When a facility describes continuing care, ask what the statement means operationally. Does it mean giving you a list, sending a referral, scheduling an appointment, confirming acceptance, or following up after the transition? These are different levels of responsibility. Ask whether the receiving organization is independent, whether you must contact it yourself, and whether any arrangement remains conditional on an assessment, authorization, payment, or availability.
Handle outcome claims with the same care. Ask what “success” means, who was counted, how many people were included, how long they were followed, how missing follow-up data were handled, and whether the result was independently reviewed. An outcome percentage does not prove what will happen to one person. NIDA treatment principles emphasize that needs differ and that plans should address the individual, not only substance use. A good comparison therefore considers fit, health needs, living conditions, support relationships, and the feasibility of the next steps.
- Replace “aftercare included” with a list of exact actions and who performs them.
- Replace “high success rate” with the measure, population, time period, and missing-data method.
- Mark any verbal promise as needs review until its meaning and owner are documented.