
According to a 2018 study, over 21.2 million people aged 12 or older suffer from addiction to alcohol or drugs. However, little more than 17 percent of those individuals actually received the help needed to get sober.
With over 14,500 alcohol and drug addiction treatment centers located across the United States, you might assume that it’s easy to find a treatment program. In reality, it’s much more difficult than you might think.
When you choose a drug rehab haphazardly, you run the risk of committing to a program that doesn’t fully meet your needs. Since every person’s circumstances and needs are unique, finding the right rehab can be a bit of a process.
There are 14,500 rehabs in the US, but choosing one is more difficult than you’d think.

What to consider when choosing a drug rehab
Much like the individuals who are seeking their care, drug treatment centers have unique features and offer different types of care. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of the ways that drug rehabs differ so that you are better able to choose the rehab that meets your needs and preferences.
Additionally, it’s worth considering that how drug treatment centers are portrayed in media and marketing materials isn’t always an accurate representation of what those facilities are like in real life. In other words, you should always do your due diligence before you make your final decision.
Some of the things to consider include:
- Facility location
- Treatment modalities
- Health insurance plans accepted
- Client reviews & feedback
- Program cost (for out-of-pocket payment)
Putting it in perspective
12 percent
of people over age 12 have used illicit drugs in the past month
808K people
reported using heroin in 2018
17 percent
of those addicted to drugs contemplated suicide in 2018
700K deaths
from drug overdose have occurred in the US since 2000
Sources: Statista, CDC, NSDUH 2018, NCDAS
How to choose the right drug rehab for you
Though it may not be easy, choosing the right drug rehab doesn’t have to be hard. By leveraging the resources at your disposal, you can find a drug rehab with the right treatment program to give you the best chances of achieving stable, long-term sobriety.
By becoming aware of these signs, we can attempt to intervene in hope of preventing the most devastating outcome of continued substance abuse.
Some of the most common signs of an addiction to alcohol or drugs include:
Financial struggles
Due to escalating intake of alcohol or drugs, more and more of the individual’s income is needed to maintain the drug habit
Low performance
Whether at work or in school, someone suffering from addiction will eventually exhibit a marked decrease in overall performance
Emotionally distant
Due to the increasingly prominent role of alcohol or drugs in his or her life, the individual may become emotionally distant or uninvolved
Change in social group
Substance abuse sometimes coincides with a change in social group as the individual prefers the company of other drug users
Change in appearance
Addiction can result to changes in appearance on many levels, including weight loss/gain, less consideration to hygiene, or in style of dress
Uncharacteristic behavior
This can take many different forms, including sudden loss of interest in something previously enjoyable or inexplicable change in sleep patterns
Questions to ask
After using drugs or alcohol frequently over time, the body accommodates the mind-altering substance. As a result, abruptly ceasing use of the substance can result in symptoms of withdrawal.
Detoxification is a period of medically-assisted care that often takes place prior to an inpatient or residential treatment program. During detox treatment, the individual focuses on overcoming the physiological aspects of chemical dependence. This can sometimes include medical or medicinal support in order to manage the symptoms of sub-acute withdrawal syndrome.*
At West Valley Detox & Residential Treatment, we recognize the importance of detoxification as a primer for residential care. With our medically-assisted treatment, clients are able to detox from alcohol or drugs successfully before transitioning into the next phase of their recovery journeys.
*Individuals are discouraged from attempting to detox at home or without the supervision of trained, experienced professionals.
Medically-assisted detox treatment
Medical professionals who are trained in detoxification can help to treat symptoms of withdrawal. Often, the detoxification process includes the use of medicinal treatment as a means of alleviating or managing sub-acute withdrawal, making the process safer and less uncomfortable for the client. These types of medications are commonly administered in both inpatient and outpatient programs.
Opioids
The medications most commonly used to treat opioid addiction and withdrawal include methadone and buprenorphine (e.g. Subutex, Suboxone)
Benzodiazepines
Depending on the severity of the addiction, benzodiazepine withdrawal may be treated by tapering the individual’s intake or with a phenobarbital substitute
Stimulants
While there’s not yet been a medication approved to directly treat stimulant addiction and withdrawal, mild benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants are not uncommon
Ready to learn more? Call today for a free consultation.
COVID-19 action plan
To maintain a safe, clean environment for West Valley Detox clients and staff members alike, we have implemented a comprehensive, multi-point COVID-19 action plan, which includes:
Pre-admission screening
All incoming clients are subject to medical pre-screening and evaluation to prevent contagion from being introduced to our facilities.
Telehealth treatment opportunities
If deemed necessary, clients will be given the opportunity to participate in certain treatment sessions remotely using live chat when available.
Hand-washing and personal hygiene requirements
All staff members and clients are required to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly to prevent the transmission of contagion.
Maintaining a clean environment
All staff members will regularly and thoroughly disinfect accessible surfaces and spaces on the premises.
Regulated visitation
Visitation with loved ones will be monitored and regulated to prevent the introduction of contagion to our facilities.
Medical monitoring
All staff members and clients will be monitored for any visible symptoms of illness. When deemed necessary, medical testing will be performed, such as temperature checks.

Beyond detox
In 2012, a Johns Hopkins study found that while the post-detox relapse rate is between 65 and 80 percent, those who did not relapse and remained in treatment were 10 times more likely to remain sober.
While there are many factors to consider, the study determined that commitment to recovery and length of time in treatment had very high correlations with success after detox.
Per the recommendations of the NIDA, our programs were designed based on the following principles:
- Programs should be customizable and tailored to the needs of the client.
- Treatment should address the physical, psychological, social, and even cultural aspects of addiction.
- Treatment plans should be re-evaluated and adjusted as necessary.
- Although rehabilitation can be initiated on an involuntary basis, treatment is most effective when the individual chooses recovery on his or her own.
Our services
West Valley Detox & Residential Treatment is a premier substance abuse treatment provider, offering highly personalized and client-focused treatment to individuals suffering from addiction. Located in Los Angeles County, California, we provide inclusive care in the San Fernando Valley, helping those who need professional help to combat their addiction.
As one of the best substance abuse treatment centers in the United States, West Valley Detox & Residential Treatment offers alcohol and drug addiction programs comprised of world-class counseling and treatment for rehabilitation from alcohol and drug use.