10 Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Rehab

Choosing a rehab isn’t easy. I know that from personal experience. Years ago, I was the one frantically Googling options, overwhelmed by glossy websites – the same websites I’d written – and promises of transformation. I was scared, uncertain and desperately hoping I’d land somewhere that could actually help.

Now, years into recovery and after working in the addiction treatment field, I know that many people feel exactly the same way. And I also know that the way a clinic presents itself isn’t always the full picture.

That’s why I’ve put together these ten questions. They’re the ones I wish I’d asked. The ones I now encourage others to ask. They won’t guarantee a perfect experience (there’s no such thing), but they will help you find a rehab that’s ethical, compassionate, and better suited to your needs.

1. What’s included in the price and what’s not?

This is one of the most important things to ask, and it’s something that’s surprisingly easy to overlook when you’re in crisis. When I was looking at clinics, I had no idea how many different pricing structures there were and how quickly the extras could add up.

A transparent clinic will give you a clear breakdown of what’s included in the cost. That means things like:

• One-to-one and group therapy sessions

• Psychiatric assessments and medication

• Meals, laundry, toiletries, and housekeeping

• Any optional extras like equine therapy, fitness, massage, or additional sessions

Ask whether there are additional fees for things like seeing a psychiatrist, getting prescriptions filled, or staying an extra day if you’re not ready to leave. And ask for that information in writing. A reputable clinic won’t make you chase the details or pressure you with vague “starting from” prices.

At Abbington House, we believe you should never have to second-guess what you’re paying for, especially at a time when your focus should be on getting well.

2. Who will I be working with, and what are their qualifications?

Titles can be misleading. I’ve seen “counsellors” with no formal training, and I’ve also worked with support workers who had more insight and compassion than many therapists. Both can be valuable, but it’s essential to understand who is responsible for what.

Ask:

• Will I have access to a registered therapist or counsellor with professional accreditation (like BACP or UKCP)?

• Will I be assessed by a doctor or psychiatrist, especially if I have mental health concerns or take medication?

• Do support staff have training in trauma, safeguarding, or mental health?

It’s also worth asking whether any of the staff have lived experience of recovery – it’s not essential, but for many people, it helps to know that the person supporting them gets it on a personal level.

A good clinic won’t be cagey about this. They’ll be proud to share their team’s credentials and their stories.

3. What’s the daily structure like?

Every rehab has a routine, but no two are exactly the same, and the structure can make a big difference to how supported (or overwhelmed) you feel.

When I was in treatment, I found the predictability comforting, but I also needed time to breathe. Some days I was all in, and others I just needed space. That’s why it’s worth asking:

• What does a typical day look like, from wake-up to lights out?

• How many group sessions are there per day?

• Will I have regular one-to-ones with a therapist?

• Is there time for reflection, exercise, calls, or quiet moments when I need them?

A good programme strikes a balance: structured enough to feel safe and purposeful, but flexible enough to meet you where you are. You shouldn’t feel like just another name on the schedule.

At Abbington House, we build days around individual needs, not just a timetable because recovery doesn’t happen in a rush.

4. How do you support people with mental health conditions, trauma, or ADHD?

This question matters more than most people realise because addiction rarely exists in a vacuum. For me, the emotional stuff underneath was just as painful as the substance use on the surface. And it took me a long time to realise that I wasn’t the only one carrying that weight.

If you’re living with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, depression, or anything else that affects how you experience the world, your rehab programme should acknowledge that. Ask:

• Will I be assessed by a mental health professional?

• Do you offer trauma-informed therapy?

• Are staff trained to support people who are neurodivergent or have complex emotional needs?

If you’re met with vague answers like “we treat everyone the same,” be cautious. Equal care doesn’t mean identical care, and recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all.

At Abbington House, we’re deeply aware that addiction is often the tip of the iceberg. That’s why mental health support is built into everything we do.

