How to Find the Best Drug & Alcohol Rehab Near Me

6 min read · 5 sections
What you will learn:
How to find a treatment center with qualified staff
What treatment options to look for in a rehab facility
Tips on finding the best treatment center for your individual needs

Everyone’s experience with addiction is different. That’s why addiction treatment should offer a variety of options tailored to individual needs. There are many different forms, types, and methods of drug rehab centers to choose from. Facilities may be public or private, and various centers offer a wide range of options and amenities. Public drug rehab centers are open to everyone, regardless of financial situation, and may have long waiting lists. Private treatment facilities typically offer the highest level of care with the biggest variety of choices in care. Overall, the top drug rehab centers will provide comprehensive care in a specialized facility staffed by highly trained medical, mental health, and substance abuse providers.

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 48.7 million Americans battled drug or alcohol addiction within the year.1 There are more than 14,500 specialized facilities in the United States that are designed to treat drug addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports.2

Evidence-Based Treatment and Qualified Staff

The best drug rehab facilities provide complete treatment plans that address all of the physical, emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of addiction. A thorough assessment is generally performed prior to admission in order to help treatment providers determine the correct level of care, and design and implement a specialized treatment plan.

The NIDA reports that drug addiction treatment may include medications and behavioral therapies; most often, treatment plans are comprised of both.3 Evidence-based treatment models use methods and approaches that have been thoroughly researched and have scientific evidence to back them up. Some things to look for when choosing a rehab near you are:

  • Treatment models. Good rehab facilities will use evidence-based methods and continue to stay current in the field as new developments in care are identified and deemed beneficial. Research into the disease of addiction is ongoing, and new approaches are continually being discovered. A rehab facility that keeps on top of new theories and insights into addiction is the ideal choice.
  • Qualified treatment professionals. Of course, the staff and clinicians at a rehab facility are immensely important. The best facilities will staff highly trained professionals who are licensed or certified and have extensive experience treating addiction.
  • Licensing and certification. Each state will have their own set of licensing, certifications, and credentials for treating addiction. Treatment providers are generally required to be licensed by their state authority in order to provide care, while certification is often a voluntary process.

Top-of-the-line rehab facilities will have a variety of different types of professionals on staff who are highly trained and experienced in treating the different aspects of addiction. For example, medical doctors will monitor vital signs and dispense medications, while counselors and therapists address mental health needs.

Addiction Treatment Options and Amenities to Look For

Top drug rehab facilities offer a wide variety of treatment options, ranging from traditional to alternative, as well as many different amenities and levels of care.

These may include:

