The short answer
To choose a rehab program, start with the level of care a person needs. Then check the license, the cost and how the program answers your questions. Distance comes after those. No single program suits everyone.
A simple order to follow
- Find the level of care that fits
- Check quality, license and cost
- Call two or three programs and compare
Start with the level of care
Level of care means how much support a person gets. It runs from detox and residential care, where you live at the program, down to intensive outpatient and weekly outpatient counseling.
A doctor can help you work out where to start. In Dallas County, the OSAR line at 844-275-0600 offers screening and referral. OSAR stands for Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral.
A few things often shape the answer. Could stopping be medically risky? Is home a safe place to stop using? Is there also a mental health condition? If so, read about dual diagnosis. A program’s own assessment is useful, and a second opinion from your doctor is reasonable.
Look for signs of quality
SAMHSA, the federal agency for substance use and mental health, publishes five signs of quality treatment. Here they are in plain words.
License. Is the program licensed by the state and in good standing, and are the staff qualified?
Medication. Does it offer FDA-approved medication for alcohol and opioid use disorders?
Proven methods. Does it use treatments shown to work, such as counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and peer support?
Family. Does it include family in treatment?
Ongoing support. Does it offer care beyond the first stage, such as recovery coaching or help with housing and work?
The same guide says fast access is a sign of quality, and it suggests looking elsewhere if a program cannot see you within 48 hours.
Then look at cost and location
If you have insurance, call the number on your card and ask about coverage and in-network programs. Ask each program what you would owe, as well as whether it takes your plan. If you do not have insurance, read about state-funded treatment.
Location comes last for a reason. For day programs, a short drive matters because you make it often. For residential care, a longer drive may be fine. Our area pages show what is listed in each part of town.
When to slow down
Be careful with any program that promises recovery, pushes you to decide on the first call, or will not answer simple questions about cost and license. Also ask who answered the phone. Some numbers online lead to call centers. A real program should be willing to tell you who it is.
Questions to help you compare
- What level of care do you suggest?
- What will I pay?
- How soon can you see me?
- What happens after this program?
Common questions
How do I know what level of care I need?
A doctor or a screening service can help. Many programs also do an assessment, which is a set of questions about your health and substance use. Remember that a program may have a reason to suggest its own services.
Do online ratings tell me whether a program works?
No. Ratings show what past visitors wrote. They do not measure treatment. Use them as one small clue, and rely on your own questions for the rest.
How many programs should I call?
Two or three is often enough to compare answers. If you need care soon, one good call is fine.
What if I choose wrong?
You can change programs. Needs change over time, and treatment plans should change with them. Ask how a move would work with your insurance.
