You may be finding it difficult to choose a treatment facility for yourself or a loved one. With so many choices, how do you decide who has the best treatment? The good news is that the research has already been done, and effective drug and alcohol treatment standards have been established by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

NIDA is a Federal scientific research institute under the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA is the largest unbiased supporter of the world’s research on drug abuse and addiction.

Principle #1:
What the research says: No single treatment is appropriate for all individuals. Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to each individual’s particular problems and needs is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and society.

What New Bridge Foundation does: We first complete a thorough assessment of each prospective client incorporating not only their drug/alcohol history, but also asking questions related to work, relationships, education, physical and mental health, strengths and limitations. We then create an individualized treatment plan for every client. Different groups or services are offered depending on a person’s specific needs including dual diagnosis group, gender group, anger management, yoga, or meeting with the psychiatrist.

Principle #2:
What the research says: Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug use. To be effective, treatment must address the individual’s drug use and any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems.

What New Bridge Foundation does: We offer a holistic approach to treatment. We identify drug and alcohol issues, and other needs including physical health, psychological, and spiritual. Before discharge, we help individuals identify appropriate physician referrals, safe and sober housing, and job changes, if needed. Additionally, we utilize alternative methods including yoga, acupuncture and biofeedback. It is our goal that our clients be sober when they leave, and clear on their immediate life goals in multiple areas including their health, relationships, work life, and spiritually.

Principle #3:
What the research says: An individual’s treatment plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that the plan meets the person’s changing needs. A client may require varying combinations of services and treatment components during the course of treatment and recovery. In addition to counseling or psychotherapy, an individual may require medication, other medical services, family therapy, parenting instruction, vocational rehabilitation, and social and legal services. It is critical that the treatment approach be appropriate to the individual’s age, gender, ethnicity, and culture.

What New Bridge Foundation does: On the day of admission a treatment plan is created with the Admissions Counselor and the individual seeking treatment. This plan outlines goals while in treatment and the action plans for achieving these goals. During treatment, each person is assigned an individual counselor who works with each client to successfully achieve their goals. As needs change over the course of treatment, so does the treatment plan. Treatment plans cover a broad range of issues including recovery and relapse prevention, employment, social life, relationships, spirituality, physical and mental health, and each person’s living situation.

Principle #4
What the research says: Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness. The appropriate duration for an individual depends on his or her problems and needs. People often leave treatment prematurely and relapse. Staying in treatment is essential.

What New Bridge Foundation does: At New Bridge Foundation there is no “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach. There is no predetermined length of stay because every client is different. With this in mind, New Bridge Foundation has a full continuum of care. We have sub acute detox and residential treatment to create initial stabilization which includes regular sleeping and eating patterns, reduction of cravings, clearer thinking, and general increased well-being. We also offer outpatient levels, including Day Treatment and Intensive Outpatient, so that individuals can transition back to the “real” world, while still maintaining a high level of support.

Helping clients understand the value of treatment and assisting them in staying in treatment until they are stabilized, is one of our primary goals. All clients who complete treatment at New Bridge Foundation are eligible for our free Aftercare Program.

Principle #5What the research says: Counseling (individual and group) and other behavioral therapies are critical components of effective treatment for addiction. Counseling also facilitates interpersonal relationships and the individual’s ability to function in the family and community.

What New Bridge Foundation does: Each client is assigned an individual counselor who oversees their treatment. In individual and group therapy clients address issues of motivation, build skills to prevent relapse, and use cognitive behavioral therapy to replace drug using activities and thinking patterns with healthy and constructive behaviors.

New Bridge Foundation’s treatment programs are based on these proven methods. With over 40 years of experience, we are a leading provider of drug and alcohol treatment with thousands of graduates and family members leading happy, productive, and sober lives. Call today for a free, confidential assessment at 800-785-2400 or 510-548-7270.

The preceding was adapted from Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research Based Guide, NIDA in 2006.