You’ve seen the signs. Maybe even talked about it a little. And now, it’s clear that your partner, family member, or dear friend needs professional care for substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). For more than 50 years, the professionals at Willingway have helped thousands of people make this pivotal life decision to regain their health through recovery. Let’s walk through some key factors to consider about advancing into rehabilitative care.
Get Answers to Critical Questions
When our team works with families, we encourage them to take a closer look at problematic symptoms of their loved one’s condition, such as:
- Do they seem depressed, lonely, or withdrawn?
- Are they struggling to get through a day without alcohol or drugs?
- Have they had trouble or “bad luck” with relationships?
- Do they have conflicts or other issues at work or school?
- Are they dealing with recent legal problems?
- Do you have other family members who have a problem with drugs or alcohol?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s time to get more education about the benefits of individualized care for someone in your life.
Treat AUD or SUD Like a Serious Health Condition
In 2023, the American Hospital Association stated that fewer than 7% of the 46 million Americans with AUD or SUD receive the quality treatment they need. In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a public health emergency declaration regarding the opioid epidemic.
It’s critical to work with specialists who treat these disorders as medical conditions and facilities that are staffed with a wide range of health care personnel who understand the vital importance of whole-person wellness. This means they should provide solutions for your loved one not only for their AUD or SUD, but also for their mental and physical health, reconnection to self and others, and in-depth aftercare to enable their readjustment to a substance-free life.
What might this approach look like? Here are three key points to consider:
- Comprehensive, Individualized Treatment Plans
When rehab facilities assess physical, psychological, and social factors, the clinical team is more likely to develop a personalized care plan for your loved one. For example, at Willingway, our comprehensive approach for them may include medically supervised detoxification, comprehensive therapy options, and long-term relapse prevention techniques—all tailored to their specific needs and health status. - Access to Medical and Mental Health Professionals
A treatment center should be staffed with licensed professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists who understand the medical complexities of AUD and SUD. They can address co-occurring disorders, manage withdrawal safely, and monitor ongoing health concerns, ensuring a higher standard of care. - Focus on Long-Term Recovery, Not Just Sobriety
Addiction rehab centers that treat addiction as a disease emphasize ongoing management—just like any chronic illness—rather than just short-term abstinence. Your loved one should have access to detailed aftercare planning, community support groups, holistic wellness solutions, relapse prevention tools, and lifestyle coaching to support sustainable recovery.
Research Recovery Centers Carefully
What expectations should you and your loved one have of a treatment facility? A lot depends on what helps create stability, provides in-depth quality of care, and offers a broad scope of different options that allow for comprehensive treatment. Make sure your checklist includes the points above, and also confirm the rehab facility is:
- Accredited and licensed. This means it’s continuously accredited by reputable organizations such as CARF, The Joint Commission, or when promoting Veteran or first responder treatment, PsychArmor. A recovery center should also be properly licensed. These factors ensure it meets high standards for safety, care quality, and ethical treatment practices.
- Following evidence-based treatment. Look for treatment approaches such as comprehensive therapeutic care, dual diagnosis care, and even skilled in handling the unique challenges of specific substances. A good facility should offer a range of services that address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of AUD and SUD.
- Aftercare support and relapse prevention. Effectively managing a chronic illness is difficult. The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that 40%-60% of people in recovery will relapse. So ask a facility about its specific aftercare programs, such as outpatient services, extended treatment, sober living environments, and restructured treatment options.
We offer more helpful suggestions for choosing the right recovery center in this article.
How Willingway’s Family Helps Your Family
We also know how challenging it can be to have a focused discussion with your loved one that helps them understand why their health matters—and why they deserve every opportunity for a quality life. So, Willingway offers compassionate intervention services with trained professionals.
The goal of an intervention is to express love and concern while outlining the consequences of not seeking treatment. Our interventionists guide the conversation, helping to keep it on track and focused on the desired outcome: getting your loved one into treatment. Afterward, we also offer support and guidance through the early stages of recovery.
Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day to answer all the questions you may have about Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations and what our board-certified professionals can do for the person you love. Now is the perfect time to start a new life.