17 Finding Quality Treatment For Substance Use Disorders

This fact sheet, published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, serves as a guide for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment. It provides three necessary steps to complete prior to utilizing a treatment center and the five signs of a quality treatment center, which include a review of the accreditation, medication, evidence-based practices, position on the role of families, and support networks.

THREE STEPS TO ACCESSING CARE

1. If you have insurance: Contact your insurer. Ask about your coverage and whether they have a network of preferred providers for you to use.
   If you don’t have insurance: Each state has funding to provide treatment for people without insurance coverage. Find where to call for information about payment for services at: samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ssa-directory.pdf
2. Review the websites of the providers and see if they have the five signs of quality treatment detailed below.
3. Call for an appointment. If they can’t see you or your family member within 48 hours, find another provider. One indicator of quality is the ability to get an appointment quickly. Many programs offer walk-in services. Look for programs that can get you or a family member into treatment quickly.

FIVE SIGNS OF QUALITY TREATMENT

You can use these questions to help decide about the quality of a treatment provider and the types of services offered. Quality programs should offer a full range of services accepted as effective in treatment and recovery from substance use disorders and should be matched to a person’s needs.

1. Accreditation: Has the program been licensed or certified by the state? Is the program currently in good standing in the state? Are the staff qualified? Good quality programs will have a good inspection record and both the program and the staff should have received training in treatment of substance use and mental disorders and be licensed or registered in the state. Does the program conduct satisfaction surveys? Can they show you how people using their services have rated them?
2. Medication: Does the program offer FDA-approved medication for recovery from alcohol and opioid use disorders? At this point in time, there are no FDA-approved medications to help to prevent relapse from other problem substances.
3. Evidence-Based Practices: Does the program offer treatments that have been proven to be effective in treating substance use disorders, including medication management therapies, motivational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, education about the risks of drug and alcohol use, and peer support? Does the program either provide or help to obtain medical care for physical health issues?
4. Families: Does the program include family members in the treatment process? Family members have an important role in understanding the impact of addiction on families and providing support.
5. Supports: Does the program provide ongoing treatment and supports beyond just treating the substance issues? For many people, addiction is a chronic condition and requires ongoing medication and supports. Quality programs provide treatment for the long term, which may include ongoing counseling or recovery coaching and support, and helps in meeting other basic needs like sober housing, employment supports, and continued family involvement.

License and Attribution

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Finding Quality Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. Fact Sheet.

This work resides in the public domain.