Why is it that so often we find ourselves frustrated with the accessibility, responsiveness, and respect we would like to receive from professional service providers? Sometimes it seems that we are merely a burden to those we go to for help. While this is true in many of the professional service fields we find it is rampant among substance abuse treatment facilities. There may be reasons for poor service quality among St. Louis rehab centers because of a lack of rehab facilities in St. Louis or perhaps lack of resources despite the overwhelming number of individuals suffering from alcohol and/or drug addiction, but one of the biggest reasons is the normative thinking and training that so many service providers are accustomed to. This problem stems from the lack of service dominant thinking that propels other organizations into the minds of the public. Addiction treatment centers in St. Louis and throughout Missouri often display a complete lack of dichotomy between their products and there service offerings. This lack of dichotomy translates into the feeling of disrespect, contempt, or lack of compassion in the mind of those suffering from addiction. In the majority of cases this is not, in fact, what these service providers are attempting, nor do they lack compassion for the individual’s situation. But despite the intention or lack of intention on behalf of the rehab center they lack this very keystone in their philosophy.
We know that addiction is defined as a chronic relapsing disease and often treatment can be a process with many ups and downs for the person in recovery. Should an individual relapse or struggle through a difficult time it is important to establish a trust and comfort that facilitates ease for the client to reach out for support. This is not done by knowing more about the brain, having more degrees, providing more modalities, or the climate outside. This trust and comfort comes from the culture and framework of a facility that ensures they are advocating for their clients by being accessible, responsive, adaptable, and compassionate. Research has shown that the majority of results obtained in therapy come not from a degree or knowledge (not to discount the importance of these) but the establishment of a therapeutic relationship whereby trust and understanding are present. Without this relationship there are significant decreases in effectiveness, and this doesn’t end with just the relationship between the addiction therapist and the person struggling with alcohol or drug addiction but continues on to the relationship between the rehab center and the client. It is possible to find an alcohol treatment program that identifies the client as more than a number or today’s appointment.
When researching for a St. Louis rehab center this may be one of the most important considerations you have. Obviously, it is also important to ensure that the practices including medical care, psychiatric care, and behavioral care are all peer-reviewed and effective but this is not the component that addiction treatment facilities often struggle with. Ask, (a) are they responsive to my needs, (b) do they adapt their program to the individual, (c) do they seem as if they are legitimately concerned with my needs or are they just trying to move me along, and (d) can I reach someone? If it takes days to finally speak to someone imagine what it will take once you’re receiving treatment. Ask, how they adapt to the needs of each person, most likely this is just a spin word they use to sell you. Are they willing to offer resources of other facilities or are they trying to sell you? This may indicate their true intentions. Pay attention because this is one of the most important investments you can make with your time and/or money. Your life and your families depend on it. Stories surface from time to time of treatment centers that sell, sell, and sell without regard for the person or their family. They exhibit behaviors that are both unethical and selfish. Remember, there are good rehab centers out there, just make sure to do your research.