  • Residential Treatment: Generally considered the highest level of care, in residential treatment, a person will remain on site during treatment, receiving around-the-clock medical and mental health support and care.
  • Outpatient Services: Individuals may come and go as needed, and outpatient rehab services can be scheduled around existing obligations.
  • Intensive Outpatient Care: Services are similar to those provided in residential treatment during the day, with the main difference being that the individual will return home each night.
  • Detox Services and Medical Detox: These are short-term services that can be performed on either an inpatient or outpatient basis in an effort to help drugs safely process out of the body. Medical detox often uses medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
  • Pharmaceutical Tools: Medications can be very helpful during detox and addiction treatment, both for managing drug dependence and for treating any potential mental health or medical side effects of addiction and withdrawal.
  • Behavioral Therapies: Therapies focus on modifying negative thoughts and improving self-esteem and coping mechanisms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are two such therapies. A variety of therapy options can be beneficial as no two people experience addiction in quite the same way.
  • Individual, Group, and Family Counseling: These counseling sessions help individuals to become more insightful and aware of their thoughts and behaviors. Group and family sessions aid in improving group dynamics, communication skills, and restoration of a healthy family unit.
  • Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports on the high incidence of addiction occurring at the same time as a mental health disorder; as many as 7.9 million Americans suffered from both in 2014.4 Care that is provided in an integrated and simultaneous fashion is optimal when treating co-occurring disorders.
  • Nutritional Services: Addiction can take a toll on a person’s physical health, and proper nutrition and balanced meals during rehab are important.
  • Educational Programs: The more thoroughly a person understands the disease of addiction and how treatment and recovery works, the better off they will be. Families and loved ones should become educated on the subject as well.
  • Relapse Prevention Tools: The NIDA warns that relapse is a common component of drug addiction, with relapse rates between 40 and 60 percent.5 Learning how to recognize triggers and minimize relapse is vital to sustained recovery.5
  • Fitness Programs: Exercise can release healthy endorphins and help the body and brain to heal. Improved physical fitness can also enhance self-esteem.
  • Anger and Stress Management Programs: Learning how to better cope with difficult emotions, stress, and anger can minimize instances of relapse and promote long-term recovery.
  • Support Groups and 12-Step Programs: These peer groups are often formed during treatment and continue into recovery to provide ongoing support and encouragement for sustaining abstinence while offering a healthy social outlet.
  • Alumni Programs: Rehab centers with care that extends beyond the confines of a completed treatment program are exceptional in that individuals continue to feel connected and committed to recovery. Alumni programs help to maintain this with meetings, services, and ongoing support.
  • Transitional Services: Sober living homes and other transitional living arrangements can be helpful in easing back into society and everyday life after completing a residential treatment program and before returning back home. Many rehab facilities offer transitional services or referrals to local options.
  • Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga: Considered an alternative treatment method that is ideally used in conjunction with traditional methods, yoga and mindfulness meditation can increase connection between the mind and body. Awareness of the physical self can help a person to better understand and regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and maintain a healthy mind-body balance.
  • Spa treatments and Massage Therapy: These amenities can ease tension and stress and therefore reduce physical discomfort.
  • Chiropractic Care: Manipulation of the body by trained professionals can minimize physical pain and tension, and promote relaxation.
  • Acupuncture: The placement of needles into specific points in the body is thought to enhance the flow of energy and help to process toxins out of the body. It is an adjunct therapy method used in combination with other therapies.
  • Art Therapy: Creative outlets can help to occupy the mind and provide an outlet for emotions and healthy expression.
  • Equine Therapy: Caring for horses can be helpful to improve self-esteem and self-reliance as well as help clients gain personal insight.

Many good rehab facilities will cater to specialized population groups and demographics, providing treatment options that are gender- or age-specific, designed for the LGBT community, or sensitive to religious preferences and ideals. If you are looking for a drug rehab center near me, It is important to find a treatment center that suits the specific needs and circumstances of the person and family seeking care.

Finding a High-Quality Treatment Facility

There are several ways to go about finding a drug rehab center near me. Oftentimes, insurance companies will require individuals to receive a referral for specialized facilities, and they may have specific approved providers and treatment modalities that they provide coverage for. Some insurance policies dictate that a person first try outpatient treatment before residential programs are covered. Insurance policies and representatives are able to offer more insight into how to use insurance to pay for drug rehab and whether or not a referral is required.

People can also find addiction treatment and mental health services locally through the Behavioral Health Services Locator tool offered by SAMHSA.7 With this tool, individuals can search by address, city, state, or zip code, and also by type of service requested (e.g., addiction treatment, mental health provider, co-occurring disorder treatment programs, etc.).

Families and loved ones should do their due diligence, and be sure to research treatment centers and read reviews. Peer support and 12-Step programs in the area may be able to offer firsthand experiences and reviews of local programs as well.

