How to Identify a Bad Rehab Center: Signs of Bad Rehabs

Making the decision to seek addiction treatment is a big first step in the recovery process. With this being such a big decision, it’s important that you take the time to research and evaluate your options before choosing a rehab facility. With there being so many options for treatment, there are often bad rehab facilities that do not offer a satisfactory standard of treatment needed to give you the best chances of recovery and long-term sobriety.

Signs of a Bad Rehab Center

There are a number of ways to identify a rehab facility that is not up to the standard that is required to provide effective addiction treatment. Things to be aware of include:

• A lack of licensing and accreditations. Ensure the rehab facility is licensed and accredited by relevant state and national authorities. This information should be readily available on the company website or provided upon request. Unlicensed or unaccredited facilities may not meet necessary quality and safety standards.
• Poor online reviews and ratings. Read online reviews and ratings from current and former patients, if available. While it’s essential to consider both positive and negative reviews, a consistently negative or untrustworthy online reputation can be a red flag.
• Refusal to share information. Reputable rehab centers should be transparent about their programs, staff qualifications, treatment approaches, and success rates. If a facility is hesitant to provide this information or offers vague responses, it may be cause for concern.
• Unqualified or inadequate staffing. Ensure that staff have the necessary licenses and experience in addiction or mental health treatment. A lack of qualified professionals or high staff turnover can be a warning sign.
• A lack of tailored treatment plans. Effective rehab centers create individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs. If a facility offers a one-size-fits-all approach without thorough assessments, it may not provide the best care.
• Pressure or high sales tactics. Be wary of rehab centers that use high-pressure sales tactics or make unrealistic promises about your recovery. Legitimate facilities should prioritize your well-being over financial gain.
• No aftercare planning. Effective rehab centers provide aftercare planning to support your transition back into daily life. If a center does not offer or discuss aftercare options, it may not be invested in your long-term success.
• No privacy or confidentiality. Ensure that the facility has strong policies in place to protect your privacy and confidentiality. A breach of privacy can have severe consequences.

What to Look for in a Rehab Center

Choosing the right rehab center is a significant decision, and it’s essential to do thorough research, seek recommendations, and visit facilities in person when possible. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure that the rehab center aligns with your recovery goals. There are a number of signs to look for which can indicate a good quality rehab center. These include:

• Staff credentials. Rehab facilities should display staff credentials, so it should not be difficult to check whether staff members administering care possess the relevant credentials and qualifications.
• Program accreditation. Most rehab facilities undergo a process to meet state licensure requirements. Accredited facilities have gone though a rigorous process by a trusted third-party organization, such as the Joint Commission Accreditation for Addiction Treatment (JCAHO) or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF).
• Tailored treatment plans. Effective addiction treatment is individualized to meet the needs of the patient and rather than employing a one-size-fits-all treatment method.
• Access to quality onside medical care. Medical attention should always be available to ensure that any physical and mental health issues, which can arise as a result of drug or alcohol dependency, can be effectively treated.
• Aftercare planning. Some of the best rehab centers employ a discharge planner, who is involved in the treatment process and develops a plan for ongoing care and support for the individual when formal treatment ends.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) operated high-quality, accredited, individualized treatment programs at each of its treatment centers throughout the United States. If you or a loved one struggle with addiction and want help, reach out to AAC to connect with a knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find the right program to meet your needs.