Rehab Centers in Utah – An In-Depth Guide – Part 1

FINDING QUALITY CARE
If you or a loved one is considering going to a rehab center in Utah, there are a few things you should know. In this comprehensive guide to finding quality care, we talk to addicts currently in treatment, addicts in recovery, therapists, and other professionals within the field. Finding the right rehab center for substance addiction can be the difference between life and death.

In days past, addiction was treated as moral flaw. Treatments involved electric shock, horse blood, frontal lobotomy, imprisonment, sentencing to asylums, and many other tortuous ideas. By 1922, 15 U.S. states had even passed sterilization laws to “save the next generation.”

Thankfully, treatment has advanced leaps and bounds from those dark times. These days, rehab centers have licensed therapists using use evidenced-based modalities. These therapists will treat for underlying trauma and mental health issues along with co-occurring addiction. Their treatment tool belt will include psycho-education, EMDR, recreational therapy, and more. While we are all grateful for these medical advancements, it’s still easy to feel left in the dark when choosing a treatment facility. To add to the confusion, not all rehab centers in Utah are created equally. Continue reading and you’ll gain inside knowledge on how to separate out the quality rehabs from those not worth your time.

WHAT TYPE OF REHAB CENTERS ARE THERE?

The term “rehab” can have varying in meaning and many rehab centers in Utah vary in treatment programs.

  • State funded rehab centers:
    Treatment facilities that are funded by the state are typically reserved for individuals with inadequate funds or no insurance. These type of facilities are often lacking in the latest innovations and waiting lists for entering treatment can be long.
  • Private rehab centers:
    Privately funded facilities rely on investors for startup and initial operational costs. Continued funding comes from a combination of insurance and out of pocket payments. Private centers typically have access to the latest treatments options and top notch staff. Brighton Recovery is an example of a private rehab center in Utah.

WHERE DO I START LOOKING?

Much too often, the process for finding treatment does not start until an addict has come through the doors of an ER. After immediate medical help, the addict will then be admitted to a detox facility. If this is the case, the people working at the detox will have several options to recommend for treatment, and will likely be able to provide the contact information for the rehab. Often times, the detox facility will work with both you and the rehab to facilitate the transfer of the patient to a rehab center.

In cases where the processes does not start with a trip to the ER, there may be a bit more time to research potential treatment facilities. Due to the stigma still associated with substance abuse, it can be difficult to reach out for help, but it is a good idea to ask people you trust if they have been down this road and what they might recommend for rehab centers. You will likely be surprised when you find out just how many people you know have dealt with substance abuse and addiction. If however, this is not an option, then a great online resource you can go to, is the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). You can use this directory to find NAATP accredited rehabs. Here you can see the Brighton Recovery Center’s listing as an example.

WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN FOR WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH A REHAB CENTER IN UTAH?

Once you have narrowed down the treatment options, you should take some time to call each one on your list. This is where things will start to get interesting. Even from one call, you will get a sense for the rehabs general level of care and dedication. Having been part of the addiction recovery community for many years, it is easy for us to separate out a rehab that truly cares from one that does not, but for those less familiar, the biggest telltale sign will come up in this initial call. If the person you talk to, immediately begins talking about finances, payment, and insurance, then you might want to steer clear of that rehab. Rehabs that do this, are typically more concerned about their bottom line than caring for patients.

On the contrary, It is also easy to tell if the person on the other end of the line genuinely cares about your recovery. For example, if you call Brighton Recovery Center, you might talk to Josh Hall. Josh would begin by listening and trying to understand your particular situation and needs. As an person in recovery himself, Josh knows what it is like and how terrifying it can be. Because of this, his priority is to focus on the unique needs of the individual, even on the first phone call. If, for whatever reason, Brighton does not end up being the facility for you, Josh will do what he can to be a calm voice of reason and a knowledgeable resource in your search for treatment. This is true for each staff member at Brighton.

To hear a great example of this, check out the video of Josh below:

“Seeing the stages that individuals and families go through is very rewarding, but then a year later, hearing those same people talk about how well they are still doing is the most rewarding part for me.”
– Joe Gorton, CHMC & Clinical Director

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND ASK ABOUT WHILE TOURING A REHAB CENTER IN UTAH?

Choosing a rehab center in Utah is an incredibly important decision to make. Whether it is your recovery or the recovery of a loved one, you want to make sure you have made the best possible choice and taking the time to tour the facility will give you the most valuable insight. Here are some things to look for and ask about while on the tour.

  • Pay attention to your overall gut feeling while walking through the rehab center. Keep in mind the research you did on their website and over the phone and ask yourself, “Do they live up to their word?”
  • Ask if the rehab is a recipient of the Joint Commission Seal of Approval. Accreditation by The Joint Commission is considered the gold standard in health care.Ask about the licensure level of their therapists/counselors. It is likely that they will have Substance Abuse Counselors, but they should also have multiple Master-level therapists on staff.
  • Ask if they have a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Also ask if any of their therapists are Certified Clinical Trauma Professionals.
  • Pay attention to the general cleanliness and organization of the facility. If the cleanliness is lacking, it is often an indicator that the staff is stretched too thin.
  • How does the space match the clinical model? A nice building doesn’t necessarily mean a nice program, ask the hard questions about how they treat their patients, then see if the space matches what they are saying.
  • Asses the appearance of the staff. Are they dressed professionally? What is their enthusiasm like? You can’t fake the energy level of the staff. Do you get the feeling that they genuinely love what they do? The staff’s mood, dedication, and happiness will directly affect the quality of treatment the patients receive.

The following statement, from a graduating patient at Brighton, list several of the most important elements to look for in a rehab center.

“Everyone here has been helpful, caring, and has given off a genuine vibe of sincerity. From the insight of clinical, the great example from the techs, the always smiling kitchen staff, the encouraging rec therapy staff, and the tireless and friendly housekeeping staff. I have had a completely different experience than I did with other programs. Although I am graduating I feel like Brighton has my back. Thank you all so much.”

 

In our next article, we’ll address what you can expect once admitted to a rehab center. What is the daily routine like? How long should one stay? Can family/friends visit me while in rehab? What happens after? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news, articles, and videos about recovery. For more information about our rehab center in Utah, please feel free to contact us.

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