Tips on Choosing the Right Rehab Center

When looking for a rehab center, it is vital to find one that is the right fit. When talking to the staff prior to admission, the conversation should be a two-way street. Just as they are trying to get information about the type of services may be needed, the person seeking treatment should also be feeling out whether or not the facility will be right for them.Some questions to ask to ensure that the rehab facility is a good fit are:

  1. Where is the facility located?
    Geographical location can be important. While it may be necessary to travel to obtain great care, it may also be helpful to attend a drug rehab center close to home where transportation to and from treatment is easy, family members can visit, and aftercare services are easily accessible.
  2. What types of services are offered?
    Be aware of any special needs (e.g., co-occurring disorders, religious preferences, gender or age stipulations, etc.) and ensure that the facility can accommodate them. If co-occurring disorders are present, it is important to know if integrated and simultaneous treatment is provided by experienced providers.
  3. What levels of care are available?
    Residential treatment centers typically provide the highest level of care; however, outpatient services can be nearly as comprehensive in some instances, and they may be necessary when existing obligations dictate it. Individuals may also move between levels of care as treatment progresses, and a rehab facility should accommodate this.
  4. What types of treatments are used?
    A combination of behavioral therapies and pharmacological methods is generally considered the gold standard of care.
  5. Are medical detox services offered?
    Drug dependence often dictates that detox be the first step in treatment. Many rehab centers are able to seamlessly transition clients from detox into treatment.
  6. Are the staff licensed and certified, and what level of experience do they have?
    Learn the laws of the state, and ensure the facility is properly credentialed. Find out if the rehab facility meets the highest standards in terms of licensure and experience levels for staff members.
  7. How does payment work?
    Work out a budget, talk to insurance companies, and discuss payment options and financial information prior to admission. Many rehab facilities offer payment plans and help with financing when needed.
  8. Are traditional and alternative therapies offered, and if so, what kinds?
    A blend of traditional and alternative therapies can promote healing and overall wellness.
  9. What kind of amenities and services are offered, and do they cost extra?
    Find out what the rehab facility has to offer and what (if any) extra services may incur additional fees. Many facilities offer childcare and transportation as well as spa treatments, massage therapy, and more.
  10. What is the room and board situation?
    Discuss what is important (e.g., nutrition planning, room situation, etc.) and if rooms are private or shared.
  11. What does the daily schedule look like?
    Understanding what a normal day looks like and what the typical schedule is can help a person to decide if the fit will be ideal. There should be set sleeping, waking, and eating times, as well as scheduled group and individual therapy sessions, support group meetings, educational programs, and fitness programs. Free time should be at a minimum, at least initially.
  12. What is the policy on family time and visitors?
    Family support is important and should be encouraged. Rehab facilities often have family days or specific times built into the schedules to accommodate this.
  13. What types of follow-up or transitional care are provided?
    Treatment should extend beyond the time spent in rehab, as recovery can be enhanced when aftercare services continue. Individuals may not be quite ready to fully reenter society directly after finishing rehab. As a result, it can be beneficial to ongoing recovery when professional-level support and resources are still available.
  14. How long are the treatment programs?
    NIDA recommends that addiction treatment last at least 90 days and sometimes longer. Staying in treatment for long enough to allow the brain to heal and for healthy habits to form is vital to a long recovery.9
  15. Are support groups and 12-Step programs part of the treatment plan?
    Often, clients being attending these groups during rehab, setting up a routine that can be continued into ongoing recovery post treatment. The groups may meet on site, or transportation may be provided.
  16. What are the goals of the program, and how does it set a person up for success? Find out specifically what the treatment methodology is and how they are helping clients to prepare for a sustainable sober lifestyle.

AAC’s Best Rehab Centers

All of American Addiction Centers’ rehab facilities are equipped to handle most cases and population types. This list will highlight some of the specialized programs and treatments offered by each facility, but it does not mean the other facilities do not offer the same level of quality treatment.

Best Medically Focused & Hospital Style Rehab

Laguna Treatment Center in Orange County, California is a substance abuse & mental health treatment rehab facility offering evidence-based treatments and 24/7 monitoring. Laguna Treatment Center is the first licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital (CDRH) in Orange County, meaning that the facility is licensed by the California Department of Public Health and offers medically supervised detox programs in Orange County with withdrawal management, daily medical rounds, 24/7 nursing care, and medication administration. While offering the treatment and expertise of a hospital, Laguna also offers indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a gym/fitness center, and a pool to make things feel more comfortable for our patients.

