Choosing the right alcohol or drug rehab center can make all the difference when it comes to entering long-term recovery from addiction. The task of finding the “right” drug rehab center is complicated by the fact that there are over 13,000 drug rehab facilities around the country.

Each of these alcohol rehabilitation center is unique, but being unique does not necessarily mean that they are all equally good. It does, however, mean that you have many drug rehab centers to choose from and if you do not find the right one immediately you should continue searching as there are many high-quality centers.

Here are questions to help you in your search for the right drug or alcohol rehab facility.

1. How does the treatment center define success and what is their success rate?

Many drug treatment facilities will have had independent reviews of their success. However, success can be measured in many ways. One treatment center may say they have a 74% success rate, but only be considering clients who remain sober for 6 months; another center may claim a 68% rate based on the results of clients after one year. Whatever their claimed success rate you will want to know how they measured it and what they consider success.

2. Are they accredited as a drug rehab center? And if so by whom?

There are a handful of national accreditation organizations including the Joint Commission On Accreditation Of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), among others. Organizations accredited by these bodies frequently have undergone site reviews and have measured up to national standards.

3. What are the credentials of their staff?

Most states have a system for credentialing drug and alcohol counselors. These individuals may be Certified Addictions Counselors (CAC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC).