions specialist will then review the results of your intake assessment with you. This may happen later, over the phone, or even once you’ve checked in to the facility. It’s extremely beneficial to know your results, because “personalized feedback on the risks associated with [your] own use of a particular substance and how [your] consumption pattern compares to norms—especially for [your] own cultural and gender groups—is a powerful way to develop a sense of discrepancy that can motivate change,” according to a SAMHSA report on Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment.
Lastly, if the facility isn’t the best fit for you, or if you decide it’s not possible at this time for you to physically attend residential rehab, you can ask for additional recommendations. The admissions team might connect you with other resources depending on their level of expertise. Ideally, they would be able to point you in the right direction.
“In my role as admissions coordinator, I help families find treatment for their loved ones,” clarifies Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside. “I guide them through the process, since a lot of families are new to addiction treatment. Sometimes this includes getting them to insurance-based programs, or even helping them get services through their community or state.”
Once you’ve chosen the rehab center that’s the best fit for you and doesn’t have a wait period (or if it does, has a wait period of less than 4 weeks), the admissions team will also help you organize the logistics. This may look like your intake specialist giving you practical, specific advice or taking action on your behalf, like helping you request time off of work for treatment and arranging your travel to the center.
A rehab admissions specialist should be able to assist you with anything on your to-do list prior to check-in:
No matter where you’re at in the process of seeking help, it’s okay to not have all of the answers. The first phone call to a residential rehab is a key first step towards getting the help you need. Before you pick up the phone, be the most prepared you can be with up-to-date, accurate information about residential rehab so you can confidently make an educated choice about which center is the best one for your unique wants and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling a Rehab Center
What happens when you call a drug rehab?
An intake specialist will ask a series of questions to learn more about you. This helps them determine the level of care you need and other treatment details. It’s also a chance for you to find out more about the center.
What questions should I ask when choosing a drug rehab?
These questions can help you make the most out of your call:
An intake or admissions specialist picks up. Sometimes a receptionist will answer and redirect your call. All rehab staff should follow ethical standards when interacting with potential clients.
It’s common to feel uncomfortable about asking your employer for time off to attend rehab. Many people struggle to bring the subject up with their workplace. But this could be harmful to your health and job security if it prevents you from getting any treatment you may need.
One trap people often fall into is imagining worst-case scenarios. This deters many from requesting time off to attend treatment. But remember: catastrophizing doesn’t paint an accurate picture of reality. If you need time off to focus on your mental or physical health, most employers will understand.
If you’re still on the fence, keep these points in mind:
Most workplaces agree that employee wellbeing is essential. Extensive research proves the importance of wellbeing at work.1 So while it’s natural to think the worst, putting your energy towards your recovery and health is beneficial not just for you, but for your workplace.
Public stigma around mental health issues and illnesses is decreasing. While it’s normal to worry about what others will think, the truth is that we talk more openly about mental health than ever before. Furthermore, public opinion around the matter is more positive than it is negative. If discrimination at work is still a concern, we discuss your employee rights in the next section.
You are protected by employment laws. In many cases, there are laws in place that are designed to protect your job and employment status while you seek addiction treatment. By understanding your rights as an employee, you can feel more confident about approaching your employer to discuss taking time off for treatment.
Disclaimer: this post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from LuxuryRehabs.com, nor should it be substituted as legal counsel on any subject matters.
Can I Get Fired for Going to Rehab?
If you live in the U.S., you may be entitled to take leave for addiction treatment under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). You’re also eligible for protection from discrimination against mental health conditions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Let’s further explore how these two federal laws are intended to protect your employment.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act2 was created to “help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons.”
Since it was enacted in 1993, FMLA has helped millions of people in the United States retain their employment while receiving treatment.
How Might FMLA Protect You for Attending Rehab?
FMLA protects people who receive addiction treatment and any family member who takes care of them during treatment.
If you have a serious health condition,3 which includes substance abuse and mental health issues that meet certain requirements, you’re entitled to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a one-year period under FMLA. FMLA also guarantees that you’re employed under the same working terms and conditions as before you left.
Additionally, you may take FMLA leave to care for a family member who is receiving addiction treatment.
You’re entitled to take FMLA-protected leave for addiction treatment, provided you use your leave time for treatment. FMLA does not cover missed work due to substance use.
We recommend checking with your employer on their FMLA policy to ensure you’re protected before you take leave. If your workplace includes a substance abuse policy with provisions on attending rehab, you might not be FMLA covered. As always, it’s best to check with HR on company policies.
Who Is Eligible to Take FMLA Leave?
You’re eligible for FMLA leave if you meet the following criteria:
your employer is covered
you’ve worked for your employer for at least 12 months (it does not have to be a consecutive 12-month period)
you’ve worked for a minimum of 1,250 hours over the past 12 months
you’re employed at a site where the company employs 50 or more workers within 75 miles
The following employers are covered under FMLA:
a private-sector employer with 50 or more employees
any private or public schools
any government agency
Workplaces that are FMLA-covered are required to give employees notice of this. Notices can typically be found in your new-hire paperwork, employee handbook or other policy and procedures manuals.
How to Use FMLA Leave to Attend Addiction Treatment
It’s important to follow the FMLA process for requesting leave. This helps safeguard your protection under the law. But as always, it’s best to check with a legal counselor (if possible) or your company’s HR department for specific legal information regarding FMLA.
While each employer has its own FMLA policy, the process generally looks like this:
Find out what leave-related information your workplace requires.