Find Out More About Laguna Treatment Center

Best Rehab for Veterans

Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas, Nevada offers a specialty tracks for Veterans and athletes to recover from substance abuse and addiction issues. A number of our treatment centers, including Desert Hope, offer a specialized program for Veterans, which is a curriculum tailored towards Veterans and first responders that focuses on PTSD, addiction, and resources to improve daily life coping without the use of substances. Desert Hope is also a part of the VA Community Care Network, meaning that we can work with the VA to get a referral to our facility so you or your loved one can receive specialized treatment that may be covered by Veteran benefits.

Find Our More About Desert Hope Treatment Center

In addition to Desert Hope, Laguna Treatment Center, and Oxford Treatment Center are all Centers of Excellence which signifies that these our program has met rigorous standards and is dedicated to providing exceptional care to Veterans.

Best Rehab for Luxury Amenities & Faith Based Treatment

Greenhouse Treatment Center in Grand Prairie, Texas was the site of a former Neiman Marcus Spa and retains many of the luxury amenities to help patients feel comfortable on their road to recovery. Some amenities include:

  • Indoor/outdoor pool and Jacuzzi
  • Lounge areas
  • Massage & acupressure services (at extra cost)
  • A fitness center

Greenhouse also offers a Christian Recovery Program where faith can be integrated into your treatment regimen.

Find Out More About Greenhouse Treatment Center

Best Wilderness & Outdoor Rehab

Oxford Treatment Center in Etta, Mississippi is located on 110 acres of wooded and rolling hills. Our main campus is situated near a private lake where patients will live in cabins and may partake in various outdoor activities as they undergo treatment. Oxford Treatment Center is the best option if you are looking for a qualified rehab facility in a natural and serene setting.

Find Out More About Oxford Treatment Center

Best Rehab for Healthcare Professionals

Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, Florida features a specialty track for healthcare professionals by addressing the unique challenges they face in addition to substance abuse issues. These issues include stressful workplace situations, burnout, as well as worries, fears, and stigmas within the profession itself in regard to substance use and continuing in the healthcare profession. Our qualified recovery team is ready to help you, some of which have undergone a recovery program at one point themselves, so they understand your needs firsthand.

Find Out More About Recovery First Treatment Center

Best Rehab for Licensed & Impaired Professionals

River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview, Florida has an impaired professionals treatment track that focuses on guidance and care for professionals working toward re-entering the professional workspace. The impaired professionals program welcomes those who work I licensed roles including but not limited to:

  • Doctors
  • Lawyers
  • Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Social Workers
  • Dentists
  • Pilots

Located on 24 acres of land, River Oaks provides a peaceful and serene setting for recovery.

Find Out More About River Oaks Treatment Center

Best Rehab for Medicare & Medicaid Insurance

AdCare Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts is a level 4, 114-bed treatment facility. AdCare Hospital may be able to take state-funded and/or federal insurance plans like Medicaid (MassHealth in Massachusetts) and Medicare. Contact us, an admissions advisor may also be able to confirm if you qualify.

Find Out More About AdCare Hospital

Best Rehab for LGBTQ+ & Trauma Focused Treatment

River Oaks Treatment Center, located in Riverview, FL, has developed a specialized LGBTQ+ program to address the unique needs of this community struggling with substance use disorders. Led by a counselor with over 20 years working with the LGBTQ+ community, the program focuses on holistic healing and cultural competency to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. River Oaks’ expertise in treating co-occurring disorders enables the team to address both mental health and addiction issues in the LGBTQ+ community, empowering patients to rediscover their true selves and reintegrate into their communities
Find Out More About River Oaks Treatment Center

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