What are the things to look for when evaluating treatment centers?

1. Cost of care and extent of insurance coverage- Choose a treatment center that you can afford. Check if it is included in your insurance plan. Inquire about the total cost including the medicines and professional fees.

2. Detox treatment -Ask about the detox medications, the professional health care providers who will supervise the detoxification and the place where it will be conducted.

3. Client to staff ratio - This is to ensure that you will receive the appropriate attention for speedy recovery.

4. Qualifications of the staff -You will be confident in the treatment process if the members of the team are certified professionals.

5. Treatment programs offered - This is the most important factor to consider. Your recuperation largely depends on the kind of program you will undergo.

6. Twelve -step based program used - This is a highly valuable program in alcohol and drug rehabilitation. You should also ask if they implement holistic care.

7. Individualized treatment plan - there is no perfect treatment plan applicable to all. It is important that you will receive health care management suited to your needs.

8. Psychiatrist - Since alcoholism and drug addiction are associated with depression and other psychological problems, it is important to receive the professional help from a psychiatrist.

9. Visitors policies - Inquire about the treatment center's policy regarding your visitors as well as the family support groups available.

10. Length of stay - The duration of your treatment will play a major role in your transition from addiction to sobriety as well as the cost of the programs.

11. Fun activities - Inquire about group and individual activities that will promote socialization and sense of achievement like sports and similar leisure interest.

12. Foods served - This is essential especially if you are a vegetarian or your religion forbids some foods.

13. Physical exercises - Exercise is important to keep you fit and mentally alert.

14. Spirituality - It is believed that a person will easily recover from addiction with the development of spiritual consciousness.

15. Success rate - This will help you evaluate if the services of the treatment facility are effective.

16. Case studies - Check the verity of the testimonials and ask for the opinions of its former clients to ascertain if the facility can really help you recover from substance dependence.

17. Treatment center rules - It is better to know about the rules as early as possible to avoid regrets in the end especially when it comes to financial matters.

18. Disciplinary measures for violating rules - Be sure to ask about punishment/penalty for violations of the rehab's rules before you enroll.

19. Room accommodations - Some people prefer to be alone and some want to be in a group. Check their room policies and the cost for your preference.

20. Accreditation by JCAHO or CARF - These are two national organizations that carry a lot of weight within the recovery industry. Treatment centers with these accreditations are a big plus.

21. Speciality - Ask if the treatment center specializes in a certain type of addiction. Many provide care for a wide variety of addictions, but some are nationally known for their leadership in selected areas. We show the following specialties on Sober.com:

What is a halfway house (also spelled half way house)?

A halfway house is a facility that accommodates individuals battling alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness and similar disorders. Some half way houses may specialize in different areas, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, or released prisoners. The court may order residency in a halfway house for individuals on parole, probation or those who are recently released. Some prisoners need to condition themselves in a supervised setting before going back to the normal world outside the prison.

A halfway house imposes strict regulations for its residents in order to mitigate the chances of relapse. Residents are required to sign the house rules contract that includes the policy against bringing alcoholic drinks and prohibited drugs, and requires the adherence to curfew and similar rules. Noncompliance to the house rules subjects a resident to removal from the halfway house.

What is the difference between a halfway house and a sober house?

A sober house is an inexpensive drug and alcohol- free environment where the alcoholic or drug addict can obtain support from peer groups. In general, the rules at a halfway house are stricter than the rules at a sober house (sometimes called a 3/4 house).It provides a positive environment for recovering addicts and alcoholics to receive the emotional support they need from residents going through the same experiences. Experts agree that both halfway houses and sober houses (also referred to together as recovery housing or transitional living) are very important tools to use in one's lifelong recovery journey.

A halfway house imposes strict regulations for its residents in order to mitigate the chances of relapse. Residents are required to sign the house rules contract that includes the policy against bringing alcoholic drinks and prohibited drugs, and requires the adherence to curfew and similar rules. Noncompliance to the house rules subjects a resident to removal from the halfway house.

Figure 1. Traits of residents in a halfway house.