How to Choose the Best Alcohol Rehab in Hawaii

Nearly 29.5 million Americans aged 12 and older struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). If you or someone you care about is battling with AUD, you might have considered alcohol rehab. Alcohol rehab centers provide treatment for people who have AUD.

But with the proliferation of so many alcohol rehab centers, how do you determine which one is right for you or a loved one? In this guide, we’ll explore key factors to consider when choosing an alcohol rehab center in Hawaii to help you make an informed decision.

1. Assess Rehab Programs Offered

Hawaii rehab centers offer two main types of treatment programs: Inpatient or residential treatment or outpatient treatment. With residential treatment, the patient stays at the treatment center to receive round-the-clock support and treatment. On the other hand, with outpatient treatment, the patient doesn’t live at the rehab center but attends regular treatment sessions at the center.

While both types of treatment programs have their pros and cons, the right treatment method primarily depends on preferences, severity of the condition, and treatment goals.

Generally, residential treatment is better suited to individuals with severe addiction, as they receive round-the-clock support. However, residential treatment programs are generally more costly and unsuitable for people with inflexible schedules.

On the other hand, outpatient treatment programs typically cost less and allow patients to maintain their regular routines, but they aren’t as ideal for patients with severe addiction.

2. Evaluate Treatments Used

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for alcohol addiction. The most effective treatment plans usually combine a variety of treatments and therapies to enhance their efficacy. Some common evidence-based treatments and therapies used for alcohol addiction include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Medication-assisted therapy
• Group therapy
• Alternative therapies
• Peer support groups like AA Hawaii meetings

Investigate whether the alcohol rehab center offers these and other science-backed treatments for alcohol use disorders. If a center you’re considering emphasizes only one treatment method rather than a combination of several, you might want to explore other options.  

3. Inquire About Specialty Programs

Holistic rehab centers provide tailor-made treatment programs depending on age, underlying health conditions, gender, and other factors. For instance, if you’re a 50-year-old who has been grappling with alcohol addiction for two decades, your needs will differ from those of a teen who recently started abusing alcohol. Ideally, look for a rehab center that offers customized programs to cater to the needs of different people.

4. Assess Hawaiian Rehab Center Staff Expertise

Alcohol addiction is a multifaceted condition. As a result, the best alcohol rehab centers employ various addiction professionals to provide comprehensive treatment. A well-rounded alcohol treatment addiction team typically consists of the following:

• Physicians
• Psychiatrists
• Nurses
• Counselors
• Nutritionists
• Fitness trainers

Look for holistic alcohol rehab centers with multidisciplinary teams, as they are more likely to provide comprehensive care compared to centers with a few professionals or centers where one professional does multiple tasks.

5. Evaluate Staff Credentials and Licenses

The credentials and licenses of a rehab center’s staff indicate that the staff has the requisite skills to provide effective alcohol addiction treatment. Some reputable licenses and credentials to look for include:

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
• Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC)
• Certified Addiction Counsellor (CAC)
• Certified Co-occurring Disorders Counsellor (CCDP)

6. Assess Facility Accreditations and Licenses

Check whether the rehab center holds accreditations from institutions like The Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). These accreditations indicate that an alcohol rehab center meets the highest addiction treatment standards.

In addition, check whether the alcohol rehab facility is licensed to provide addiction treatment in Hawaii, as state licensing requirements vary from state to state.

7. Explore Amenities and Services

While addiction treatment is the top priority of a Hawaiin rehab facility, amenities can make the road to recovery more comfortable. Some popular amenities offered at top rehab centers include:

• Pools
• Gyms
• Communal areas
• Private rooms
• Spas

Some luxury alcohol rehab centers also offer other perks and services to enhance addiction treatment, such as:

• Art therapy
• Equine therapy
• Fitness and health therapy
• Excursions
• Music therapy

While these amenities and services aren’t necessarily integral to successful alcohol addiction treatment, they can be the key differentiator when comparing various rehab centers in Hawaii.

8. Inquire About Treatment Length

The duration of alcohol treatment isn’t cast in stone. The length of a treatment program depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s availability, and other factors. For instance, some residential treatment programs last about a month, while others last up to three months.

As a general guideline, look for a rehab center that offers variable treatment lengths depending on individual needs rather than one that offers a fixed duration for all clients.

9. Explore Payment Options

Nearly 3 out of 10 Americans don’t receive treatment for substance use disorders because they don’t have insurance and they can’t afford addiction treatment. Fortunately, some rehab centers offer flexible payment plans.

Inquire whether the rehab center you’re considering offers a flexible payment plan or financing if you can’t cover the treatment costs upfront. Also, confirm whether the rehab center works with your insurer if you have insurance.

10. Inquire About the Center’s Visitor Policy

Alcohol addiction doesn’t solely affect the individual battling with addiction. It also affects the individual’s close family and friends. As a result, the best alcohol addiction treatment plans involve close friends and family in the recovery process.

If you want to check yourself or someone you care about into a rehab facility, inquire about the facility’s visitor policy. The best rehab centers usually have visiting hours or days to allow close friends and family to visit.

Also, inquire whether the rehab center offers family services such as family therapy sessions, individual family counseling, and educational workshops, as they can enhance the effectiveness of alcohol addiction treatment.

11. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Look for testimonials from past clients on the rehab center’s website or check out reviews on reputable third-party sites. If you come across a rehab center with many unfavorable reviews, it could be a red flag, and you might want to steer clear of it. Besides reviews, friends and family who have undergone addiction treatment can also provide you with helpful first-hand information about their experience at a rehab center.

Local support groups like those at AA Hawaii meetings can also be an excellent source of recommendations. Since their members may have undergone addiction treatment at local rehab centers, they can provide invaluable insights about a rehab clinic.

12. Inquire About Post-Treatment Recovery Support

Nearly 40% to 60% of patients who have completed an addiction treatment program relapse. That’s why it’s essential to receive ongoing support after treatment. Look for a facility that offers post-treatment support services, including continuing care groups, vocational rehabilitation, or sober companions.

Also, look for a rehab center that offers support beyond the facility’s offerings, such as one that holds AA meetings in Hawaii or has an alumni program.

Conclusion

At Honu House, we don’t take a cookie-cutter approach when it comes to providing alcohol addiction treatment. We provide individualized treatment depending on our patient’s unique needs. Whether we’re treating patients who have been battling with alcohol addiction for several years or patients who have other underlying issues like depression or anxiety, we provide personalized treatment for each patient.

Ready to take the first step toward recovery? Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive approach to alcohol addiction treatment.

FAQs

Why Is Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol impacts the brain’s reward system. When it’s consumed, it releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of pleasure. This can lead to addiction, as people continue to drink alcohol to experience the pleasurable effects of dopamine.

What Happens in Alcohol Rehab?

Alcohol rehab typically involves a combination of various treatments and therapies, such as individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and peer group support. It also involves alternative approaches like acupuncture, yoga, meditation, equine therapy, and art therapy. Rehab aims to help patients understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and build a foundation for lasting sobriety.

How Long Is Alcohol Rehab?

The duration of alcohol rehab varies on various factors, like the severity of the condition, underlying health conditions, and the individual’s response to treatment. Typically, residential programs last about a month to three months, while outpatient programs can last several months or longer.

Does Alcohol Rehab Work?

Alcohol rehab can help individuals overcome alcohol addiction. Studies have shown that people who complete comprehensive and evidence-based alcohol treatment programs are more likely to achieve and maintain sobriety. However, the success of rehab treatment programs depends on various factors, such as the program’s quality, individual commitment, and post-treatment support.

Is Detox the Same as Rehab?

While many people think detox and rehab are the same, they aren’t. Detox focuses on safely expelling alcohol from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms. Rehab, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive treatment program that addresses the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. It involves interventions like counseling, family therapy, and education.