South Florida is home to many first-rate addiction treatment centers offering some of the best compassionate, comprehensive help for substance abuse and mental health issues. Over the years, South Florida rehab facilities have helped thousands of people turn their lives around and go on to enjoy lives free of drug abuse and addiction.

People with drug addiction are people in need of help, and rehab centers are the single best way to provide that help. Rehab can be a difficult process for anyone, and it is important that the person suffering addiction gets it as soon as they’re ready to accept help. If you’re fortunate enough to have multiple centers in proximity to your location, ‘shopping’ for the right place can be helpful, but there’s a lot to consider.

Separating Quality South Florida Rehab Centers from Scams

When it comes to choosing a drug and alcohol treatment center, reputation and word of mouth is everything. Sadly, some of the best rehabs in Florida have been tainted by a scourge of predatory treatment providers.

New Laws Created to Protect You

The Affordable Healthcare Act, enacted in 2010, requires insurance companies to cover substance abuse and mental health treatment, but unscrupulous individuals quickly found loopholes. Bogus rehabs and sober living homes appeared by the dozens, lured by an opportunity to get rich as the nation struggled with a staggering rate of addiction. For instance, “body brokering” allowed bogus treatment centers to pay kickbacks, often as high as $5,000 per person, to bounty hunters who bring insured clients into the facility. 

In response, many of the state’s ethical, well-established treatment providers joined with state legislators to protect the safety of individuals who enter treatment for addiction. The goal was to enact legislation that brings the hammer down on crooked treatment centers. 

Today, Florida law requires drug treatment marketers to be licensed, and those who fail to license appropriately are subject to up to five years in prison. Sober living homes must ensure the homes are certified by the State of Florida. Owners, managers, and clinical supervisors must agree to strict background checks. 

Misleading people about treatment services and other deceptive marketing practices are first-degree misdemeanors. Patient brokering is a felony, subject to prison time and fines of up to $500,000. 

Finding the Best Rehab in South Florida

It’s understandable if you feel a bit cynical about South Florida treatment centers. The good news is that most illegal treatment providers in the area have been forced to close their doors, and many have been sentenced to hefty fines and time in prison. However, it’s still a good idea to be careful while selecting a rehab in any state; there are always a few dishonest people looking to circumvent the laws for their own benefit. 

Tips on Selecting a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center 

Here a few tips to employ when selecting a drug and alcohol rehab facility:

Look carefully at treatment center websites 

Reputable South Florida rehab facilities provide clear information about their programs, services, and staff, along with guidelines regarding admissions and insurance. Some rehabs provide blogs with helpful information about substance abuse and addiction. 

Watch for suspicious websites that don’t ask or provide any solid information 

Beware of offers that sound too good to be true. For instance, trustworthy South Florida rehab centers won’t supply you with cigarettes or food. They won’t pay travel expenses or rent at a sober living home, and they won’t offer gifts in exchange for your business. Don’t provide your phone number or other personal information if the website looks sketchy.

Shady treatment centers probably won’t request information about your substance use problem or mental health issues, including your past experiences with counseling or rehab. Good treatment centers never violate your right to privacy, but they need this information to determine if their program is a good fit for you. An ethical rehab will let you know up front if a different treatment center is in better alignment with your particular needs. 

Check to see if they take insurance

Most reputable drug and alcohol treatments centers take insurance. If you have insurance, contact your insurance company and ask about coverage and what co-pays you should expect. If you are uninsured, ask the treatment center about other options, such as payment plans, loans, scholarships, or other funding sources. 

Inquire about availability and reviews

Ask how soon treatment can begin. If the waiting list is too long and you’re ready to get started, you may need to contact another treatment center.

Sure sure to also read online reviews and interviews, and pay attention to the experiences of others. Even the best rehabs in Florida may have a few negative reviews, but it’s a red flag if the negatives far outweigh the positives.  

Check for mental health services

Can the rehab handle other needs, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety? Not all treatment centers are prepared to help clients who have a mental health disorder along with substance abuse or addiction. Treatment centers should be open and up-front about their services. 

Verify credentials

Be sure the treatment center you choose  is licensed by the State of Florida, which means the center meets guidelines for safety and a high standard of care.

Find out if medical providers are board-certified in addiction psychiatry or addiction medicine. Similarly, ask about required training and qualifications for therapists and counselors.

Ask if treatment includes medication-assisted therapies. Newer FDA-approved medications for addiction to opiates and alcohol have proven to be highly effective when combined with counseling, group therapy, and other traditional forms of treatment.   

Explore family, group, and aftercare programs

If you want your family to be involved in the treatment process, ask if the rehab offers family programs. Family treatment may consist of counseling and education that will help you and your loved ones learn to set boundaries, communicate effectively, settle conflicts, and gain understanding about each person’s role in the recovery process. 

There are also group therapy sessions, where people with addictions can see others in the exact same situation that they are in, and can find comfort in seeing others braving the process of becoming clean.

Inquire about aftercare services and alumni programs. A reliable treatment center will send you home with an aftercare plan to help you cope with stressful situations that might trigger a relapse. Is support available if you’re feeling shaky? Will they refer you to outpatient treatment or counseling?

Trust your gut feelings, and don’t hesitate to ask more questions to clarify your doubts. If you feel the treatment center is withholding information, or that they aren’t honest with you, call other providers.

Treatment Works: Find Out How We Can Help

With quality treatment, you can recover from substance abuse and addiction. First Step Behavioral Health, located in Pompano Beach, South Florida, is committed to your health and wellbeing. We promise to answer your questions with compassion and honesty. Give us a call today at (855) 425-4846 or contact us here for more information on our drug an alcohol treatment programs .

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