I am ENTITLED to substances, drugs, and/or alcohol...
-because it gives me the shortest possible route to euphoria.
-in order to temporarily forget my rotten past.
-because my current living and working conditions are well-below others.
-because I made a few little mistakes, yet I have to face consequences that far outweigh my actions, and that is not fair.
-to help me temporarily numb my physical or emotional pain.
-because I am too powerless/diseased to do anything about it.
-because “everybody” else entitles themselves.
Do you self-prescribe to one more of the above entitlements? How would you feel if any of your loved one’s lived their lives according to one of the above entitlements? How do you feel knowing that your hard-earned tax dollars go to imprisonment and/or treatment of people that believe that they are entitled to their choice of any of the above?
Thinking of all the positive people in history, all those that we would make positive role models of… did they live their lives according to entitlements or did they make their own way? A life, ultimately, that one could be proud of.
Now consider your life, after addiction. Let’s assume what most people in the grips of addiction assume: a mundane life, a boring existence. The absence of negative consequences that you self-inflict, and afflict on all those around you with drinking and drugging aside: what can be expected from a clean and sober life? Some products of the ordinary life to consider: better relationships (whether significant; or with friends, co-workers, and everybody else you come in contact with, however trivial), children, pets, productivity, participation and involvements, and just experiencing the world through clean and sober senses. The list would be endless; however, according to history textbooks, ordinary. I am not saying that your life couldn’t ever take a turn for the extraordinarily positive (and the possibility of this happening to someone clean and sober, versus addicted, is many-fold higher). Also, maybe in the small world around you now, contrasting your currently addicted lifestyle with anything clean and sober might be seen as somewhat extraordinary.
How many people, on their deathbeds, would say that the best part of their lives happened during their alcohol and drug-use years? I bet, with few exceptions, that they would claim that addiction would clearly mark the worst years of their lives. The value of retrospection is that you can truthfully evaluate life before, during, and after addiction; including the totality of all experiences, positive and negative.
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Addiction: Changing minds on diseased brains
I have recently re-discovered a gem of an article on addiction-as-disease. The author recommends a shift of “…discourse about sickness and addicts to a dialogue about health and people.”(1)
Click here to view the article. (2)
Click here for another article that summarizes current thoughts in the field on this subject, including extensive reference to the article above. (1)
I have a question for you. Whether your addiction (or that of a loved one) is a disease or not, why do you care?
I've seen the disease model 'debate' rage for many years. The addicted, researchers, and others seem so vested in whether addiction is a disease or not. The arguments for and against are passionate to the point of attacking both people and their opinions. I have seen the term "disease" defined so many times by both sides that its perceived ambiguity lends malleability to anyone's intent.
Again, why do YOU care? What interest do you have in seeing addiction defined either by the disease model or by its refutation? How is seeing this issue from one perspective or another worthy of your interest (or anxiety). Take a contrarian view: how would a paradigm shift in your belief system change you? Answering these questions to yourself honestly may give you some valuable insight where you may need it the most. Try it.
1. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from http://www.basisonline.org/2007/02/the_dram_vol_32.html ; The DRAM Vol. 3(2) - Addiction-as-Disease: It Is All It’s Constructed to Be, February 14, 2007
2. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from http://sociology.ucsc.edu/directory/reinarman/addiction.pdf ; Reinarman, C. (2005). Addiction as accomplishment: The discursive construction of disease. Addiction Research and Theory, 13(4), 307-320
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
Click here to view the article. (2)
Click here for another article that summarizes current thoughts in the field on this subject, including extensive reference to the article above. (1)
I have a question for you. Whether your addiction (or that of a loved one) is a disease or not, why do you care?
I've seen the disease model 'debate' rage for many years. The addicted, researchers, and others seem so vested in whether addiction is a disease or not. The arguments for and against are passionate to the point of attacking both people and their opinions. I have seen the term "disease" defined so many times by both sides that its perceived ambiguity lends malleability to anyone's intent.
Again, why do YOU care? What interest do you have in seeing addiction defined either by the disease model or by its refutation? How is seeing this issue from one perspective or another worthy of your interest (or anxiety). Take a contrarian view: how would a paradigm shift in your belief system change you? Answering these questions to yourself honestly may give you some valuable insight where you may need it the most. Try it.
1. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from http://www.basisonline.org/2007/02/the_dram_vol_32.html ; The DRAM Vol. 3(2) - Addiction-as-Disease: It Is All It’s Constructed to Be, February 14, 2007
2. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from http://sociology.ucsc.edu/directory/reinarman/addiction.pdf ; Reinarman, C. (2005). Addiction as accomplishment: The discursive construction of disease. Addiction Research and Theory, 13(4), 307-320
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
Monday, August 6, 2007
Residential Alcohol Drug Rehab: Success Rate Myths
As an industry insider, I could shorten this article to one sentence: Don’t believe anything you see and hear about a rehab’s success rate, statistics, or testimonials. But, there is so much more to be said on how the consumer can use success rate information to make a better choice.
Success rates in rehab advertising are surprisingly complicated constructs, especially for the following reasons:
-Many alcohol and drug residential rehabs don’t even try to measure how well their guests do after completing their program. If they don’t care enough to know how well they are accomplishing their mission, should this be a red flag for you?
-Some addiction programs call retention rates “success rates” where the “retention rate” refers to the percentage of guests who complete the residential part of the program. Retention rate, as a separate measure, is important information in itself: if the rehab has trouble keeping their guests for the duration of attendance, that is certainly a sign of a problem. However, how well one does after rehab is the question here, regardless of their attendance during the program.
