According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 48.7 million people in the United States met the criteria for addiction in 2022.[1]
Substance use disorders are chronic and progressive diseases that can negatively impact every area of your life. You can develop physical and mental health issues, strained relationships, and even legal or financial troubles. Because of these risks, you should always seek professional addiction treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.
When picking a rehab center, you want to ensure they are reputable and use effective treatment methods. The easiest way to find a trustworthy drug and alcohol rehab center in Tennessee is to look for accreditation.
Addiction treatment facilities undergo an accreditation process to prove that they are operating under the national standards of care. Rehab centers that are accredited are proven to provide quality treatment and up-to-date safety procedures.
What you will learn:
- What it means when a rehab is accredited
- Why you should choose an accredited treatment center in Tennessee
- How to find an accredited drug and alcohol rehab program
What is Rehab Accreditation?
Accreditation is a process that addiction treatment centers go through to prove that they are operating under the national standards of care. Organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission will evaluate the rehab center, the treatments they use, their safety procedures, and more to decide if the program meets quality standards for potential clients.
Joint Commission or CARF accreditation seals mean that the addiction treatment program has gone to great lengths to ensure that their facility is operating effectively, safely, and in a manner that supports long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one need substance abuse treatment services, you should always pick an accredited rehab. Most treatment centers that have gone through the accreditation process will advertise it on their website.
Why Choose an Accredited Addiction Treatment Center in Tennessee?
The best way to determine if a rehab in Tennessee is reputable is to see if it’s accredited. Without going through this process, there is no way to tell if their treatment services are up to quality standards. Accredited allows you to be sure that you will receive the following standards of care during an addiction treatment program:
Upholding High Standards for Policies and Procedures
Accrediting organizations assess the treatment center to ensure their policies and procedures are “up to standard.” This means you can trust it is running efficiently, safely, and fairly.
During accreditation, there are several policies and procedures that are assessed. This might include ensuring daily operations are up to standard, making sure staff members have proper education and qualifications, and checking that staff members have up-to-date training.
Accreditation programs will also evaluate safety, privacy, and client care protocols. You can expect that the policies and safety rules will be looked over to ensure that both staff members and clients are being kept safe.
Qualified Staff
Accredited centers employ trained and licensed professionals, including doctors, therapists, counselors, and nurses, who specialize in addiction treatment. This ensures that patients receive comprehensive and appropriate care tailored to their needs.
Safe, Comfortable, and Therapeutic Environment
Accredited addiction treatment centers in Tennessee prioritize client safety and comfort, providing a supportive environment for recovery. Facilities are regularly inspected to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, minimizing risks associated with addiction treatment.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Next, all accredited rehab centers will offer evidence-based services. This means that the treatments they use to address addiction will be clinically proven effective. An example of evidence-based treatments that accredited facilities use are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and 12-step facilitation therapy.[2]
Accredited programs also use other evidence-based treatments aside from behavioral therapies. For example, they might use medication-assisted treatment for clients who are overcoming opioid or alcohol addiction. This method is proven to reduce relapses and support long-term recovery from addiction.
Reputation and Accountability
Accreditation enhances the center’s reputation and accountability within the healthcare community and among clients. It demonstrates not only high treatment standards, but also a commitment to quality improvement, up-to-date treatment approaches, and patient-centered care.
How to Find an Accredited Treatment Program in Tennessee
The easiest ways to find an accredited program include:
- Going Through Your Insurance – Your health insurance company will give you a list of rehab centers they offer coverage for. When you get this list, you can check each rehab’s website to determine if they are accredited. You can also find accredited Joint Commission Centers and CARF centers online.
- Researching Specific Programs Online – If you do not have health insurance, you can search for local rehab programs online. Once you find a few you are interested in, look for a mention on their website of accreditation. You can also call the admissions counselor to ask them about their accrediting organization.
- Asking a Healthcare Professional for a Referral – Lastly, you can ask a trusted healthcare professional like a doctor or therapist for a referral to an accredited rehab program. They usually have working relationships with drug and alcohol rehab programs in the area.
Get Connected to an Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center in Tennessee
If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with an accredited drug and alcohol rehab center in Tennessee.
Contact us today to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data
- Psych.theclinics.com: Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders