Choosing the Right Alcohol Rehab for Your Loved One

Clinically reviewed by Claire Pinelli ICAADC, ICCS, LADC, MCAP, LCDC

Choosing an alcohol rehab for a loved one is one of the most critical decisions you will ever make. Your loved one is in the hands of the staff of whatever rehab you choose. To help you make your choice, review the points below. These questions are designed to help you select a program that truly meets your needs and basic beliefs:

1. Program Philosophy and Goals

Learn about the program’s philosophy and goals and ensure that they meet your needs.

• How does the program define and measure success? Some programs count a person who simply completes the set time of the program—or complies with an extended medication schedule—as a success. Clarify what outcome you want and ensure it aligns.

• Is the program short-term or long-term, residential or outpatient? Residential, long-term programs give a person sufficient time to learn new skills, practice using these skills, and recover from the trauma they have suffered. If this person has struggled to quit or failed at other rehabs, a long-term, residential program becomes even more important. It helps them feel more confident in their ability to stay sober.

• Does the program view addiction as a chronic disease with expected relapses, or something that can be fully overcome? Some people want to believe that they can overcome their addiction and want a program that agrees with this philosophy.

• Do any of the program’s claims seem unrealistic? You may encounter claims that addiction can be treated with drugs like ibogaine, ayahuasca, or ketamine. The program you choose should make good sense to you and ideally have a long track record of success. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that some of these experimental drugs have serious adverse effects and safety issues.

2. Treatment Methods and Medications

Determine what treatment methods are used and if they include medications.

• Does the program use medication-assisted treatment or substitute drugs (such as methadone, buprenorphine, or Suboxone)? Does this use align with your goals for rehab? Methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone, and similar drugs are opioids or contain opioids. While they may not be as intoxicating as heroin or fentanyl, they have a similar effect on the body and mind.
• Are any of the medications used addictive? Many rehabs use buprenorphine, methadone, alprazolam, diazepam, antidepressants, and more. These drugs can cause dependence or addiction.
• Are any of these treatment drugs also common drugs of abuse? Some of these drugs, like methadone and buprenorphine are distributed and abused by those who acquire drugs from the illicit market. You must decide if they are the right solution for your loved one.
• How long are the medications expected to be prescribed? These drugs are typically prescribed for six to 12 months or even longer. The American Society of Addiction Medicine notes that there is no suggested time limit for treatment with buprenorphine. As for methadone, long-term treatment with methadone often occurs.
• Does the program have a method for reducing or relieving physical cravings or the discomfort of withdrawal? Some people need the full support of a medical detox to protect them during alcohol withdrawal.

3. Health and Life Skills Rebuilding

Ask how this program helps each person rebuild their physical and mental health.

• Does the program use good nutrition to repair physical damage from long-term alcohol use? Many people who have been addicted to alcohol are suffering serious nutritional depletion. Nutrition can help a person build up their health while they complete rehab.

• In what ways does it help address past trauma and emotional pain for a brighter outlook? Find out how this trauma is addressed. Some rehabs rely on group discussions and meetings rather than customizing care to the individual. Medications may dull the perception of past pain but not actually address it. Rehab that allows each person to address their own individual post-alcoholism situations may be more likely to succeed.

• Does the program provide a service that helps to relieve guilt from past addiction? Guilt is one of the major factors that can drive a person back to alcohol use. Ask for statements from people who have completed this program and what relief they have experienced from the rehab program.

• Is there a way to help a person recover their own integrity and morality? Ask to read or hear statements and reviews from people who have completed this program.

• What life skills training does it offer for handling stress, relationships, work, and challenges without relapse? The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has tied social skills to the prevention of alcohol and drug problems. This training is an essential component in lasting recovery from alcohol addiction.

4. Safety and Alignment with Family Principles

Evaluate whether the program’s methods and overall approach feel safe and right for your loved one. Ask those associated with an alcohol rehab you are considering these detailed questions. Compare the answers to any other alcohol rehab you are considering.

• What are the specific steps and phases of treatment?

• How is each step supervised and guided?

• Are there any confrontational, coercive, or extreme practices?

• Overall, do the program’s methods and philosophy align with your family’s values and vision for recovery?

• Can you talk with other families who have chosen this program?

Once you have the complete picture of the comprehensiveness of the alcohol rehab you are considering, you can make an educated choice. This becomes even more important if this is not the first rehab your loved one has gone to.