-(and most importantly...) Success rate research has no agreed upon standards, so every program has a different methodology; and usually one that presents the rehab in the most positive light (imagine that). This creates the problem of “comparing apples to oranges.” One program might measure relapse rates, another might ask if a person has been sober in the last week, month, or year; still another might call any reduction (including harm reduction) in drinking or drugging a success.
How would you measure ‘success?’ Perhaps in one of the following ways…
-Whether or not the person leads a relapse-free completely clean and sober life. Or…
-Whether the person has relapsed multiple times but has not gone back to her old pattern of drinking or drugging. Or…
-Finally, what if the person has gone back to his old pattern of drinking or drugging, for months or years, but as long as he hasn’t done so recently, say, in the last thirty days or so, –would you even consider this a ‘success?’
…Rehabs will proudly display their success rate percentage without ever mentioning how they define success – a definition that could be quite different from yours.
Many rehabs that keep success statistics do so by surveying a sample of their program completers (from recent graduates to others who have completed their program years ago). The survey question is of the variety, “Are you currently drinking or using drugs?” If the person answers “no” than the rehab will include it in their success rate. However, is that person’s ‘current’ sobriety a direct result of the rehab’s program? What if the person completed their program, returned to their previous pattern of drinking and drugging, went to another program, and then stopped because of this second program – should the previous rehab get credit for this? No, but according to their methodology they will. What if the person relapsed back to his old ways after leaving the program but eventually (months or years later) stopped on his own –should the rehab take credit for that? Again no, but yet again, they will.
Gathering data can be tricky too: what if the participant can’t be reached, or he refuses to participate in the survey? Would this indicate a higher likelihood of drinking or using? Would the participant claim she is clean, sober, and relapse-free in order to please the surveyor; or answer inaccurately out of a sense of shame? Would the participant be compelled to claim sobriety out of fear that the survey may not be 100% confidential?
An extremely small number of rehabs that claim a high success rate actually explain their research methodology. Most would correctly fear that it would simply not stand up to any measure of scrutiny. Upon careful review, one can usually see flaws in data gathering, analysis, conclusions, and, most importantly, how the rehab represents “success” to their potential customers on their website and over the phone. Rehabs will try to get as much advertising and sales mileage as possible out of success rates, even if the truth can only be stretched a few inches.
One trend that has been spotted is the use of third-party research or survey companies that are paid to independently verify accuracy and (most importantly to the rehab’s advertising efforts...) add perceived legitimacy to the rehab’s claimed success rate. Here are the problems with this approach: (1) flaws in the rehab’s data collection can be just as easily duplicated by the research company (see above paragraph beginning with “Gathering data…”); (2) no research company can absolutely claim that the rehab gave them a fair (or truly representational) sampling of their program completers; for instance, a client database can be easily queried to provide a biased retrieval sample to the research company (unbeknownst to them); and (3) just as with the rehab’s own claims of success, an outside research company’s analysis and conclusions are rarely derived from a sound scientific method (objectivity, full disclosure, and reproducibility) yielding results that are just as suspect.
The success rate should be important, both to the rehab and its potential customers. A rehab should care about its ability to provide a valuable service to its clientele, and therefore constantly monitor outcomes. In fact, a consumer is advised to re-think any rehab that cannot provide a substantive answer to the question of that rehab’s success rate.
In a rehab’s zeal to claim a high success rate, one wonders if their “research” is manipulated beyond any measure of truth-in-advertising. Even those rehabs that try their best to accurately represent their success rate could be using research methodology that wouldn’t hold up to even the most elementary scrutiny.
So what is the consumer to do? First, don’t believe anything regarding a rehab’s success rate claims. By starting with this attitude, you won’t be setting yourself up for disappointment upon failed expectations.
Second, if a rehab’s research methodology is described in clear detail on their Web site, or other sales material, then review it carefully using the information you learned in this article. When you find flaws, or if you have questions, contact the rehab to get the clarification you need.
Third, if the rehab claims a certain success rate, but does not describe their research methodology in clear detail, ask them to describe it to you over the phone (if they can’t otherwise send you a description in writing). This sounds like a poor alternative, because it is. It should make you wonder why the rehab would state a success rate yet not provide information on their Web site as to how they arrived at such a number.
Fourth, if you don’t feel comfortable with a rehab’s stated success rate, and such information is important to you, just keep persevering until you find one that can give you the necessary degree of comfort you need to make that important admission decision.
A short note on testimonials…
About the nicest thing one can say about testimonials, especially as used in the rehab industry, is that they are a marketing gimmick. Testimonials at best provide only anecdotal evidence of a program’s success. Also, who is to say that the testimonial, if even authentic, is still valid; did the person who wrote it since relapse or go back to his old habits (a retraction of a testimonial would probably be rare even in such a case)?
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
Success rates in rehab advertising are surprisingly complicated constructs, especially for the following reasons:
-Many alcohol and drug residential rehabs don’t even try to measure how well their guests do after completing their program. If they don’t care enough to know how well they are accomplishing their mission, should this be a red flag for you?
-Some addiction programs call retention rates “success rates” where the “retention rate” refers to the percentage of guests who complete the residential part of the program. Retention rate, as a separate measure, is important information in itself: if the rehab has trouble keeping their guests for the duration of attendance, that is certainly a sign of a problem. However, how well one does after rehab is the question here, regardless of their attendance during the program.
-(and most importantly...) Success rate research has no agreed upon standards, so every program has a different methodology; and usually one that presents the rehab in the most positive light (imagine that). This creates the problem of “comparing apples to oranges.” One program might measure relapse rates, another might ask if a person has been sober in the last week, month, or year; still another might call any reduction (including harm reduction) in drinking or drugging a success.
How would you measure ‘success?’ Perhaps in one of the following ways…
-Whether or not the person leads a relapse-free completely clean and sober life. Or…
-Whether the person has relapsed multiple times but has not gone back to her old pattern of drinking or drugging. Or…
-Finally, what if the person has gone back to his old pattern of drinking or drugging, for months or years, but as long as he hasn’t done so recently, say, in the last thirty days or so, –would you even consider this a ‘success?’
…Rehabs will proudly display their success rate percentage without ever mentioning how they define success – a definition that could be quite different from yours.
Many rehabs that keep success statistics do so by surveying a sample of their program completers (from recent graduates to others who have completed their program years ago). The survey question is of the variety, “Are you currently drinking or using drugs?” If the person answers “no” than the rehab will include it in their success rate. However, is that person’s ‘current’ sobriety a direct result of the rehab’s program? What if the person completed their program, returned to their previous pattern of drinking and drugging, went to another program, and then stopped because of this second program – should the previous rehab get credit for this? No, but according to their methodology they will. What if the person relapsed back to his old ways after leaving the program but eventually (months or years later) stopped on his own –should the rehab take credit for that? Again no, but yet again, they will.
Gathering data can be tricky too: what if the participant can’t be reached, or he refuses to participate in the survey? Would this indicate a higher likelihood of drinking or using? Would the participant claim she is clean, sober, and relapse-free in order to please the surveyor; or answer inaccurately out of a sense of shame? Would the participant be compelled to claim sobriety out of fear that the survey may not be 100% confidential?
An extremely small number of rehabs that claim a high success rate actually explain their research methodology. Most would correctly fear that it would simply not stand up to any measure of scrutiny. Upon careful review, one can usually see flaws in data gathering, analysis, conclusions, and, most importantly, how the rehab represents “success” to their potential customers on their website and over the phone. Rehabs will try to get as much advertising and sales mileage as possible out of success rates, even if the truth can only be stretched a few inches.
One trend that has been spotted is the use of third-party research or survey companies that are paid to independently verify accuracy and (most importantly to the rehab’s advertising efforts...) add perceived legitimacy to the rehab’s claimed success rate. Here are the problems with this approach: (1) flaws in the rehab’s data collection can be just as easily duplicated by the research company (see above paragraph beginning with “Gathering data…”); (2) no research company can absolutely claim that the rehab gave them a fair (or truly representational) sampling of their program completers; for instance, a client database can be easily queried to provide a biased retrieval sample to the research company (unbeknownst to them); and (3) just as with the rehab’s own claims of success, an outside research company’s analysis and conclusions are rarely derived from a sound scientific method (objectivity, full disclosure, and reproducibility) yielding results that are just as suspect.
The success rate should be important, both to the rehab and its potential customers. A rehab should care about its ability to provide a valuable service to its clientele, and therefore constantly monitor outcomes. In fact, a consumer is advised to re-think any rehab that cannot provide a substantive answer to the question of that rehab’s success rate.
In a rehab’s zeal to claim a high success rate, one wonders if their “research” is manipulated beyond any measure of truth-in-advertising. Even those rehabs that try their best to accurately represent their success rate could be using research methodology that wouldn’t hold up to even the most elementary scrutiny.
So what is the consumer to do? First, don’t believe anything regarding a rehab’s success rate claims. By starting with this attitude, you won’t be setting yourself up for disappointment upon failed expectations.
Second, if a rehab’s research methodology is described in clear detail on their Web site, or other sales material, then review it carefully using the information you learned in this article. When you find flaws, or if you have questions, contact the rehab to get the clarification you need.
Third, if the rehab claims a certain success rate, but does not describe their research methodology in clear detail, ask them to describe it to you over the phone (if they can’t otherwise send you a description in writing). This sounds like a poor alternative, because it is. It should make you wonder why the rehab would state a success rate yet not provide information on their Web site as to how they arrived at such a number.
Fourth, if you don’t feel comfortable with a rehab’s stated success rate, and such information is important to you, just keep persevering until you find one that can give you the necessary degree of comfort you need to make that important admission decision.
A short note on testimonials…
About the nicest thing one can say about testimonials, especially as used in the rehab industry, is that they are a marketing gimmick. Testimonials at best provide only anecdotal evidence of a program’s success. Also, who is to say that the testimonial, if even authentic, is still valid; did the person who wrote it since relapse or go back to his old habits (a retraction of a testimonial would probably be rare even in such a case)?
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Residential Alcohol Drug Rehab: The Embarrassing Fee
Good residential alcohol and drug rehabs have saved lives, families, and careers. How can you put a price on that? Good rehabs don't mind that I share the following information with you. This article (a true consumer alert) is about the numerous bad rehabs advertising all over the web with impunity.
First and foremost in the mind of someone searching for a residential drug and alcohol rehab is how much will it cost. Among the many other questions anyone might have, the concern about expense seems to rise to the top. But don’t tell that to your average rehab because they are under the delusion (shall we call it denial?) that money is not an issue. The proof? Just look at all their websites; hardly ever a mention of their fees. Or maybe, the cost of their program is such privileged information that you need to call them first to be worthy of getting any answer on how much it will cost you. The real answer why rehabs don’t advertise their fees is unfortunately far more sinister. Yes, in your moment of greatest need, the rehab will try anything to manipulate and cajole you into calling one of their caring/empathic/compassionate associates (i.e. salespeople) whose main purpose is to assist (i.e. sell) you in realizing that their fee is never too high to save your life or the life of your loved one.
