Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that can impact every aspect of your life. According to the National Institutes of Health, 10% of U.S. adults suffer from a substance use disorder at some point in their lives, and 75% report never receiving treatment.[1] When addiction is left untreated, it can lead to harrowing physical and mental health effects.
Because drug and alcohol abuse can cause an array of consequences, it must be treated in a professional rehab program that is proven effective. While some facilities make it a priority to use evidence-based treatment techniques and safety protocols, others do not measure up. This is why it is important to choose a drug and rehab facility that has been accredited by a third-party service provider such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission (formerly known as JCAHO).
When a drug and alcohol rehab center is accredited, that means it has been evaluated to ensure safety and care standards for its clients. If a facility is not accredited, that means it cannot guarantee safety, success, or high quality of care. One of the best ways to ensure that you will receive the quality care you deserve is to attend an accredited addiction treatment center.
What is Drug Rehab Accreditation?
Accreditation is a process that works to ensure a facility is providing a quality of care that measures up to international standards. One of the most well-known accrediting bodies is the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). As a company that has been accrediting drug and alcohol rehab programs since 1966, many individuals look for the CARF gold seal when they are choosing a treatment program to attend.
According to the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), their mission is to, “promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served.”[2]
For an addiction treatment center to become CARF accredited, it must undergo an internal examination of its program and business practices. If everything is up to standard, a team of CARF experts will move on to complete an on-site survey to determine if the program can effectively and safely provide addiction treatment. Any areas that need improvement must be addressed, otherwise, the facility will not receive accreditation.
What are the Benefits of Choosing an Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center in South Carolina?
Choosing an accredited substance abuse recovery program means you are going to attend a reputable facility. Accredited drug and alcohol treatment centers in South Carolina are proven effective in their treatment methods and provide only the highest quality of care.
The benefits of choosing an accredited drug and rehab facility include:
An Emphasis on Individualized Care
One of the requirements during the accreditation process for addiction treatment is the availability of individualized care.
Receiving individualized care is an extremely important aspect of recovery because each patient comes from a different background, abused substances for varying reasons, and suffers from their own unique challenges. As a result, rehab centers should offer treatment that is tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals.
During the accreditation process, experts will take a look at the facility’s intake and assessment process. They are looking to see that the program uses a thorough biopsychosocial assessment that allows them to determine the patient’s individual needs based on their personal history. This process proves that the drug rehab program is doing everything it can to collect information that allows them to create an individualized treatment plan.
The Use of Evidence-Based Treatment
When a program says they use evidence-based treatment, they are really saying that the addiction treatment methods they employ are proven effective. If you are looking for professional substance abuse treatment, you will want a facility that uses treatment tactics with a history of success. When you choose an accredited facility, you can rest assured that their methods of treatment will be evidence-based.
Examples of evidence-based treatment approaches include:[3]
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Contingency management (CM)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Multi-dimensional family therapy (MDFT)
- 12-step facilitation therapy
- Individual and group drug counseling
- Pharmacotherapies for alcohol, opioid, and other types of substance addiction
Adherence to Policy and Procedure Standards
When an addiction treatment center goes through the accreditation process in South Carolina, it will be evaluated to determine whether its policies and procedures are up to standard. If the drug rehab center you are looking at has been accredited that means that it is operating in a safe, supportive, and ethical way.
Some of the policies and procedures that are assessed include:
- Policies and rules for the staff and patients
- Privacy and safety protocols
- Daily operations
- Client care processes
- Diversity and cultural sensitivity training protocols
- General training and education that is required of staff members
Without accreditation, there is no way for you to tell if the rehab center you are interested in is operating effectively and safely. Finding a program with accreditation ensures that you will receive treatment that is safe, fair, and effective.
Attend a CARF Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center in South Carolina
If you or a loved one suffer from drug addiction or alcoholism, it’s time to start thinking about attending treatment. While choosing a drug rehab center can be difficult, the most important thing to remember is you should always choose an accredited program.
When you pick a CARF-accredited drug and alcohol rehab like South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center, you can relax knowing that you will receive evidence-based and highly individualized treatment that meets your unique needs.
Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
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