SAMHSA advises discussing treatment choices with qualified professionals and offers national treatment locators. Its quality guidance supports asking about licensing, accreditation, evidence-supported care, medications when clinically appropriate, family involvement, and continuing-care planning. NIDA principles also emphasize that needs differ and that a plan should address the individual, not substance use alone. These sources support better questions, but they do not determine which program is right for you.
Create two scorecards rather than one. The care scorecard should cover the service being proposed, how individual needs are reviewed, licensing or accreditation information, how evidence-supported care is selected, whether medications are considered when clinically appropriate, family involvement, and continuing-care planning. The preference scorecard can cover room arrangements, food, privacy, grounds, recreation, or other features that matter to you. Verify every facility answer instead of assuming any feature is offered.
- Who can explain how the proposed service relates to the person’s stated needs?
- Which care claims are documented, and which remain verbal?
- What does the estimate say about services requiring separate providers or charges? What family involvement is available, if any, and is it included? How are continuing-care options