1. Who is responsible for the cost?

You need to determine if your medical insurance will cover any of the cost. A rehab center that is federally funded may entitle you to a discounted rate based on your income. Check with the facility if they accept payments. Find out what is included in the price. Ask if there are any add-on charges you should be aware of. You will need to know a total amount due at admission. You should inquire about a refund if the program is not completed. In some cases, a doctor must refer the patient to the rehab center before they will be admitted.

2. What programs are in place geared to your specific addiction needs?

More than 23 million Americans require drug treatment each year. Less than 10% actually receive any help. Discuss with the admissions personnel if they disclose their rate of success. Based on the diagnosis, a decision will be made whether your treatment should be out-patient or remaining at the facility. Of great importance is appropriate treatment targeted to the age and gender of the drug user. Be prepared to be put on a waiting list for treatment. There are usually no-shows and they will try to fit you in.

3. When is the family allowed to visit?

The person entering rehab may be resentful and request no visitors. The family should realize the patient is probably having bouts with fear, guilt, and remorse. It might be helpful to give your love one space and time to adjust. Family members should consider addressing their own anxiety with counseled therapy sessions. Concerned friends and relatives should provide encouragement and participate in the recovery at the doctor's request. It is not unusual for visitors to be prohibited during the recovery process. Limited telephone calls are usually permitted as a good behavior award and are typically monitored. The patient and family should make themselves aware of the applicable rules.

4. Where are the qualifications for the staff displayed?

Don't be afraid to ask if the doctors and nurses are qualified to handle all medical and psychological issues. It is in the patient's best interest to have trained professionals on call around the clock. Classes held on the prevention of drug use would be beneficial to the drug abuser and are often conducted by a former drug user. Make sure there are precautions in place to combat violent outbursts from the patients. It is important to note if the patient must be detoxed before entering the program. Establish whether medication will be administered if needed.

5. How does the drug rehab center deal with court appointed treatment?

In 2002, two million Americans were incarcerated. 1.7 of these cases involved crimes committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Research suggests drug and alcohol treatment reduces criminal activity up to 80%. Counseling the drug user to change their habits, teaching them anger management, and job skills can give the addict valuable lessons. Judges may offer drug offenders the choice to enter rehab instead of serving a prison sentence. Courts will need to see a plan for rehabilitation, evaluation of progress, and timely reports. The rehab center needs to be equipped to comply with the patient's special requirements.

6. Why is it necessary to continue treatment after the patient's release?

People who suffer from depression, schizophrenia, anti-social behavior, and other forms of mental instability have a high occurrence of many kinds of addiction. Recovering from these dangerous behaviors is a lifetime commitment. Follow up after care should be part of the rehab treatment. Regaining health after chemical dependency calls for check ups and continuing group or individual therapy.

There were 1.8 million drug addictio treatment admissions reported in 2005. It is normal to have feelings of confusion, anger, disbelief, and denial. Think about if your loved one was diagnosed with cancer. You would seek out the best care available. Drug and alcohol addiction is also a disease. In this difficult time, take some comfort in the knowledge you won't have to face it alone.