What Questions Should I Ask Before Going Into Rehab?

Laura Smart - Author for Rehab Clinics Group

Laura Smart - Last Updated: May 14, 2024

Last reviewed: September 20, 2022 by Dr Alexander Lapa. All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

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If you’ve decided to attend a rehab facility to recover from a drug or alcohol addiction, you might be slightly worried or nervous about what to expect from the experience. Before going into rehab, it is important that you ask as many questions as possible so you are familiar with what the process will be like and what the centre will expect from you.

Signing up to rehab is a big personal and financial commitment, and before going it is important that you find out as much as possible about a centre to make sure that it can cater for your needs and financial circumstances. If you decide on a rehab facility that is not correct for your needs, the results could be potentially deadly. Below is our Rehab Clinics Group guide on which questions to ask before going into rehab, so you can make an informed decision based on the answers given to you.

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Q1 – How Does The Rehab Facility Treat Addiction?

This is probably the most important question of them all. You want to make sure that any treatment you undertake in rehab is encouraging and inspiring, and sure to help you on your way to recovery. Some rehab clinics adopt a more spiritual approach through 12-step work, while others offer fitness and health workshops, and others focus on intensive counselling. Find out which methods best suit your own personal beliefs and interests. If you do not know about the 12-step programme adopted by organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, do some research online or attend a free Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. We can also help you decide on which type of rehab and treatments are right for you.

 

Q2 – Can I Attend Rehab Through A Private Health Insurance Policy?

Financing a course of rehab treatment is one of many patients’ main concerns. If you do have a private health insurance policy, it may be worth checking to see if it covers you for a rehabilitation admission. You may be covered for treatment if your spouse works for a large organisation that offers health insurance as part of their employment there. Typically, such insurance policies cover both partners in a marriage. Contact us at Rehab Clinics Group if you require more information on the types of rehab facility that accept private health insurance payments.

 

Q3 – Where Is The Rehab Facility Based, And Can I Travel To It?

Although some people prefer to consider drug or alcohol rehab clinics that are only in their local area, this may restrict their search and available options for treatment. A rehab facility that is better for your specific needs may be further away. Consider travelling distances if you are going to opt for a rehab facility that is far away. Will someone be able to drive you to the facility to attend aftercare sessions when you have completed your treatment?

 

Q4 – How Long Will My Rehab Programme Last?

Think carefully about how long you need to spend in a rehab facility. Generally speaking, many rehab programmes last at least 28 days once a person has completed detox, rehabilitation therapy and aftercare. Some rehab centres will offer shorter stays if your needs are not too severe, or if for instance you cannot spend long amounts of time in a facility due to childcare, work or family commitments. It is important to remember that the longer your recovery programme is, the more successful your treatment will be. Very rarely do patients make a full recovery after just a week’s detox. Costing will also play a role in your decision. Think about how long you can realistically afford to spend in rehab.

 

Q5 – Are Detox Services Available?

If you have a severe addiction, attending a rehab facility that offers a medically assisted detox programme is very important for your health. Not all rehab clinics offer detox services, and offer more long-term rehabilitation programmes instead. Talk through your specific needs and medical condition with the rehab you are investigating so you can determine which route is best for you.

 

Q6 – What Are The Facilities Like At The Rehab Centre?

The facilities on offer at a rehab facility are an important factor. The nicer and more wide-ranging these are, the more pleasurable your experience will be. Think about whether the rehab centre caters to your interests. If you like sports, does the centre offer sport therapy? Many rehab clinics give patients access to fitness facilities and mindful pursuits such as painting. Discuss your interests with your intended clinic.

You also need to think about the type of room you want to stay in during your time in rehab. Do not assume that you will automatically get a private room. Many rehab clinics have dorms for 3-4 people to offer more affordable rates. Private rooms tend to come at a premium. Discuss your preferences with the rehab centre you have in mind and ask what they can offer you.

 

Q7 – Can I Afford My Chosen Rehab Facility?

Rehab is a big financial commitment, so it important that you ask questions about costings and potentially find ways to get the most for your money. For instance, having a dorm room can be cheaper by thousands of pounds in comparison to a private room. Also consider the length of time you stay in rehab – the longer you stay, the greater the financial implication. Many rehab facilities offer payment plans so you can pay for your treatment in instalments. The average price for rehab is between £7,000-£10,000 for a 28-day stay.

For ‘luxury’ facilities, the costs can be around £5,000 per week. Think carefully about what you can realistically afford.

Laura Smart - Author - Last updated: May 14, 2024

Laura is a qualified counsellor and behavioural therapist specialising in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), ICT (Inner Child Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), Hypnosis and Mindfulness practice. She has experience working with individuals suffering from conditions such as problem behaviours, internet and social media addictions, depression, anxiety, anger management and trauma.

Dr Alexander Lapa - Psychiatrist & Clinical Reviewer for Rehab Clinics Group

Dr Alexander Lapa - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: September 20, 2022

MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified

Dr Lapa graduated in Medicine in 2000 and since this time has accrued much experience working in the widest range of psychiatric settings with differing illness presentations and backgrounds in inpatient, community and secure settings. This has been aligned to continuation of professional development at postgraduate level in clinical research which has been very closely related to the everyday clinical practice conducted by this practitioner as a NHS and Private Psychiatrist.
He is fully indemnified by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) and MIAB Expert Insurance for Psychiatric and Private Medical practice. He is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK with a licence to practice.

Dr Lapa is approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act (1983)

Member of Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), British Association for Psychopharmacology (BMA) and The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)

Dr Lapa’s extensive experience has also concentrated on the following areas of clinical practice:
– Assessment, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment for Adults with ADHD.
– Drug and Alcohol Dependency and maintaining abstinence and continued recovery
– Intravenous and Intramuscular Vitamin and Mineral Infusion Therapy
– Dietary and Weight Management and thorough care from assessment to treatment to end goals and maintenance
– Aesthetic Practice and Procedures