What Is the Difference Between a State Funded and a Private Drug Rehab?

Is it worth it to invest thousands of dollars on a treatment program when the state offers rehabilitation for free? Maybe we should try a state funded program first and if that doesn’t work then we can try a private pay program. Certainly you want the best program for your loved one but with no guarantees how do we know if it will work? These are all questions and statements that are common when a family first starts researching drug rehab programs on the internet. There are many factors to consider and we hope to answer any questions and educate you on this important process.

Is there a difference between state funded and a private facility? Absolutely, as a matter of fact most state funded programs only provide a traditional treatment program which includes the 12 step method and replacement drug therapy. Unfortunately state funded or government funded programs receive funding from the government and other resources, a big one being pharmaceutical companies. This is a big business in drug rehab for pharmaceutical companies to fund these state or government run facilities so that they can prescribe drugs to “treat” the addiction. Not to mention the state or government funded programs also use the 12 step philosophy so all treatment is in a group setting where no individualized counseling is offered.

A successful private drug rehab is going to offer alternative treatment than the 12 step and usually provide some type of holistic protocol and possibly a drug-free setting. Though some private programs still prescribe drugs like anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, sleep aids, muscle relaxers, and opiate blockers make sure to stay away from these places because all they are doing is substituting one drug for another. Obviously sometimes drugs are necessary like in a detox setting where a person may be coming off of opiates or certain prescription drugs. In this case a good medical detox where a physician prescribes certain medications to curb the withdrawal symptoms is essential for recovery but this should only be on a short term basis around one to two weeks.

Another factor to consider is the environment and living facility. Granted some private treatment centers offer a vacation or resort style environment which can sometimes communicate wrong reasons why a person is in drug rehab some people are used to these types of amenities and feel more comfortable. It is important that a person is comfortable, safe and learning other important life skills like a healthy life style. Proper exercise, gym, healthy food, and vitamin and mineral therapy are important for a person to change their old life style of bad habits to a new life style. These important changes to a person’s health and diet are not offered in a state or government funded drug and alcohol rehab.

Though all of these things you should consider when finding an inpatient drug rehab, the most important is matching a program that will fit the needs of the addicted individual. Every person who is addicted to alcohol or drugs has their own personal issues and problems. Not every drug rehab center is going to offer what the addicted individual needs. Before you propose drug rehab as an option to your loved one who has an addiction problem make sure you have narrowed the facilities down to one or two.