Go to any rehab’s website and you will find lots of “information.” Ignore the fact that most such websites are a bit of a rough read because their site is continuously search engine optimized: the headers and body-text are heavy with repeated keyword usage. If you reveal the source (html) of their website you will see meta-titles and descriptions screaming out to all search engine spiders within listening distance. This means only one thing: what you are looking at is their well-polished online sales piece. Still, these rehab websites are seemingly packed with so much information, including the ever-present toll-free number to get live help 24/7. But something is missing in 97% of all such websites. Something that 97% of people who are interested in getting rehab for themselves or a loved one want to know. It's their price tag, but where is it? Go ahead: read their unusually verbose website word-for-word, check out all their links. Using logic, you might skip straight to their FAQ’s page, after all if 97%+ people want to know, it would certainly qualify to appear on their FAQ’s page. Oh, but it does not.
Most rehabs will induce people to call them first in order to get any information on the cost of their program. Here's why: by getting you on the phone, you become a “captive audience” often forced (by reasons of courtesy or gullibility) to listen to their sales pitch on why their price is justified, reasonable, or just downright generous (and why you should begin the admissions process immediately by sending in a non-refundable deposit).
Some rehabs (imitating those that they treat?) rationalize, and not-so-honestly, why you must call them to get their price quote: their prices change often, so you have to call to get their latest updated pricing information (even though websites are easily and frequently updated); everybody is different so their pricing must be customized to the individual (simply posting a fee schedule, or an itemized price list on their website would seem to solve this not-so-complicated issue); and my favorite… you must call and “qualify” yourself for their services first before cost is discussed. Some rehabs, without even giving you any idea about the cost, will describe in detail the convenient terms in which they will accept payment.
Ask the owners/operators of these rehabs why they must deliberately leave out their fees in order to compel their website visitors to call for such information, and you will get a consistent answer (the 'under-lying rationalization')... Their program is so helpful, the positive consequences of which are so beneficial, that this deceptive advertising practice is for the greater good. Greater good for the rehab? Au contraire: for the greater good of YOU (or your loved one), mired in the misery of addiction and its consequences. So, you see, all (97%) of these rehabs are not being up front about their fees for your own benefit. Now, if this doesn’t give you a warm feeling deep inside, don’t feel bad for two reasons. First, deception stinks. Second, rationalizations are what people do to assuage guilt and feel better about themselves; it is just this sort of manipulation that alcoholics and drug dependents get very good at over time. Maybe these rehab operators are learning a thing or two from their clientele?
A well-known principle in marketing is that when consumers are faced with an overwhelming number of choices they tend to choose early, then spend the rest of their time justifying to themselves why their choice was the best. By compelling the rehab consumer to call in order to get pricing information, the rehab has the golden opportunity of getting the consumer to buy early. A verbal commitment, or even a bed-doposit later, the consumer is on the hook. If you find this marketing practice deceptive, don't give them your business. Although since very few rehabs actually quote their fees on their sales literature, such a bold move may seriously limit your choices.
Note to Rehabs
Put pricing information on your Web site, if it isn't on your home page, than at least provide a clearly marked link from your home page and all other substantive pages on your Web site. Knowing that the MOST frequently asked question is about your fees, please include it on your FAQ's page, if you have one. If you feel that your fees are "complicated" or must be "customized" to the needs of the client, provide a well-annoted fee schedule, or at the very least, provide a price range with an explanation of why quoting a price range is necessary. If your prices change frequently, remember that it takes less than 10 seconds to update a text file on your Web site. Also, you can put a disclaimer, on the Web page that has your fee, simply stating that you fees are subject to reasonable change. If you still do not want to state your fees without the consumer having to call you, ask yourself why; and be as honest with your answer as you expect your clients to conduct themselves when they walk through your door in the hopes of transforming their lives.
Note to Consumers
Why should the fees of the rehab be important to you? For one, affordability is a 'yes or no' qualifier. Also, when pricing rehabs, ask yourself what your plan is if there is a relapse, or a return to the old patterns of usage behaviors. Good residential rehabs can work miracles, but are still far from achieving a 100% cure rate. Will you need money for another rehab? Will you need to be able to send your loved back to the same rehab for more time? Relapse or not, were you expecting to enroll in a local outpatient program (which has its own fees) after residential treatment to ease the transition into a clean and sober life?
If you spot an appealing rehab on the web, but can't find their fees, go ahead and call them for a price quote only. Yes, it seems unfair that the onus of gathering data that should be on their website or other sales materials is on you. Still, call their toll-free number, and before letting them gather any information on you, just ask them what their fees are. Then, unless you have other immediately pressing questions, hang up the phone, and let the information sink in. Don't make an impulsive buying decision on such an important service for you or your loved one. If you can't get a good idea of their fees within the first 10 seconds of the call, hang up the phone: don't fall for their dubious sales tactics. Remember, you are the one that must live with the consequences of your choice of a residential rehab. It would be a rare occurence for a consumer to find the best rehab for him or herself on the very first phone call. Great rehabs are out there, and it might take a few phone calls to find one.
Summary
As you probably can imagine, residential rehabs are typically expensive. And for good reason. Many factors go into a good residential facility to make it a safe, comfortable, and effective place to get well.
However, if a rehab doesn’t provide pricing information on their website it might be a hint of something a little more ominous than ‘oversight.’ Perhaps they might feel a little shame for providing a service that doesn’t measure up to the value of their potential customer’s money. Or, one good rationalization later, perhaps not.
***
As promised in a previous article, here are a few rehab websites that actually quote their fees (please email me with more examples and I will update this article!):
Duffys Myrtledale
Bayside Marin
Christian Rehab Options
Practical Recovery Services
Desert Canyon Treatment Center
***
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
First and foremost in the mind of someone searching for a residential drug and alcohol rehab is how much will it cost. Among the many other questions anyone might have, the concern about expense seems to rise to the top. But don’t tell that to your average rehab because they are under the delusion (shall we call it denial?) that money is not an issue. The proof? Just look at all their websites; hardly ever a mention of their fees. Or maybe, the cost of their program is such privileged information that you need to call them first to be worthy of getting any answer on how much it will cost you. The real answer why rehabs don’t advertise their fees is unfortunately far more sinister. Yes, in your moment of greatest need, the rehab will try anything to manipulate and cajole you into calling one of their caring/empathic/compassionate associates (i.e. salespeople) whose main purpose is to assist (i.e. sell) you in realizing that their fee is never too high to save your life or the life of your loved one.
Go to any rehab’s website and you will find lots of “information.” Ignore the fact that most such websites are a bit of a rough read because their site is continuously search engine optimized: the headers and body-text are heavy with repeated keyword usage. If you reveal the source (html) of their website you will see meta-titles and descriptions screaming out to all search engine spiders within listening distance. This means only one thing: what you are looking at is their well-polished online sales piece. Still, these rehab websites are seemingly packed with so much information, including the ever-present toll-free number to get live help 24/7. But something is missing in 97% of all such websites. Something that 97% of people who are interested in getting rehab for themselves or a loved one want to know. It's their price tag, but where is it? Go ahead: read their unusually verbose website word-for-word, check out all their links. Using logic, you might skip straight to their FAQ’s page, after all if 97%+ people want to know, it would certainly qualify to appear on their FAQ’s page. Oh, but it does not.
Most rehabs will induce people to call them first in order to get any information on the cost of their program. Here's why: by getting you on the phone, you become a “captive audience” often forced (by reasons of courtesy or gullibility) to listen to their sales pitch on why their price is justified, reasonable, or just downright generous (and why you should begin the admissions process immediately by sending in a non-refundable deposit).
Some rehabs (imitating those that they treat?) rationalize, and not-so-honestly, why you must call them to get their price quote: their prices change often, so you have to call to get their latest updated pricing information (even though websites are easily and frequently updated); everybody is different so their pricing must be customized to the individual (simply posting a fee schedule, or an itemized price list on their website would seem to solve this not-so-complicated issue); and my favorite… you must call and “qualify” yourself for their services first before cost is discussed. Some rehabs, without even giving you any idea about the cost, will describe in detail the convenient terms in which they will accept payment.
Ask the owners/operators of these rehabs why they must deliberately leave out their fees in order to compel their website visitors to call for such information, and you will get a consistent answer (the 'under-lying rationalization')... Their program is so helpful, the positive consequences of which are so beneficial, that this deceptive advertising practice is for the greater good. Greater good for the rehab? Au contraire: for the greater good of YOU (or your loved one), mired in the misery of addiction and its consequences. So, you see, all (97%) of these rehabs are not being up front about their fees for your own benefit. Now, if this doesn’t give you a warm feeling deep inside, don’t feel bad for two reasons. First, deception stinks. Second, rationalizations are what people do to assuage guilt and feel better about themselves; it is just this sort of manipulation that alcoholics and drug dependents get very good at over time. Maybe these rehab operators are learning a thing or two from their clientele?
A well-known principle in marketing is that when consumers are faced with an overwhelming number of choices they tend to choose early, then spend the rest of their time justifying to themselves why their choice was the best. By compelling the rehab consumer to call in order to get pricing information, the rehab has the golden opportunity of getting the consumer to buy early. A verbal commitment, or even a bed-doposit later, the consumer is on the hook. If you find this marketing practice deceptive, don't give them your business. Although since very few rehabs actually quote their fees on their sales literature, such a bold move may seriously limit your choices.
Note to Rehabs
Put pricing information on your Web site, if it isn't on your home page, than at least provide a clearly marked link from your home page and all other substantive pages on your Web site. Knowing that the MOST frequently asked question is about your fees, please include it on your FAQ's page, if you have one. If you feel that your fees are "complicated" or must be "customized" to the needs of the client, provide a well-annoted fee schedule, or at the very least, provide a price range with an explanation of why quoting a price range is necessary. If your prices change frequently, remember that it takes less than 10 seconds to update a text file on your Web site. Also, you can put a disclaimer, on the Web page that has your fee, simply stating that you fees are subject to reasonable change. If you still do not want to state your fees without the consumer having to call you, ask yourself why; and be as honest with your answer as you expect your clients to conduct themselves when they walk through your door in the hopes of transforming their lives.
Note to Consumers
Why should the fees of the rehab be important to you? For one, affordability is a 'yes or no' qualifier. Also, when pricing rehabs, ask yourself what your plan is if there is a relapse, or a return to the old patterns of usage behaviors. Good residential rehabs can work miracles, but are still far from achieving a 100% cure rate. Will you need money for another rehab? Will you need to be able to send your loved back to the same rehab for more time? Relapse or not, were you expecting to enroll in a local outpatient program (which has its own fees) after residential treatment to ease the transition into a clean and sober life?