Most workplaces will want to know how long you’ll be in treatment. The admissions staff at your addiction treatment center will help you determine your length of stay.
Additionally, your employer might require a fitness-for-duty (FFD) certification (a certification from your health care provider which confirms that you’re able to resume work) after coming back from FMLA leave. Before you leave for treatment, they should notify you that this information will be required and provide you with a list of essential duties.
File an FMLA leave request.
If the need for leave is foreseeable, and you know when you’re going in for treatment, you must give your employer at least 30 days’ notice.
If this is your first time seeking FMLA-protected leave, you aren’t required to specifically assert your rights under FMLA or even mention FMLA, as long as you provide your employer with sufficient information that makes them aware of your need for FMLA leave.
Your employer responds to your request.
Your employer must let you know the status of your FMLA leave within five business days.
These are some other important things to know regarding your medical records and privacy protection:
You are not required to give your employer your medical records unless they specifically ask for it.
Any contact between your employer and health care provider needs to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)4 privacy regulations. Under this rule, your direct supervisor cannot contact your healthcare provider.
Alcoholism and addiction that meet certain conditions are considered special-case disabilities under ADA.
How Does ADA Protect You as You Seek Addiction Treatment?
If you meet the criteria for ADA protection,6 your employer is required to make reasonable accommodations for you as you search for addiction treatment. This includes accommodating a schedule that allows you to attend treatment. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission outlines further specific information about your employment rights under ADA.7
Once you request time off to attend rehab, your employer is required to keep this information completely confidential. On top of that, you’re protected from discrimination in any future hiring processes.
Your state may provide additional protection against being fired from attending addiction treatment under the ADA law. If you can, it’s a good idea to check up on this with your HR department.
It’s important to note that, just like with FMLA, ADA doesn’t protect you if you’re currently using substances.
How to Approach Your Employer About Attending Addiction Treatment
It’s best to approach your employer about your need for treatment as soon as you can. While this may seem daunting, remember that seeking treatment is far less likely to get you fired compared to the negative impact substance use has on your work.
You might imagine worst-case scenarios about talking to your boss, but don’t let it hold you back from getting any help you may need. This type of scenario-building often prevents people from taking required action. Try to identify these scenarios for what they are: rarely rational and, oftentimes, not grounded in reality.
Many employers are sympathetic and understanding, especially because you’re actively seeking treatment. Public stigma around treatment-seeking has decreased as our knowledge of addiction has progressed. According to a National Comorbidity Survey-Replication, which compared data from the early 2000s to 2009, “stigma associated with mental health treatment decreased,8 and support among the general public for treatment-seeking increased.”
On top of that, many detox and addiction treatment centers advocate for stigma reduction and non-judgment. If you’ve found one that makes you feel comfortable and dignified, they can help empower you to reach out to your employer.
According to Laura Herrmann, Marketing and Outreach Director at Gallus Medical Detox Centers, dignity and healing are key components of their program.
“What ‘dignity and healing’ means to us is we believe everybody here is a patient with an illness who’s here to be treated. We treat everyone with the dignity and respect they should have when they enter any medical facility. We’re not here to judge. Our job is to get people better, and do it in a way that makes them feel loved and want to continue on with treatment after they leave.”
What to Say to Your Employer
Start by preparing all the necessary information for your talk. You’ll want to find out if your company is FMLA-covered and familiarize yourself with their related policies. Your employer may want to know how long you’ll be in treatment, so it’s a good idea to have an estimate in mind. A healthcare professional at your treatment center will help you outline your treatment plan, which includes length of stay. You should also know your employee rights going into your conversation.
When you approach your employer, be upfront and honest. You can speak about your struggles with addiction if you feel comfortable doing so. Highlight the steps you plan to take for recovery. You may want to craft your message in a way that explains your need for treatment. The sooner you bring this up, the better.
Addiction is a mental health issue, so if your employer is discriminatory in any way, you may be protected by the law in many cases. Knowing your rights and having a plan before going into this discussion can help you feel more at ease.
Your Recovery Benefits Everyone Around You
Your recovery is positive for everybody, including your employer. If you’re struggling with addiction, it’s best to seek treatment and notify your employer as soon as possible. Don’t wait for any issues to spiral further.
You can ensure your job security by preparing the necessary information before you speak with your employer, and by having that conversation before you attend rehab. This removes a potential external stressor so you can focus solely on your recovery while in treatment.
Finding a treatment facility you’re comfortable with is one of the most important aspects of the recovery journey. They may be able to provide you with information and resources to help you speak with your employer about attending rehab. Explore our collection of luxury rehabs to find one that best fits your needs .
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Time off Work for Rehab
What are my rights to take time off work for rehab?
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you’re eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain medical conditions, including substance abuse treatment. Not all employers are covered by the FMLA, so it’s best to check with HR or a legal professional to see if you qualify.
How do I talk to my employer about taking time off for rehab?
Be honest and direct with your employer, and emphasize the importance of your well-being. They may want to know your estimated length of stay in rehab and plans for recovery. You should find out if your company is FMLA-covered and know your employee rights going into the conversation.
What type of documentation do I need to provide to my employer for time off for rehab?
It is best to consult with your employer about required documentation for time off. Generally, they’ll need documentation from a healthcare professional outlining your treatment plan and expected length of stay. You may need to file a Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave request if your company is covered.
Getting professional help for addiction at an inpatient treatment center is possible even if you don’t have health insurance or a lot of money in the bank.
Residential rehab often entails a significant expense. But the good news is that there are thousands of credible facilities offering treatment programs at various price points, from the most affordable to the most luxurious. And, perhaps more importantly, there are several different payment options available that can help you cover the costs of treatment.
Getting help pays off, and may even save you money in total healthcare costs over time. That’s because healthcare costs can be 2-3 times higher if you have a substance use disorder1 in addition to a chronic medical condition. A guide on the principles of drug addiction by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that the total savings of addiction treatment can exceed costs2 by a ratio of 12 to 1. The same NIDA guide goes on to explain that these “major savings to the individual and to society also stem from fewer interpersonal conflicts; greater workplace productivity; and fewer drug-related accidents, including overdoses and deaths.”
We understand how concerns over the cost of rehab may still prevent you from working toward recovery. Keep reading to learn how much rehab costs and what financing options might be available to you.
Price Levels of Addiction Treatment
The variety of treatment options and therapies available for alcohol or substance abuse is extensive. Because of this, there’s not really a standard price for rehab and different programs can have vastly different costs. In the U.S., the cost of residential rehab programs can range from more affordable options that cost less than $10,000 to premium, single-client addiction treatment centers that can cost upwards of $80,000.
Several elements determine how much treatment at different rehab facilities will cost.
At The Dawn Rehab in Thailand, “clients coming from Western countries, from the US, from Australia, UK, would be able to get 3 or 4 months’ worth of treatment here for what they would get for a month back at home.”
Factors That Influence the Cost of Rehab
Type of Treatment
The word “rehab” can refer to many kinds of programs. The most common of these are outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and inpatient treatment, also known as residential rehab. The difference between most of these is whether you go home every day after treatment sessions (outpatient and PHP) or whether you live and receive care 24/7 for an extended amount of time at a facility (inpatient/residential).
Typically, more time spent at a center results in higher treatment costs. One study by the U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reports that “a course of outpatient treatment averaged less than 10% of the cost of inpatient treatment.”3 Though residential treatment programs may be slightly more effective for some people, “preference might still be given to non-residential treatment based on cost-effectiveness.”
Location
Highly desirable settings, like the beach or mountains, will likely increase the cost of treatment. But,traveling abroad for substance use treatment can sometimes be less expensive than getting treatment locally because of the cheaper costs of operations in different locales, like Thailand or Bali. Garry Irvin, Admissions Manager at The Dawn Rehab describes the cost of drug rehab in Thailand:
“Clients coming from Western countries, from the US, from Australia, UK, would be able to get three or four months’ worth of treatment here for what they would get for a month back at home.”
Services Offered
The cost of rehab may increase with additional treatments like detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), complementary therapies, or aftercare. These may be offered as optional “add-ons” at an extra cost depending on the facility.
Program Length
The standard length of say at a residential rehab facility is 30, 60, or 90 days. Program rates generally increase according to how long you stay.
Amenities
Treatment at centers with luxurious accommodations and exclusive amenities, like pools and lounges, fully-equipped gyms and sports courts, and business centers or computer labs will likely cost more.
It’s important to remember that the cost of a treatment program doesn’t always correlate with the quality. In other words, just because you’re paying top dollar for a program doesn’t mean you’re necessarily getting the best treatment, and vice versa.
There are many factors to consider, other than cost, that can help you determine the quality of drug and alcohol treatment programs and facilities. If you’re interested in a particular location or facility, the best thing to do is to call and talk to their admissions team to learn more about any specific benefits, prices, and payment options.
Most clients at All Points North Lodge use insurance; “the rest either choose not to use it or don’t have it.”
Using Insurance to Pay For Addiction Treatment
Before you can use insurance to pay for addiction treatment, you need to know the following:
1. Does your insurance plan cover the type of treatment you’re considering
2. Does the center you’re considering accept insurance?
Understanding what your insurance plan covers can be difficult, but it’s essential to make sure you’re taking advantage of all of your insurance benefits. The best way to know if your insurance plan covers substance use treatment is to call and discuss your plan details with a customer service agent at your provider.
Which Alcohol and Addiction Rehabs Accept Insurance?
Since the ACA was passed, most US rehab centers will accept insurance in addition to offering multiple payment options. If this information isn’t listed on the center’s website, an admissions officer can give you those details when you call. Per Jerry Vaccaro, President of All Points North Lodge in Edwards, Colorado,
“Because we’re in the U.S. and we’ve got the Affordable Care Act…the vast majority of people who come to us have insurance. Some choose not to use it for a variety of personal reasons. In the facility, I’d say at any one time, probably 70% to 75% of our clients have insurance and are using it and the rest either choose not to use it or don’t have it.”
How Medicaid and Medicare Can Help Cover Treatment Costs
In the U.S., eligible recipients of Medicaid or Medicare can use these federal- and state-funded health insurance programs to also help pay for treatment.
Medicaid is free or low-cost health care for people who meet low-income requirements, whereas Medicare is a US federal health insurance program for adults over 65 or under 65 with a disability, regardless of income. As one report explains, “To more broadly cover uninsured individuals, the Affordable Care Act includes a provision that allows states to expand Medicaid coverage. Benefits include mental health and substance use disorder treatment services8 with coverage equivalent to that of general health care services.”
Each state has different eligibility rules and treatment coverage, which often change annually, and not all facilities accept Medicaid/Medicare as a form of payment. You can find an addiction treatment provider that accepts Medicaid/Medicare by contacting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Paying For Rehab With Grants, Public Funds, and Scholarships
With or without insurance, you may still need additional funding to fully pay for treatment. As the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2016 report on addiction elaborates, although insurance coverage is critical for individuals with substance use disorders,9 “it is unlikely to cover all the services that such individuals may need, such as crisis services (e.g., emergency treatment intervention), housing, supported employment, and many community prevention programs and services (e.g., school-based prevention programs).”
