If you suspect you have a drug addiction problem in Bellevue or nearby in WA state, and you’re looking for help by checking into drug rehab programs, the first thing to say is “congratulations.” You’re already much further along in your recovery than most people ever get. But as you’ve probably noticed, drug treatment is a big field with a lot to think about. You’re probably weighing inpatient drug rehab vs. outpatient rehab in Bellevue, the drug rehab cost, locations, and any number of other options. It can get overwhelming, and complicating things further is that there are no straight answers, no black-or-white considerations. The only thing that is absolutely certain is that drug treatment is proven to work in the state of Washington and that finding the right one makes all the difference. But what does “finding the right one” even mean? What the “right” rehab looks like is different for each person. Here are some things to keep in mind while you look.
Considering Inpatient vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab
One of the most important things you’ll do is decide what type of drug rehab in Bellevue is right for you. Inpatient, or residential treatment, is where you stay at the treatment center full-time while you recover. It is common for these stays to be relatively short, often lasting just 28 days. In many cases, people will transition from inpatient treatment to outpatient treatment after completing their stay. Outpatient treatment is where you continue to live at home normally, but come in for treatment several times a week. Intensive outpatient programs, or IOPs, are increasing in popularity as a middle-ground. For many people, the cost and inconvenience of inpatient treatment just aren’t practical, while a traditional outpatient program doesn’t quite provide enough support. IOPs allow you to keep living at home and going to work or school, but they provide a consistent and frequent treatment schedule that remains compatible with your life schedule. Now, there isn’t one of these that is objectively better than the rest. It all just depends on you. Some people find that IOP is a better choice than inpatient drug rehab, and some don’t. Generally speaking, determining which type of drug treatment is right for you depends largely on the depth of your addiction and your history. It’s an individual decision, but we’ll try to make some broad generalizations. Inpatient rehab is generally better for people who:
- have tried to quit in the past and failed/relapsed
- have been abusing drugs and/or addicted for a very long time
- use substances on a daily basis
- suffered withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit in the past
- have drug-related health problems
Meanwhile, outpatient treatment is often more appropriate for people who:
- have successfully completed inpatient treatment
- are “functional” addicts who still maintain a relatively normal life with a job and/or family
- are not suffering withdrawal symptoms
- do not suffer extreme effects from not using substances for a day
Again, these are broad generalizations, but the basic point is that inpatient is better for more serious ailments. Just like in general medicine, a heart transplant is a major, serious ordeal that requires inpatient treatment. Treating the flu can be done in outpatient. Both are serious conditions that can be devastating if left untreated, the question is how serious is your condition now?
Look for a Drug Treatment Center in Bellevue That Treats People, not Drugs
Finding an evidence-based drug treatment center is of the utmost importance. Luckily, most substance abuse treatment centers in Bellevue and WA state today handle drug rehabilitation the right way: by treating people as individuals, not collectively by their ailment class. Research has shown that you can’t treat addiction by treating the substances. Removing the substances from an addict’s body doesn’t cure them, because addiction is a disease that affects the brain. Even without the substances in the bloodstream, the brain chemistry has already been altered. Knowing this, a good drug treatment facility today will look to treat addiction through behavioral therapy geared toward identifying the root causes of your addiction, helping you understand what triggers your urge to use, and giving you strategies to avoid putting yourself in situations where you’re likely to relapse. That means a good drug treatment facility needs to get to know you as a person, not just a patient chart. When you’re weighing your options, make sure you find one that personalizes their treatment to each patient. Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process, and anyone who tries to administer treatment that way is doing their patients a disservice.
Find Someplace that is Convenient for You Near Bellevue, WA
Addiction is a problem everywhere in the country, and as a result, there are drug treatment options everywhere in the country. But it is an even greater problem in Bellevue, WA. You may not think that driving a little bit out of the way is a big deal for rehab, but your addiction will tell you differently. Addiction doesn’t leave quietly, it leaves kicking and screaming. It will try anything it can to try to get you back on whatever substance you were using prior. And that may start with something as simple as “ah, it’s too much of a pain to go to my appointment today, I’ll just cancel.” Don’t let your brain trick you into something like that. Don’t give yourself any excuses to skip out on treatment. You have options, so find a place in WA to get treatment that is convenient to you, so you have one less excuse to not get the help you need. You’ll be surprised at how many options you have if you search for “drug rehab centers near me.” But you don’t even need to do that much, because we’ve compiled a set of useful resources for you in the Bellevue area and another set that spans resources in WA state.
Never Give Up Hope of Recovery
The most important thing when you’re looking for a drug rehab center in Bellevue that will move you to the next step in your life is to never stop looking. Even if you get discouraged, even if you hit a roadblock, keep looking until you find the right option. Don’t let your journey to recovery end with you simply not choosing a road to start on. You owe it to yourself to stay on this track and find the right option. We know that there is a lot to consider and the decisions you have to make can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone in making those decisions. You have people who care about you, and there are professionals you can talk with to get the information you’re looking for. For those who have been through the process of finding a rehab yourself, what are some of the features you looked for? We’d love to hear from people who have been through this experience, so please leave a comment below.