If you spot an appealing rehab on the web, but can't find their fees, go ahead and call them for a price quote only. Yes, it seems unfair that the onus of gathering data that should be on their website or other sales materials is on you. Still, call their toll-free number, and before letting them gather any information on you, just ask them what their fees are. Then, unless you have other immediately pressing questions, hang up the phone, and let the information sink in. Don't make an impulsive buying decision on such an important service for you or your loved one. If you can't get a good idea of their fees within the first 10 seconds of the call, hang up the phone: don't fall for their dubious sales tactics. Remember, you are the one that must live with the consequences of your choice of a residential rehab. It would be a rare occurence for a consumer to find the best rehab for him or herself on the very first phone call. Great rehabs are out there, and it might take a few phone calls to find one.
Summary
As you probably can imagine, residential rehabs are typically expensive. And for good reason. Many factors go into a good residential facility to make it a safe, comfortable, and effective place to get well.
However, if a rehab doesn’t provide pricing information on their website it might be a hint of something a little more ominous than ‘oversight.’ Perhaps they might feel a little shame for providing a service that doesn’t measure up to the value of their potential customer’s money. Or, one good rationalization later, perhaps not.
***
As promised in a previous article, here are a few rehab websites that actually quote their fees (please email me with more examples and I will update this article!):
Duffys Myrtledale
Bayside Marin
Christian Rehab Options
Practical Recovery Services
Desert Canyon Treatment Center
***
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
Thursday, August 2, 2007
BEFORE rehab: Ideas most rehabs will NEVER share with you
Note: Some people may need to go directly to a residential rehab program; the ideas presented below may only delay the inevitable and necessary admission into such a program. However, for a few people, especially those that are strongly ready, willing, and able to begin a clean and sober life (and don’t have a significant history of relapse), the following ideas might save your family more money than any other online article on this subject:
Voluntary admission to a local ‘outpatient,’ community-based program
Ever abundant DUI’s and drug possession crimes have created a very large market of state-licensed local services (available almost everywhere in the United States) that specialize in court-ordered education and group therapy programs with adjunctive services including random drug and alcohol testing and Antabuse (and Naltrexone) monitoring. If the person abusing alcohol and/or drugs is seriously ready to make a change, it is actually easy to set up a ‘custom-tailored’ program. These services will help the participant and his family (or employer, if necessary) monitor recovery and provide extrinsic motivation for relapse prevention. Your local phone directory, yellow pages, or online directory can provide listings under “addiction” "alcoholism" or "drug abuse."
Any outpatient program will have a reasonable fee schedule for its services. Typical fees for random drug testing: per urinalysis $10-$20; breathalyzer $5-$10 each. The usual procedure for random drug and alcohol testing: participant calls the outpatient facility every single day (although many are closed Sundays and Holidays), to find out if he is required to come in that day to submit breath and/or urine for testing. You can set up drug and alcohol testing for multiple times a week, once a week, twice a month, or once a month.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) and Naltrexone monitoring (both for alcohol abusers only, see below under “Antabuse and Naltrexone”) is usually around $5 per visit. Once the participant receives the prescription from the pharmacy (Antabuse and Naltrexone must be prescribed by a physician), he gives it to the 'outpatient' program. Several times during the first week (“loading dose"), and 2-3 times per week thereafter, the participant comes in to take her Antabuse usually with the following procedure. Outpatient staff will crush the Antabuse tablet into a powder than dissolve it in a cup of water, the participant drinks the solution in front of the staff member who then inspects the cup for any leftover tablet powder (if so, than more water is added to it, it is stirred or shaken, and given back to the participant to finish it). Once the dose is taken, the participant must stay in a monitored area for about 30 minutes to discourage anyone from inducing vomiting. After 30 minutes the participant is free to go and an appointment is set up for the next visit.
Group counseling at these 'outpatient' programs is usually in two hour increments of group therapy or education and costs about $25-$40. Most such counseling is geared toward state required DUI education and therapy classes, but many counseling centers also offer groups for relapse prevention, anger management, domestic violence, etc. If you are voluntarily admitting yourself to their program you are NOT obligated to attend any of these sessions (if they pressure you to do this, just find another facility). If you have the financial means you may want to try it out, but if money is an issue see the section below on “AA, NA, or any similar 12-step program."
Finally, an "intake" is usually required to participate in any aspect of their program (fill out paperwork, brief interview) which costs about $25-$50.
Bonus: Many short-term residential rehabs recommend continuing your care through a local 'outpatient' program. By experiencing this before attending a residential rehab, you will know exactly what to expect afterward. If you, or your family, feel that a continuity of care is beneficial to leading a successful relapse-free clean and sober life; you may want to consider this program whether your residential facility recommends it or not.
AA, NA, CA, or any similar 12-step program
A large majority of residential rehab programs teach AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), CA (Cocaine Anonymous) and the general 12-step philosophy as an integral part of their program. It then (not surprisingly) becomes the most important part (if not the only part) of their aftercare program. So, a recommendation here of trying out AA, NA, or CA has the added bonus of allowing the participant a real-life experience in the very care that the majority of residential rehabs offer. If the participant likes the experience, but feels the need for residential care, then the choice of facilities can be narrowed to those that practice the 12-step philosophy. Likewise, if the participant does not like the experience, then she should seriously consider only those residential rehabs that provide alternatives to 12-step.
The first step to start attending meetings in your area is to contact with your local AA chapter. They can provide you with a directory of days, times, types, and places of meetings. Even in small communities, you will likely be surprised at the number of meetings held nearby on a weekly, and many times, daily basis. If you attend a meeting and have a general dislike for it, then at least you know better what may or may not work for you. If you just don’t like some of the participants at the meeting, remember that different AA meetings have different ‘personalities’ so you may find a meeting more to your liking elsewhere, or on a different day and time.