There are public funds available through government organizations like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as grants from private institutions, like SAMHSA, and even scholarships from some rehab centers directly.
It’s historically documented that, in the U.S., state and local governments have been “the largest source of spending on substance use disorder treatment.”10 In 2009, excluding Medicaid expenses, their funds covered $7.6 billion—nearly a third—of total spending on substance use disorder treatment.
These forms of financial assistance to help pay for treatment are available because many institutions, including rehab centers themselves, recognize how vital treatment is and how financially beneficial it is for all of society for people to receive treatment.
“Although the United States spends roughly $35 billion across public and private payers to treat substance use disorders, the social and economic costs associated with these disorders are many times higher: Annual costs of substance misuse and substance use disorders in the United States are estimated at more than $400 billion,” according to the Surgeon General’s report. “Thus, treating substance use disorders has the potential for positive net economic benefits,11 not just in regard to treatment services but also general health care.”
To find out if a particular rehab center offers scholarships and how to apply for the reduced costs, contact the center directly. An admissions specialist can help you navigate the process of getting funding for treatment.
Additional Rehab Treatment Financing Options
If you don’t have insurance, or perhaps don’t want to use your insurance coverage for whatever reason, there are other payment options: financing directly from a treatment center, personal loans from family and friends, personal loans from a bank, or paying via credit card.
In general, the main goal of getting financing is to decrease or eliminate your out-of-pocket financial obligations. To that end, choosing a credit card or a loan with low interest rates and manageable payback terms may be preferable.
Some credit card companies offer deferred interest rates for medical-related expenses, including substance and mental health treatment. Furthermore, some centers offer financing options directly from their own funds or work with third-party lenders to create affordable loan packages.
Rehab can be a life-changing (and life-saving) experience, but it does often entail a sizable investment.
Please note that it’s important to speak with your own financial advisor before taking action that will financially affect your future.
Using Your Own Money to Pay for Treatment
Another way to fund treatment is to self-pay using savings or other assets. In fact, this is one of the most common ways to pay for rehab. Do note that many rehab centers require full payment upfront. Alternatively, you can ask about any payment plan options such as putting down a deposit to secure your spot and then paying off your treatment in increments or monthly payments. Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions, explains the process at Gallus Detox Center in Colorado:
“We can put clients on a bit of a payment plan to take a percentage of that upfront and then spread the rest of the payment out over several months. We then also work hard for the verification of benefits to be able to reimburse them as much as possible. We do everything we can to try to make it as cost-effective as possible.”
Again, the best way to know what options your rehab center offers is to call them directly.
Your Recovery Is Worth the Cost of Rehab
No matter how much residential rehab may cost, it is worth it to get the help you need—both in the short term and in the long run. This isn’t just because treatment may save your life, but also because addressing your addictions or mental health conditions now can help reduce your total healthcare costs throughout your lifetime.
As the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2016 Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health describes, “Costs associated with substance use disorders12 are not limited to health care. The accumulated costs to the individual, the family, and the community are staggering and arise as a consequence of many direct and indirect effects, including compromised physical and mental health, loss of productivity, reduced quality of life, increased crime and violence, misuse, and neglect of children, and health care costs.”
When viewed from this perspective, you can see how the reduction in your future health care costs that are associated with treatment and recovery “would more than cover the cost of addiction treatment.”13
We know the expense of inpatient treatment can seem intimidating at first. But, your financial concerns don’t have to be roadblocks on your path toward recovery. There are many different paths you can take to get the help you need, no matter what your budget or financial circumstances are.
See our collection of luxury rehabs to find centers offering recovery programs in various price ranges, as well as those that accept insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Costs
How much is rehab?
The cost of private inpatient rehab in the U.S. ranges from under $10,000 for affordable options to over $80,000 for luxury centers. Most 30-day programs at luxury rehabs cost between $25,000 to $50,000.
Is rehab worth the money?
Getting help pays off and can save you money in overall healthcare costs. Total savings from addiction treatment can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1, according to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
How can I pay for rehab?
You have various options. Most U.S. rehab centers accept insurance and many private health insurance policies cover addiction treatment. You can use Medicaid or Medicare, or public funds and grants if you’re eligible. Some rehabs offer scholarships.
Rehab is a place for you to build a sustainable life. In order to do that, you’ll develop healthy daily habits, learn to cope with cravings, and set goals. This is not a simple process. In order to create a better future, you first need to understand what led you to this point. By working through your emotional experience of your life so far, you’ll learn more about yourself and your own values. And when you truly understand yourself, you open the door to a life that can support your unique version of health.
Most rehab programs are designed to give you a type of structure you may have been missing up until now. You’ll likely have a full agenda, waking up early for a full day of activities and going to bed soon after you finish them. This schedule strikes a delicate balance. The intensive process keeps you focused on the work at hand, with little time to get too distracted by the cravings and triggers you came to get a break from. You will, however, have some opportunities for downtime to process the hard emotional work you’re doing in therapy. How intensive this journey is varies from program to program.
Because everyone is different, each rehab center offers a number of different healing modalities, ranging from individual therapy to recreational group outings. The process may feel more accessible if you have a sense of what to expect in advance.
A Typical Day in Rehab
Your time in rehab will be carefully curated by a team of healthcare providers. In addition to receiving medical care, you’ll spend time with the other residents, attending one-on-one therapy, and processing your experiences. Here’s what a typical schedule might look like:
7am – 8amYoga
8am – 9am Breakfast
9am – 10:30amIndividual therapy
10:30am – 12pmGroup therapy
12pm – 1pm Lunch
1pm – 1:45pm Medical aspects or energy work
1:45pm – 3:30pmTrauma therapy
3:30pm – 4:30pm Recreation therapy
4:30pm – 5:30pm Meditation
6:30pm – 7:30pm Group Activity or Speaker
7:30pm – 10pm Free Time & Homework
10pm Bedtime
You won’t have the same schedule every day, but it’s likely that each day will be tightly structured. Most facilities have time set aside for visiting hours, family therapy, and experiential therapies or outings such as skiing and rock climbing. Some rehabs offer even more flexibility. For example, at All Points North Lodge , a luxury rehab in Colorado, clients sometimes go on nature walks with their therapists during individual sessions.
As you can see, most centers maintain a balance between time alone, one-on-one sessions with a provider, and group experiences. Every one of these dynamics is an important part of healing. Because rehab is a place to reconnect with yourself, it’s valuable to learn how to be alone. Talking through your feelings with a trusted guide in a private setting will help keep you on track throughout that process. Social dynamics offer group support, and encourage clients to hone their interpersonal skills. Many clients even find the simple act of sharing meals with their rehab community gives them a helpful sense of camaraderie and support.
Personalized Programming at Bespoke Treatment Centers
Some residential rehabs serve only one client at a time, offering a completely bespoke experience tailored to meet their needs. Other rehabs take a holistic approach, treating a few clients at a time using a highly individualized approach. For instance, the team at Paracelsus Recovery works very closely with each person in their care to come up with a plan perfectly suited to their recovery goals. Louis Fitzmaurice, a therapist at Paracelsus, says:
“Everything that goes on in the therapeutic environment that we exist in has been created for and directed at our client. It’s designed. It’s tailor-made for our client, everything that goes on. That’s the food, the complementary therapy, the psychotherapy, the psychiatry. That’s me, the live-in therapist. That’s the physical work. Everything that goes on in the environment is focused on our client and is for the best outcome for our client.”
This careful scheduling offers clients the structure they were likely missing before rehab. It also ensures that you’ll have the chance to benefit from a number of different healing modalities.
Emotional Exploration in Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a safe, private space for you to express yourself without being concerned about the listener’s reaction. Your therapist’s job is not to fix you, but to help you do the hard work of healing.
This is not a fast or easy process, but in the end, it’s worth the effort. By developing the skills to navigate whatever life throws at you, you can come to rely on yourself and go forward with confidence. Ryan Soave, Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, says that “With therapy in general, the goal is not to reach some place where nothing affects you and you’re happy 100% of the time. It’s really about building the capacity to experience difficult emotions, to experience hardship. We’re going to experience pain – it’s part of life. In fact, we can’t have joy without pain. The more we can build the capacity to experience the full amount of pain, the more capacity we have to experience joy in life.”
During individual therapy, you’ll get to process anything that’s coming up for you. You might feel called to talk about your life before rehab, your daily experience of the program, or your concerns about the future. This is also a place to discuss practical skills like how to manage cravings, how to define your goals, and how to set healthy boundaries in your relationships. Bear in mind, however, that one-on-one therapy is just a starting point. It’s your responsibility to take what you learn in this context and apply it to the rest of your life.
As productive as individual therapy is, it’s not a simple solution to all your problems. In fact, much of the work of therapy happens between sessions. This allows you to reflect on your observations, put what you’ve learned into practice, and gain new insights into your patterns. When you return for your next session, you’ll be ready to delve even deeper into your treatment process. As you integrate the lessons of therapy into your daily experience, you’ll develop a greater understanding of yourself. Eventually, you’ll start to define what you want your life to look like after rehab.
Group Therapy and Social Dynamics
Group therapy is another way to prepare yourself for life after rehab. This is an opportunity to connect with people at a similar point in their path. By building community with the other clients in your program, you’ll realize through sharing your experiences that you’re not alone. As valuable as it is to work with a therapist, there are some lessons that you can only learn from peers. As Lana Seiler, Associate Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge, says, “We’re social creatures by nature, so it’s a very different feel working one-on-one with someone versus working in a small group and in their community.”
If you attend a program for a specialized cohort—such as a men’s group, a women’s group, or a group for older adults—group therapy may allow you to speak in shorthand. If you’re the parent of adult children, for example, there are parts of your life that a childless 23-year-old might not understand without explanation. On the other hand, that same person can probably teach you a great deal about what it’s like to be a young adult relating to her parents in this era of history. There is no right or wrong group of people with whom to undergo group therapy, but it’s important to find the right group for you.
For many people in rehab, interpersonal skills are an area of growth. Group therapy is a safe, gentle way to learn or relearn how to build healthy relationships. Openly describing past and present experiences can help clients work against shame. “Group therapy is important for a variety of reasons. Firstly, addiction and substance use bring around a lot of isolation, shame and secrecy over time. People often feel very alone. So an important vehicle for change is to have support and encouragement from others,” says Dr. Monika Kolodziej, Program Director of McLean Fernside. This dynamic helps clients cultivate a sense of self-acceptance, which is essential in order to move forward from substance use.
