Today more than ever, alcohol and drug addiction treatment has become big business. 10 years ago most people who entered the treatment field were recovering alcoholics and addicts themselves. Their own lives had been so revolutionized by their own recovery, that they wanted to do nothing more than help other alcoholics and addicts recover too.
Individuals who own treatment centers (residential houses) that have no knowledge of addiction, also have no knowledge of how to run an addiction treatment center, or even select the appropriate staff to work for the addiction treatment center. How could they?
Usually these real estate investors think it is just about paying enough money to someone, and that all people have a price. They then find it it baffling when seasoned committed professionals in the recovery field will choose to not work with them, or join the "business" for any amount of money. As one of my favorite treatment centers puts it, "you can't pay people to care".
If you are not super serious about getting sober and just want to dry out for 30 days or longer, then going to one of the new speculator homes that is now listed as a "treatment center" with a personal chef may be excellent for what you are looking to accomplish. However, keep in mind that you can probably stay at the Four Seasons with excellent meals, spa and room service while attending daily sessions with a private addiction counselor for less money.
Following are a few ways to determine if a drug rehab is big business, or big recovery:
1. The individual who owns the treatment center will not be listed on their web site staff page, and does not want any direct ties to the business. They will also use their wife's or other individuals credit card to pay for business expenses. Typically these are real estate moguls who see our industry as a great way to acquire real estate, and have the alcoholic or addict pay for it.
2. The treatment center has only been in business for a short time. Less than 2 years should be an indication to obtain direct referrals. Talk to clients that have attended the program and also see if they have remained sober for at least 1 year.
3. If the center is less than 3 years in business, ask who owns the facility, and then talk to the owner directly. Ask the owner what addiction he or she has overcome, and why they are in the filed of addiction treatment.
This is a great question to ask, because those who are in the field of recovery for the right reasons will be more than happy to talk to you about this and unusually at length!
4. Length and tenure of staff. If the staff is constantly changing, this is a red flag. Remember, everything rolls down hill from the top. That is how the culture is developed in any business, especially drug alcohol rehab. (even if the top level is transparent or flying stealth)
If you are seriously considering going to an addiction treatment center, take some time to choose. It can make all the difference in your new beginning. We wish you well.
More Questions to ask:
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