You can attend AA, even for a lifetime, at very little expense. If you have the means, you should donate a dollar during ‘collection’ time at the meetings. If you do not have the means, the donation is optional and is not required for participation. The only other costs are for the books necessary (especially, “Alcoholics Anonymous – Big Book, 4th edition, available in paperback) for you to fully vest yourself into the program. You do not have to buy the books at the meeting site (and don’t ever let anyone pressure you to do so), rather you can go to most any online bookseller to buy them either new or used. The free option: most public libraries have multiple copies available for checkout. You are encouraged to read the literature to make sure that this is the program that you can believe in. Full participation is strongly encouraged in this program.
If you are uncomfortable with the AA, NA, CA, and 12-step programs, you are advised to think twice before admitting yourself to a residential program that teaches these very same philosophies. When you eventually decide to go to a residential program, look for one that advertises itself as non-AA, non-12-step, or ‘alternative to 12 step.’ If you do like the 12-step philosophy, but you do need a residential program, you have a large selection to choose from that do teach 12-step, then expect you to continue regular meetings (an important component of their aftercare) in your local community.
Important: I am recommending AA as an option only. There are many other ways for a person to get well, and I have always believed that one-size-does-NOT-fit-all. I understand that there are many who oppose the teachings of AA, and I encourage anyone to do their research before making any serious commitments to any such program.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) and Naltrexone
Antabuse (usually for those that abuse alcohol, but has recently been tried for cocaine users) provides extrinsic motivation to remain relapse-free. Even a small amount of alcohol (one beer, one shot) will induce severe physical reactions in the user that are very uncomfortable. Antabuse can only be prescribed by a physician, and liver function tests (a simple blood test) are usually required prior to prescription. To make sure that the participant is actually taking the required dose of this medication certain procedures are necessary (otherwise the user may hide the pill under the tongue of inside the cheek to later spit out, or may induce vomiting after swallowing) – see above under “Voluntary admission to a local ‘outpatient,’ community-based program”). You can follow this same procedure for at-home monitoring of a loved one by simply purchasing a pill crusher at your local drugstore or supermarket.
Naltrexone reduces alcohol craving by lowering or eliminating the ‘pleasurable’ effects of drinking alcohol. Although it is not as popular (and some would say not as effective at preventing relapse) as Antabuse, it may be an alternative for some. Monitored use is recommended (see above under “Voluntary admission to a local ‘outpatient,’ community-based program”).
Church-based programs
If you are a person of faith, talk to your pastor, priest, deacon, or someone in the pastoral center that can talk to you about alcohol and/or drug abuse. Resources that might be available can range from free individual or group counseling, and in some cases, church-sponsored sober living facilities.
Therapeutic Communities (clean and sober living environments)
For some people with a long history of drug or alcohol use, a long-term (90+ days, but typically a year or more) structured living environment with a strong community support system already in place is an effective option.
Other options including counseling, self-care, and bibliotherapy will be discussed in a future article.
Combination
The best course of action for any individual that does not have an immediate need for residential rehab care, and is strongly motivated to pursue a free and sober lifestyle, is to try a combination of the above approaches. An example would be someone who signs up at an outpatient program for random drug and alcohol testing, tries AA/NA/CA, and if applicable: talks to his pastor for the availability of church resources. Another example might be the ‘alcoholic’ who goes on monitored Antabuse long enough (9 to 12 months) to decide whether some form of counseling, outpatient, or residential program is necessary to achieve fulfillment in living a clean and sober lifestyle.
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
Voluntary admission to a local ‘outpatient,’ community-based program
Ever abundant DUI’s and drug possession crimes have created a very large market of state-licensed local services (available almost everywhere in the United States) that specialize in court-ordered education and group therapy programs with adjunctive services including random drug and alcohol testing and Antabuse (and Naltrexone) monitoring. If the person abusing alcohol and/or drugs is seriously ready to make a change, it is actually easy to set up a ‘custom-tailored’ program. These services will help the participant and his family (or employer, if necessary) monitor recovery and provide extrinsic motivation for relapse prevention. Your local phone directory, yellow pages, or online directory can provide listings under “addiction” "alcoholism" or "drug abuse."
Any outpatient program will have a reasonable fee schedule for its services. Typical fees for random drug testing: per urinalysis $10-$20; breathalyzer $5-$10 each. The usual procedure for random drug and alcohol testing: participant calls the outpatient facility every single day (although many are closed Sundays and Holidays), to find out if he is required to come in that day to submit breath and/or urine for testing. You can set up drug and alcohol testing for multiple times a week, once a week, twice a month, or once a month.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) and Naltrexone monitoring (both for alcohol abusers only, see below under “Antabuse and Naltrexone”) is usually around $5 per visit. Once the participant receives the prescription from the pharmacy (Antabuse and Naltrexone must be prescribed by a physician), he gives it to the 'outpatient' program. Several times during the first week (“loading dose"), and 2-3 times per week thereafter, the participant comes in to take her Antabuse usually with the following procedure. Outpatient staff will crush the Antabuse tablet into a powder than dissolve it in a cup of water, the participant drinks the solution in front of the staff member who then inspects the cup for any leftover tablet powder (if so, than more water is added to it, it is stirred or shaken, and given back to the participant to finish it). Once the dose is taken, the participant must stay in a monitored area for about 30 minutes to discourage anyone from inducing vomiting. After 30 minutes the participant is free to go and an appointment is set up for the next visit.