A New Kind of Long-Term Residential Alcohol Rehab

The Narconon rehabilitation approach was started in 1966 using methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard, American author and humanitarian who also founded the Scientology religion. The Narconon program, however, is wholly secular and does not teach any religion or religious principles.

Mr. Hubbard’s research and techniques have guided Narconon’s methods since the program began. More than 40,000 people have graduated from Narconon. The program is designed to be drug‑free and does not use substitute medications to treat dependence.

An International Network Dedicated to Recovery

In more than 30 centers around the world, Narconon drug rehab centers provide a drug-free, holistic, long-term program that enables each person to address the harm they have suffered.

Alcoholism does physical, mental, and emotional harm, and individuals need help in each area. Because this program is also residential, those in this program have a chance to focus fully on their sober futures, away from alcohol-using friends. The program has no set time limit. What is important is that each person achieves the full benefit of each phase of this program.

Managing a Tolerable Withdrawal at Narconon

Before entering the drug-free withdrawal phase, each individual undergoes a comprehensive medical evaluation. If necessary, they may be referred to a medically-supervised detox facility before beginning the Narconon program, as some individuals with alcohol addiction may require medical detox at a medically-supervised clinic or setting prior to starting the rehab process. Once complete on the medical detox, they will start the Narconon rehab program.

Each person’s entrance into the Narconon program is via the Withdrawal Unit. Here, there is 24-hour monitoring with nutritional supplementation to start repairing the body. Staff also help with gentle physical assists and orientation exercises to calm the individual and help them feel comfortable.

Relief from Cravings for Alcohol

Intense cravings for more alcohol make recovery a struggle for so many people. Mr. Hubbard discovered that alcohol and drug use appear to leave toxic residues lodged in the fatty tissues of the body. These residues can be reactivated, even years after alcohol or drug use ceases. These toxins can lower one’s mood and trigger cravings. To solve this problem, Mr. Hubbard developed the New Life Detoxification.

The New Life Detoxification can improve the outlook of the person, help them think more clearly, and help to alleviate cravings. This action consists of these elements:

• Moderate aerobic exercise to increase circulation

• Nutritional supplementation, including a regimen of vitamins, minerals, and healthy oils to support detoxification

• Sweating sessions in a low-heat sauna

Gaining More Self-Control and Clearer Perception

After years spent addicted, it’s easy to lose the brightness of life. It can be hard to make the right decisions. One’s thoughts may seem hard to control. The Objectives step on the Narconon program provides a solution. After completing this series of carefully-supervised exercises, greater self-control and communication skills are the most typical result.

The Essential Life Skills Training

After the return of greater balance and perception, it’s time to instill stronger life skills in each person. They must have these skills to make the right choices every time a challenge comes up.

• Ups & Downs in Life: Learning how to tell which people support sobriety and which ones pull a person down, so it’s possible to build a safer, more stable life.

• Personal Integrity: Finding out how addiction damages honesty and self-respect, and learning how to regain them. Many people feel a great sense of responsibility returning and relief during this step.

• Changing Conditions in Life: Acquiring practical problem-solving tools that can help each person overcome barriers, rebuild relationships, and maintain long-term stability.

Planning for Long-Term Sobriety

Before going home, each person works with the Narconon Graduate Officer to develop a plan for a sober future. This plan utilizes everything they have learned so far. Every broken relationship that needs to be mended, every important decision that must be made is worked out in advance. After the person’s departure from Narconon, the Graduate Officer maintains contact with the graduate to support and encourage their success.

Start Now to Get Help for Your Loved One

It’s time to get the answers to all these questions from a Narconon representative. Call today and ask your questions. Learn about this innovative, long-term, drug-free program that has helped thousands achieve sober lives. Your loved one can arrive at a Narconon rehab in just days.

Sources:

• “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014. NIDA
• “Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023. NIDA
• “Alprazolam and diazepam.” National Library of Medicine, 1991. NLM
• “Drug Fact Sheet: Methadone.” Drug Enforcement Administration, 2020. DEA
• “Increasing rates of buprenorphine diversion in the United States.” National Library of Medicine, 2021. NLM
• “Buprenorphine.” National Library of Medicine, 2024. NLM
• “Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder.” Office of Addiction Services and Supports, New York State, undated. OASAS.NY
• “Nutrition Intervention for Alcoholism.” Journal of the American Center for Nutrition, 2023. JACN
• “Precision in Addiction Care.” National Library of Medicine, 2015. NLM
• “International Standards on Drug Use Prevention.” United Nations on Drug Use and Crime, 2018. UNODC