Rehab for Real People: How to Choose a Residential Addiction Treatment Center

Nationally recognized Calvary Center has been treating clients since 1964

The recent abundance of stories surrounding celebrities going in and out of addiction rehabilitation centers makes the staff at Calvary Center cringe. The Phoenix-based, nationally recognized, residential recovery service facility has been treating clients for alcohol and substance abuse problems since 1964, and recently launched a new 30-day residential treatment program for problem gamblers.

"We'd like to set the record straight," says George Staub, Calvary Center's chief executive officer. "There are many reputable residential treatment centers throughout the country that provide life-saving services on a daily basis. Many of them are affordable, and real people really do experience success in overcoming their addiction problems by completing these programs."

He acknowledges that some people can beat their addiction problems through counseling. But, when counseling is not effective, or when the addiction problem is severe, an intensive residential treatment program may be necessary to help the addict begin his or her road to recovery.

"The decision to enter a residential treatment program can be frightening, but most of our clients have told us that any fear and anxiety they felt prior to entering the program was well worth the road to recovery," Staub says.

He offers these tips for choosing a residential addiction treatment center:

  • Assess how serious you or your loved one is about accepting help. The decision to enter a residential treatment program is a serious one, and should not be taken lightly.
  • Determine if you or your loved one wants to enter into a traditional or faith-based program. Only a few residential treatment facilities nationwide, like Calvary Center, offer both options.
  • Determine if you or your loved one needs treatment for a dual addiction, such as an addiction to alcohol and gambling. While many rehab centers can treat alcohol and drug addictions, just a handful of them, like Calvary Center, have comprehensive treatment programs for problem gamblers.
  • Search for facilities that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or Joint Commission. Also, check to see what type of licenses the facility and its staff hold.
  • Check references. Reputable rehab centers should provide a list of professional references, but keep in mind that they can not provide client references due to confidentiality laws.
  • Be wary of residential treatment centers that tout their success rates. Each of these facilities can measure program completion rates, but it is very difficult to monitor if former clients relapse, unless they return for treatment.
  • Compare costs. While rehab for the celebrities can cost as high as $50,000 per month, several reputable residential treatment centers are much more affordable. Calvary Center's fee for its 30-day residential treatment program is $400 per day.
  • Inquire about insurance coverage or payment plans.
  • Find out whether or not family members can visit. Also inquire about services or support programs that family members can take advantage of.
  • Research what type of "after care" the residential treatment center provides.

For information about Calvary Center's 30-day residential treatment programs for substance abuse and problem gambling, call 1-866-76-SOBER.