5. What happens if I struggle or don’t engage straight away?

I’ll be honest: I didn’t show up to rehab all bright-eyed and ready to share my feelings. I was suspicious, defensive, and quietly terrified. And I know I’m not alone in that.

Recovery doesn’t always look like smiling group photos and lightbulb moments. Sometimes it looks like silence, resistance, or wanting to leave. A good rehab understands this. So ask:

• What happens if I shut down in a session?

• How do staff respond to someone who relapses in treatment, or breaks a rule?

• Is there a culture of “tough love,” or patience and support?

If the answer makes you feel judged or afraid, keep looking. The right clinic won’t give up on you for having a hard time they’ll help you through it.

6. Do you offer any kind of aftercare or ongoing support?

Leaving rehab can feel like stepping off a cliff. You’ve done all this work, found a routine, built trust… and then suddenly you’re back in the real world, with all its pressures, triggers, and unknowns.

That’s why aftercare is crucial. Without it, even the best programme can fall short. Ask:

• Will I get a personalised aftercare plan?

• Are there follow-up sessions, alumni groups, or check-ins?

• Can I access support if I’m struggling a few months after discharge?

Good aftercare doesn’t just prevent relapse, it reinforces everything you’ve learned. At Abbington House, we stay connected with clients long after they leave, because recovery doesn’t end at the door.

7. How many people are in the programme at one time?

When I went to rehab, I had no idea how much the size of the group would shape my experience. Too many people and it’s easy to feel lost. Too few and it might feel intense or isolated. What you’re looking for is the right fit for you.

Ask:

• How many residents do you typically have at one time?

• How big are the therapy groups?

• Will I have enough one-to-one time with staff?

At Abbington House, we deliberately keep our numbers low. We believe small-scale, high-quality care creates the best environment for healing, because people don’t get well by being overlooked.

8. Can I speak to someone who’s been through your programme?

This is a powerful question, and it cuts through the fluff.

If a clinic is genuinely proud of the work it does, it won’t hesitate to put you in touch with someone who’s been through it. Hearing from a former client can give you insight, reassurance, and a much clearer sense of whether a place is right for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask:

• Do you have alumni I can speak to or hear from?

• Can I see feedback or testimonials from people who’ve completed the programme?

At Abbington House, we’re incredibly proud of our alumni, and many are happy to share their experiences with people who are just starting out.

9. What’s your approach to relapse?

This one reveals so much about a clinic’s philosophy.

Relapse isn’t failure. It’s not weakness. And it doesn’t mean treatment didn’t work, it means something needs adjusting. But sadly, not every rehab sees it that way.

Ask:

• How do you support people who relapse, either in or after treatment?

• Is relapse treated with compassion and curiosity, or with consequences?

• Is there a clear path back to care if someone slips?

Recovery is rarely linear. And people deserve spaces that understand that. At Abbington House, we approach relapse as a learning moment, not a verdict.

10. Why do you believe your programme works?

This might be the most revealing question on the list. It invites real thought, not rehearsed answers.

When I ask this, I’m not looking for marketing language, I’m looking for lived experience.

• Do they talk about lived experience?

• Do they mention the outcomes they’ve seen, the lives that have changed, the people who come back to say thank you?

• Or do they just quote statistics and accreditations?

At Abbington House, our answer is simple: we believe in our programme because we’ve lived it. Many of our staff have been through treatment themselves, and now they’re here to walk alongside you. That’s the kind of belief you can feel.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Choosing a rehab is a big step. It’s emotional and can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re exhausted or scared or just trying to hold everything together. These questions aren’t intended to catch anyone out, but to provide clarity. To help you cut through the noise and get a real sense of whether a place is safe and actually equipped to help.

And if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away and keep looking. You’re allowed to ask more questions and you deserve to feel confident and informed about the decision you’re making.

If any of these questions are on your mind, we’d be happy to talk. No pressure. Just a conversation with people who’ve been in your position.