Group counseling at these 'outpatient' programs is usually in two hour increments of group therapy or education and costs about $25-$40. Most such counseling is geared toward state required DUI education and therapy classes, but many counseling centers also offer groups for relapse prevention, anger management, domestic violence, etc. If you are voluntarily admitting yourself to their program you are NOT obligated to attend any of these sessions (if they pressure you to do this, just find another facility). If you have the financial means you may want to try it out, but if money is an issue see the section below on “AA, NA, or any similar 12-step program."
Finally, an "intake" is usually required to participate in any aspect of their program (fill out paperwork, brief interview) which costs about $25-$50.
Bonus: Many short-term residential rehabs recommend continuing your care through a local 'outpatient' program. By experiencing this before attending a residential rehab, you will know exactly what to expect afterward. If you, or your family, feel that a continuity of care is beneficial to leading a successful relapse-free clean and sober life; you may want to consider this program whether your residential facility recommends it or not.
AA, NA, CA, or any similar 12-step program
A large majority of residential rehab programs teach AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), CA (Cocaine Anonymous) and the general 12-step philosophy as an integral part of their program. It then (not surprisingly) becomes the most important part (if not the only part) of their aftercare program. So, a recommendation here of trying out AA, NA, or CA has the added bonus of allowing the participant a real-life experience in the very care that the majority of residential rehabs offer. If the participant likes the experience, but feels the need for residential care, then the choice of facilities can be narrowed to those that practice the 12-step philosophy. Likewise, if the participant does not like the experience, then she should seriously consider only those residential rehabs that provide alternatives to 12-step.
The first step to start attending meetings in your area is to contact with your local AA chapter. They can provide you with a directory of days, times, types, and places of meetings. Even in small communities, you will likely be surprised at the number of meetings held nearby on a weekly, and many times, daily basis. If you attend a meeting and have a general dislike for it, then at least you know better what may or may not work for you. If you just don’t like some of the participants at the meeting, remember that different AA meetings have different ‘personalities’ so you may find a meeting more to your liking elsewhere, or on a different day and time.
You can attend AA, even for a lifetime, at very little expense. If you have the means, you should donate a dollar during ‘collection’ time at the meetings. If you do not have the means, the donation is optional and is not required for participation. The only other costs are for the books necessary (especially, “Alcoholics Anonymous – Big Book, 4th edition, available in paperback) for you to fully vest yourself into the program. You do not have to buy the books at the meeting site (and don’t ever let anyone pressure you to do so), rather you can go to most any online bookseller to buy them either new or used. The free option: most public libraries have multiple copies available for checkout. You are encouraged to read the literature to make sure that this is the program that you can believe in. Full participation is strongly encouraged in this program.
If you are uncomfortable with the AA, NA, CA, and 12-step programs, you are advised to think twice before admitting yourself to a residential program that teaches these very same philosophies. When you eventually decide to go to a residential program, look for one that advertises itself as non-AA, non-12-step, or ‘alternative to 12 step.’ If you do like the 12-step philosophy, but you do need a residential program, you have a large selection to choose from that do teach 12-step, then expect you to continue regular meetings (an important component of their aftercare) in your local community.
Important: I am recommending AA as an option only. There are many other ways for a person to get well, and I have always believed that one-size-does-NOT-fit-all. I understand that there are many who oppose the teachings of AA, and I encourage anyone to do their research before making any serious commitments to any such program.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) and Naltrexone
Antabuse (usually for those that abuse alcohol, but has recently been tried for cocaine users) provides extrinsic motivation to remain relapse-free. Even a small amount of alcohol (one beer, one shot) will induce severe physical reactions in the user that are very uncomfortable. Antabuse can only be prescribed by a physician, and liver function tests (a simple blood test) are usually required prior to prescription. To make sure that the participant is actually taking the required dose of this medication certain procedures are necessary (otherwise the user may hide the pill under the tongue of inside the cheek to later spit out, or may induce vomiting after swallowing) – see above under “Voluntary admission to a local ‘outpatient,’ community-based program”). You can follow this same procedure for at-home monitoring of a loved one by simply purchasing a pill crusher at your local drugstore or supermarket.
Naltrexone reduces alcohol craving by lowering or eliminating the ‘pleasurable’ effects of drinking alcohol. Although it is not as popular (and some would say not as effective at preventing relapse) as Antabuse, it may be an alternative for some. Monitored use is recommended (see above under “Voluntary admission to a local ‘outpatient,’ community-based program”).
Church-based programs
If you are a person of faith, talk to your pastor, priest, deacon, or someone in the pastoral center that can talk to you about alcohol and/or drug abuse. Resources that might be available can range from free individual or group counseling, and in some cases, church-sponsored sober living facilities.
Therapeutic Communities (clean and sober living environments)
For some people with a long history of drug or alcohol use, a long-term (90+ days, but typically a year or more) structured living environment with a strong community support system already in place is an effective option.
Other options including counseling, self-care, and bibliotherapy will be discussed in a future article.
Combination
The best course of action for any individual that does not have an immediate need for residential rehab care, and is strongly motivated to pursue a free and sober lifestyle, is to try a combination of the above approaches. An example would be someone who signs up at an outpatient program for random drug and alcohol testing, tries AA/NA/CA, and if applicable: talks to his pastor for the availability of church resources. Another example might be the ‘alcoholic’ who goes on monitored Antabuse long enough (9 to 12 months) to decide whether some form of counseling, outpatient, or residential program is necessary to achieve fulfillment in living a clean and sober lifestyle.
I appreciate your feedback, especially by email!
My email: betteraddcare@yahoo.com
Related: Residential alcohol treatment center, drug rehab, addiction rehabilitation, substance abuse, alcoholism, twelve step, alternative to 12 step, recovery program, prescription drugs, before rehab, best rehabs
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