First and foremost, I want to congratulate the treatment centers named in Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2020 article. I admire your achievement and your dedication to the recovery of those suffering from alcoholism and addiction. A few characteristics are echoed on the websites of the majority of the treatment centers recognized in the aforementioned publication; the first, individualized and evidence-based treatment plans, the second – a holistic approach incorporating mental, physical and spiritual development, and the third is the acknowledgement that recovery is a lifelong pursuit.
Every person is different and one standard treatment model cannot be effective with all people. It is clear that the development of a treatment plan based on the needs of the individual is the cornerstone of a successful treatment center.
The holistic approach to substance abuse treatment is widely accepted as the gold-standard and that is evident in my review of the recognized treatment centers. Substance abuse not only wreaks havoc on a person physically but takes a toll on a person mentally and spiritually. It is for this reason that a successful recovery process focuses on restoring all three vital components.
An individual’s recovery does not end upon completion of treatment, they must continue to be active in their recovery and the treatment of their condition. The treatment centers that were recognized are committed to providing structure, building habits and teaching skills that will be leveraged post-treatment in the individual’s maintenance of their sobriety.
I had the privilege of interviewing Victoria Leff from The New Bridge Foundation in Berkeley, California, one of the programs recognized by Newsweek. I asked Victoria the following questions:
- Q: What are the three most important ingredients in your program’s success?
- A: Victoria told me that the first is the staff, specifically noting experience and passion. She said that the second is the provision of individualized and evidence-based treatment. Lastly, Victoria said that the third is a commitment to staying active and up to date in the field, mentioning research and education as critical pieces.
- Q: What is your favorite part about what you do?
- A: Victoria told me that her favorite part about the work that she does is helping people, spending time with patients and watching people grow and blossom both during and after treatment.
- Q: How do you track patient progress?
- A: Victoria mentioned that outcomes studies are critical in assessing patient progress. Surveys and check-ins at specific stages in a patient’s treatment and tracking progress toward specific, measurable and actionable treatment goals help providers identify an individual’s progression.
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Victoria and hearing about what sets The New Bridge Foundation apart. Again, congratulations to The New Bridge Foundation and all of the treatment centers highlighted in Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2020 publication. Keep up the great work!