Substance use can easily damage your relationships with family, partners, colleagues, and friends. As such, group therapy is a safe place to practice skills that will serve you well when you return to your community after rehab. The act of building relationships in this context provides a certain level of accountability, which may have been lacking in your life before rehab. When you see how the people around you approach their treatment, you may be inspired to commit to your own process even more fully. Data shows that group therapy can improve clients’ engagement with recovery.4
Recovery is hard work; there’s no way around that. However, recommitting to yourself and your wellness means building a better life. In support of that goal, there are many therapies that focus on relaxation and fun. Inpatient rehabs often offer complementary therapies, giving you time and space to process the more demanding aspects of treatment.
Bodywork: Healing the Body to Heal the Mind
Many luxury rehabs invite clients to receive bodywork such as massage, acupuncture, and other spa services. These experiences have a dual purpose. On a therapeutic level, they help your body heal from the negative impacts of substance use. They’re also an opportunity for you to relax and enjoy yourself. Some of these modalities have a component of mindfulness, which can contribute to your emotional recovery.
Recreational Therapy: Emotional Processing Through Self-Expression
Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have the opportunity to participate in recreational therapy. Arts and crafts, film, and psychodrama—to name just a few—offer a different way of relating to yourself and expressing your emotions. Veronique De Buck, Evolutionary Art Therapist at Camino Recovery, explains:
“By working with art, you can reconnect with your resources, your potential, your talents and all the beautiful things you have inside of you. Sometimes people can’t put their trauma into words. So it helps to feel, to contact their heart, to feel the emotions and to put those emotions on paper.”
Adventure Therapy: Exploring Your Inner and Outer Worlds in Tandem
Some luxury rehabs are known for their adventure therapy programs. These experiences vary widely from location to location. In California, you might hike a beautiful mountain trail. Some Florida rehabs offer beach activities from surfing to wave running. At White River Manor in South Africa, you can even go on safari. These activities are a fun and exciting way to learn about your own reactions to life in different contexts. According to Ryan Soave, these experiences are more than just a break from the intensity of therapy:
“Fun and play are super important to getting well. It actually allows people to access creative states, which we want people to be in. In behavioral health, it’s about inventing a new way of relating with oneself and others and the world around them. So being able to get out and have fun can really help their process.”
Through these experiences, you’ll develop more sustainable ways of relating to the world. And having positive memories to draw from can make the next chapter of your life feel more accessible.
People are complex, multifaceted beings. Rehab is designed to treat every aspect of self. The demanding work of individual and group therapy encourages you to delve into your reasons for being in rehab in the first place. By balancing this work with enjoyable low-stakes activities, you’ll be reminded of how much the world has to offer you. As challenging as recovery can be, it’s the first step in moving towards a life you love.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Happens in Rehab
What is a typical daily schedule like in rehab?
A typical day in rehab is highly structured from morning until late evening. Schedules usually include individual and group therapy, complementary therapies like yoga, other recovery activities, and downtime.
How long does rehab typically last?
The length of stay in rehab varies depending on individual needs, but most programs last between 30 and 90 days. Some programs are shorter or longer stays depending on the severity of addiction and the individual’s needs.
What kind of therapies are offered in rehab?
Rehab programs offer a range of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These different styles of therapy may be delivered in a one-on-one or group setting. Luxury rehabs tend to offer complementary therapies like yoga or art therapy.
When you think of rehab for drug or alcohol addiction, “luxury” might not be the first word that comes to your mind. But there are many paths to healing from addictions and other behavioral or mental health conditions. And for some, a comfortable or even upscale setting can provide the ideal conditions for getting the most out of treatment.
You may already be thinking of seeking treatment at a luxury rehab center. Or perhaps you’re wondering if you can really get the help you need from a luxury rehab that looks, from the outside, like a vacation getaway.
When it comes to getting life-changing (or even life-saving) treatment, it’s important to follow your instincts. If you’re feeling drawn to a particular type of treatment, getting as much unbiased information as possible is essential to making an educated, confident decision about your care.
What Makes a Rehab Center “Luxury?”
The fact of the matter is, any rehab center can call itself “luxury” because there aren’t any internationally standardized requirements for this claim. When a drug or alcohol treatment center identifies as luxury, though, this usually means that it’s an upscale, residential treatment facility.
So, the first step to finding the right luxury rehab center for you is to define what you’re thinking of when you think of luxury. Are you looking for elegant facilities and extra amenities? Or does luxury mean the best medical staff and a wide variety of therapies?
In general, luxury rehabs do include at least some combination of these:
Desirable Location
Oftentimes the setting is remote yet sophisticated, similar to an exotic vacation destination. Luxury rehab centers are available all around the world. Depending on the location, getting there may involve domestic or international travel.
Special High-End Amenities
Facilities might boast swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, exercise facilities, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, a library or business center, and more. These amenities would most likely be of the same standard, or quite similar to, what you would experience while staying at a 4- or 5-star hotel.
Complementary Therapies
Though many treatment programs today offer complementary therapies, luxury centers might provide even more specialized options like equine therapy, adventure therapy, spa treatments, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more.
On-Site Detox Services
Detox, when required, is often done at a hospital or a specialized detox center before admission to a residential rehab center. Luxury rehabs may have designated detox facilities on their premises with the medical staff and equipment necessary to safely oversee the process.
This discrepancy in the definition of “luxury,” and how it can mean different things at different facilities, is why LuxuryRehabs.com has benchmarks for listing centers on our site. Our searchable collection of rehabs only includes those that, regardless of cost, meet our luxury treatment provider criteria:
Treatment at a luxury rehab center might be a good fit for certain clientele, more so than budget or retreat-style centers. For example, if someone’s used to certain living standards, has specific medical needs, or is looking for exclusive qualities in a treatment program, then luxury rehab might better facilitate the recovery process for such clients.
Some patients seek treatment at a luxury addiction or mental health rehab for other reasons:
Discomfort Could Distract From Treatment
Sometimes a drastic change in environment has the opposite effect of providing a healing space for recovery. If the setting causes discomfort, whether minute or extreme, physical or mental, some people might not be as receptive to implementing the changes necessary for lasting recovery. According to Giles Fourie, Director and Co-Owner at White River Manor,
“The more structure and the more barriers you put in place, sometimes, the more closed off people become. So offering people a place of comfort, a place where there is a great service, I think gives them the better opportunity to immediately open up and engage.”
Personal bedrooms are decorated for privacy and comfort at White River Manor in South Africa.
Residential Rehab Is Intensive
The industry standard for treatment at a residential treatment center is about 30 days. And during that time, you’ll face a lot of draining emotional challenges. While beneficial and necessary, these heightened emotional states tend to take a physical and emotional toll. According to Dr. Frederick Goggans, McLean Hospital‘s Medical Director,
“(Luxury rehabs) create an environment where it’s comfortable to be a resident for the length of time that’s involved to do this kind of work. It’s an environment where you’re sleeping well, you’re paying attention to nutrition, making healthier choices, getting daily exercise and building all that into a lifestyle change.”
The comfortable setting and conveniences most luxury rehabs offer helps your body and mind relax and be more prepared for and open to intensive treatment. Resting in these comforts during downtime can actually speed your recovery between treatments and help you integrate what you learn in your sessions.
Clients Receive One-on-One Care
Most luxury rehab centers have a higher staff-to-client ratio, because their higher admittance fees afford them the additional costs of hiring more staff. And more people on staff means each client is more likely to receive higher levels of one-on-one care.
This individualized care may mean the difference between success or failure for some clients. As one study reports, humans “differ from each other at every discernible level. This implies that it would be a miracle if standardized treatment strategies would work for everyone at every stage1 and that patients with the same diagnosis would respond in the same way.”
With this in mind, it’s possible that extra attention and time spent on individual client’s treatment plans could promote better recovery progress.
Budget Treatment Options May Not Have Previously Worked
It’s not uncommon for people seeking treatment to already have experience with different substance or alcohol use disorder programs and facilities. Many people try a variety of therapies or different styles of centers on their journey to find healing.
For some, luxury rehab might offer the pieces that were missing from getting successful treatment results at budget addiction rehab centers. Features like serene, remote environments and guided recreational activities, may help your treatment have better, longer-lasting impacts.
Restrictive Centers Don’t Accommodate Different Lifestyle Needs
Whether you’re a business owner, a celebrity, or a caregiver, sometimes there are obligations and responsibilities that make putting your life on pause for the duration of inpatient treatment impractical.
“One of the main things that deters people from coming to treatment is that they have full-time jobs or children. So it’s difficult to step away and seek treatment,” says Douglass Weiss, President and Chief Customer Officer at Gallus Detox Centers. Which is exactly why some luxury rehabs allow for computer use, cell phone use and even full family stays.
Now that we’ve explored some of the reasons why people seek luxury addiction treatment, let’s examine some benefits that luxury rehab can provide.
Potential Benefits of Attending Rehab at a Luxury Center
No matter what kind of program you attend, you’ll likely get some positive benefits from receiving treatment. Luxury rehabs simply offer additional, or different kinds of, benefits that may help you take that next step to finding lasting recovery.
1. Comfortable Treatment Experience
Many times people suffering from addiction or mental illnesses are in a constant state of stress. Their bodies are flooded with the stress hormone cortisol, and because of this, their fight-flight-or-freeze mode is constantly triggered. One of the most important aspects of rehab is that it provides a safe space for your body to relax and begin to heal.
Ameet Braich, Clinical Director of Camino Recovery, explains:
“Suffering, in any form, really doesn’t have a place in treatment. If somebody needs to get well, they can do it in nice, comfortable surroundings. It only aids the healing process. Being in a peaceful environment where you really get time to reflect and look inward lends itself to a therapeutic process.”
Comfortable surroundings can go a long way in creating a safe space, which helps reduce the body’s stress levels and may increase the therapeutic value of your time in treatment. When you’re in a relaxed, positive physical and mental state, your brain is more likely to retain new information2 and form healthier habits.
The tranquil grounds of Camino Recovery in Vélez-Málaga, Spain
2. Nutritious, Gourmet Meals
Nutrition is a fundamental part of healing from addiction. Many people in recovery have vitamin deficiencies3 due to the depletion caused by prolonged substance use. Nutrient-dense meals provide your body with physical energy and strength to support you during treatment.
Rowland Tweedie, Health and Fitness Manager at Paracelsus Recovery explains the importance of healthy eating in recovery:
“Nutrition is vitally important for all of us, because every time we eat food, it’s information for the body. Having the right type of nutrition helps us to have vitality and energy, and helps with all the systems in the body.”
There are several studies proving that healthy, individualized changes in nutrition can reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.4 Not only that, but some scientists even believe that the gut microbiome is an “important and modifiable mediator of substance-seeking behavior.”
In other words, gut-focused nutrition therapy can reduce some people’s risk of relapse. As Tweedie says, “If we eat the right types of food, we feel and think differently. Nutrition is the foundation of health, really.”
3. Maximum Privacy
Addiction affects people from all walks of life—from celebrities and CEOs to teachers and full-time employees. Clients may not want their personal or professional associates to know they’re receiving treatment. So when a high-profile person, a busy executive, or a wealthy family member needs treatment, privacy concerns may be what prevents them from getting the help they need.
In addition to already being located in remote settings, many luxury rehab centers address these concerns by offering the utmost security and discretion for their guests. Gallus Detox Centers’ Marketing and Outreach Director Laura Herrmann says,
“We’re very discreet. We try to keep ourselves as professional as possible so that when people are coming in, it’s not recognizable as a medical detox.”
Some facilities also offer ultra-exclusive programs for those who can’t mingle with other clients for privacy reasons. Examples include having private accommodations where staff come to you to do sessions, or even attending a completely individualized program where the entire staff serves one client at a time.
4. Wider Variety
At most luxury rehabs, not only are you more likely to receive one-on-one attention, but you’re also more likely to have a wider variety of therapies, counselors, food, and activities to choose from. Although higher costs don’t always equal better quality of care, clients seeking the highest quality of treatment available might be more likely to find what they’re looking for at a luxury rehab.
And, again, if you’ve already tried many different types of treatments or programs, having a wider range of options may make all the difference for you. For example, some studies on addiction have reported that music therapy can reduce substance cravings,5 as it increases your perceived control. So if you’re looking for more personalized treatment options, a luxury rehab might offer more choices.
Sound baths are one of the many complementary therapies offered at Oro House Recovery in Malibu, California.
5. Flexibility With Technology Privileges
You don’t have to necessarily put the rest of your life on hold to get treatment. Maybe you need to stay connected to the “outside world” for work purposes, to maintain your image, or for family emergencies.
“Often in treatment, you have to switch off your phone, or even sometimes give up your phone. You can’t open your laptop whilst you’re in treatment, and that’s why people who can’t do that simply wouldn’t go to treatment.”
If absolutely necessary, many luxury rehabs can “do justice to your reality,” as Gerber puts it, and accommodate your need to have internet access and use of your cell phone or laptop. Some even offer executive rehab programs specifically for clients who need more flexibility to be able to work during treatment.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that you might still be able to get some of these benefits at other “levels” or types of addiction rehabs. If you’re still wondering whether luxury rehab is right for you, there’s some evidence that further supports the effectiveness of luxury rehab.
Effectiveness of Treatment at a Luxury Rehab Center
Some people might question the effectiveness of getting treatment for a serious problem at an upscale facility, surrounded by a tranquil environment and high-end amenities. That’s understandable, considering these settings can look a lot like vacation destinations. So, what proof is there that receiving treatment for substance use disorders or mental health conditions in a luxury environment is more effective?
Choosing Your Own Treatment Is an Important Factor
To begin with, some studies show that “clients who were involved in shared decision making, were able to choose a treatment modality, or received their preferred treatment had greater treatment satisfaction, higher retention and completion rates, and better outcomes.” In other words, having a role in choosing where you get treatment can actually increase your chances of success.6
Obviously, this idea is applicable to choosing any type of treatment, whether luxury or not. But, if you’re used to a certain kind of lifestyle and specific types of treatment centers are more desirable to you, there’s a chance you may have better success with recovery in those programs you’re attracted to.
Reducing Stress Helps Your Brain Retain New Information
Even if your initial thinking isn’t to seek treatment at a luxury facility, some experts say that a comfortable setting helps you get the most from treatment. Giles Fourie notes,
“What we’ve experienced having been in the addiction field for over a decade is that a lot of programs are punitive and restrictive. What people do ultimately is conform to the program rather than transform. And we believe that this setting, where we’re offering our clients the comforts they would have at home, really opens them up and ultimately enhances their recovery process and their restoration.”
One reason a comfortable environment, or even a “luxurious” setting, may enhance recovery is because of how it helps our bodies relax, which in turn reduces cortisol levels and improves brain function. Scientific studies have proven that “stress is a potent modulator of brain structure, brain function, and cognition.” So, whether a person experiences short-term, acute stress or long-term, chronic stress, depending on the person,” experiencing excessive stress can be highly detrimental to memory function.”7
If you’re in a stressful environment, there’s a possibility that your memory function will be negatively impaired. This in turn could negatively impact how much of your treatment you retain and are able to access in the future during situations when you need it the most. Again, what’s stressful differs from person to person, so it’s important to know what kind of surroundings will most likely work best for you.
Finding the Best Treatment for You
Ultimately, treatment for addiction and mental health disorders is a highly personal decision. What works for someone else may or may not work for you. That’s why it’s so important to consider all aspects of a treatment program before committing the time, money, and energy required to get help at a residential rehab.
No matter what kind of treatment or facility you’re looking for, remember: despite what a center might claim to be, it’s important to do your own research and make sure the “luxury” you’re signing up for is the type of luxury you’re expecting.
If luxury rehab sounds like an avenue you’d like to explore, you can find treatment centers in nearly every corner of the world. You can also find luxury rehabs within a wide range of costs—many of which take insurance—making this a surprisingly realistic treatment option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Rehab
What is luxury rehab?
Luxury rehab refers to a treatment program that provides high-end amenities and accommodations in addition to evidence-based therapies for addiction and mental health conditions.
What are the benefits of luxury rehab?
Upscale residential rehabs often provide a comfortable and supportive environment, access to world-class amenities and facilities, individualized treatment plans, and a focus on holistic healing for the mind, body, and spirit.
Who can benefit from luxury rehab?
Anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues can benefit from luxury rehab, but it may be especially helpful for those who want a more comfortable and private recovery experience, or those who have tried traditional rehab without success.
