Not all Treatment is Created Equal

Just like all education is not equal, and not every homemade pie tastes the same. There’s a noticeable difference in the ingredients, the texture, the presentation, the filling, and the taste. It’s. All. About. The. Taste!

What’s important to know is that not all treatment is meant to be created equal! Programs may fit within a category or a level of treatment, or they straddle two categories. Or maybe they offer the full continuum of levels of programming. What you won’t find is a residential program being paired against a sober living facility. Those types of programs aren’t mean to be compared. It’s not the same level of care. When you are looking for resources in comparing, remember that there is a lot you need to specifically pay attention to. 

When comparing programs make sure you are asking the same questions to each program. Remember, you are interviewing them to ensure they are the most appropriate for your needs! If you ask one about their menu, but you don’t ask the other you will not have a full picture of what you’re signing up for. There’s a lot of options out there and it’s certainly hard to narrow it all down. Honestly, it’s a full-time to narrow it down. How do I know? That’s what I do!

My favorite when comparing recovery programs is that because they may have “recovery” in their name, don’t assume it’s a 12-step based program. In fact, there are a lot of recovery programs out there that prefer Dharma Recovery or Refuge Recovery over 12-step. To each their own! Again, not all treatment is created equal!

Some programs will be in-network with insurance companies, some will be out-of-network, and some only accept private paying clients. Some will have strong family involvement, and some allow the family involvement to be optional. Some will have a milieu of five residents, and some will have the capacity for 86. Again, not at all equal.

This is just food for thought. When you are looking for a treatment program, you may not know exactly the level of care you’re needing. In that case, please do not go to Google to look, but rather find a local professional who can help guide you through this process.

For questions or comments contact Joanna.