Choosing the Right Addiction Treatment Center in NJ
Finding the right drug and alcohol treatment program in NJ can feel like an overwhelming challenge—-especially when you’re in the midst of a personal or family crisis. But it doesn’t have to. Arming yourself with pertinent knowledge about what makes one addiction treatment program better than another can really help make the decision easier.
Understanding the terminology and what features are most important to you is essential to making an informed choice for you or your loved one.
One of the most common recommendations you will hear is to seek treatment at a Joint Commission-accredited (formerly JCAHO) drug rehab.
This article from Achieve Wellness and Recovery explains why accreditation is important and what else to look for when choosing an addiction treatment program in New Jersey.
What is The Joint Commission or JCHAO and Why Does It Matter?
The Joint Commission, also known as JCHAO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), is a non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the U.S.
Why Joint Commission Accreditation Matters When Choosing a Rehab
The Joint Commission performs thorough, in-person evaluations and inspections of addiction treatment centers (as well as hospitals and other medical facilities) annually. The “JCAHO Gold Seal” offers peace of mind because a facility can only earn it by meeting the commission’s high standards of care.
The difference a Joint Commission Accredited treatment center makes:
- Quality Assurance: The commission carefully reviews everything from patient care, outcomes and facility cleanliness—-to ensuring facilities are providing all services as advertised.
- Safety Standards: The Joint Commission also checks to make sure that the addiction treatment program follows strict safety protocols. This includes emergency exits, smoke alarms, sprinklers, disabled access, and even oring over medical records to look for any errors.
- Continuous Improvement: A Joint Commission-accredited NJ rehab cannot simply rest on its laurels. To stay compliant, it must continually improve its services and quality of care.
- Working With Insurance: Most health insurance companies prefer or even require you to use a Joint Commission Accredited substance use disorder treatment center for them to cover costs.
- Expertise and Credibility: The Joint Commission checks the credentials of every professional employee to ensure they are properly licensed, trained, and qualified for their position.
What Else Should I Look For in a NJ Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program?
Google Reviews
Check their Google Reviews. What do the people who’ve actually gone to that addiction treatment program have to say about it? How do they rate it? Steer clear of any facility that has low scores or only 9 or 10 reviews. Both are red flags.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Look for dual-diagnosis treatment. Even if you’re not sure if you or your loved one have a co-occurring disorder like depression or anxiety with their addiction, you want a facility that can properly evaluate and treat mental health along with addiction.
Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. Does something seem “off”, shady, or not right about a drug treatment center in NJ—-look into it, or just move on. Are the people answering the phone friendly and helpful? Are they able to get answers to your questions? Are they promising miracle cures, guaranteed lifetime sobriety, or “rapid detox”? Steer clear of all of that. You’re entitled to be picky. This is an important decision you’re about to make!
Other Certifications or Affiliations to look for or ask about:
- New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Don’t even consider going to a NJ substance abuse treatment program that isn’t actively licensed by the state.
- LegitScript: Look for the LegitScript seal on the website, usually found toward the bottom of the home page in the “footer.” LegitScript is a company that continuously verifies that the information presented on medical websites is true and accurate.
- CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities): CARF is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits health and human services providers
- NAATP (National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers): NAATP is a professional association that represents addiction treatment providers.
- APCB (Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey): This board certifies addiction professionals in New Jersey.
Achieve Wellness and Recovery: Trusted Addiction Care for NJ
Achieve Wellness and Recovery is a Joint Commission Accredited dual-diagnosis substance use disorder treatment program in New Jersey. We offer a partial-hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient levels of care with compassion.
If you or someone you love is ready for help with addiction, don’t hesitate to contact us, whether trauma is present or not. We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance so you can feel confident in choosing the right substance use disorder program in NJ.
Reach us now at: (833) 680-0142
To learn how Achieve Wellness and Recovery can work with your insurance, Click here
