For people who are used to luxury, the prospect of going to an inpatient rehab center may be depressing. But while some rehabs have an institutional vibe and a hospital-like atmosphere, luxury rehabs are anything but drab, offering accommodations, amenities and therapies reminiscent of a spa.

But luxury shouldn’t be the most important thing on your list when you’re looking for a high-quality rehab—don’t judge a treatment program solely by the thread count of the sheets.

Here’s a quick guide to luxury rehab and some tips for finding a program that’s both luxurious and effective.

What Makes Luxury Rehab Luxurious?

A rehab program that puts a focus on luxury will offer a homelike setting that’s warm and welcoming. It’ll look more like a resort than a hospital, with handsomely appointed communal spaces and comfortable—and often private—rooms with comfy beds, soft sheets and housekeeping services.

It will offer amenities like a gym, pool, business center, recreational areas and serene outdoor spaces for relaxation and reflection. Luxury rehab will provide a varied menu of nutritious and delicious meals, and it’ll offer a variety of complementary therapies like massage therapy, acupuncture and meditation to promote good health, relaxation and well-being.

A Holistic Approach Is Essential

No matter how luxurious a rehab center appears to be, if it doesn’t offer effective, evidence-based treatment, you’ll end up paying a lot of money with little to show for it in the end. A holistic approach to treatment offers the best outcomes of any type of rehab, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

A holistic approach to treatment involves a variety of both traditional and complementary therapies. Traditional therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and family therapy, are those that have been shown through research to be effective for treating addiction. Complementary therapies, such as art therapy and nature therapy, are those that have been shown to be effective when used along with traditional therapies.

Holistic treatment addresses issues of body, mind and spirit and tends to the multiple needs of an individual. A holistic treatment plan will be personalized to ensure it addresses an individual’s unique needs, issues and challenges.

How Luxury Rehab Works

Luxury rehab promotes calmness, positive emotions and feelings of well-being through its attractive spaces and spa-like amenities. For many, luxurious surroundings improve engagement in treatment and increase retention. But it’s the quality of the therapists and the types of therapies offered that lead to successful recovery.

Through a roster of different traditional and complementary therapies, which take place in individual, group and family settings, clients in rehab:

  • Identify and learn to replace self-destructive thought and behavior patterns
  • Develop the coping skills they need to handle stress, cravings and other relapse triggers
  • Address underlying causes of the addiction, which often include chronic stress, a history of trauma or mental illness
  • Work to repair damaged relationships and restore function to the family system
  • Learn to have fun and relax without needing drugs or alcohol to do it
  • Find purpose and meaning in a life of abstinence

A high-quality luxury rehab will have an experienced staff that offers around-the-clock supervision. Routine, structure and support should be the foundation of the program.

What to Look for in a Luxury Rehab

If possible, it’s a good idea to take a tour of a luxury rehab facility to ensure it offers the kind of atmosphere and luxury you’re looking for. However, the most important considerations to look for in a treatment program are:

  • Accreditations
  • Licensed, experienced therapists
  • Compassionate, experienced support staff
  • A proven track record
  • Research-based therapies
  • Medical detox facilities for those with dependence

Treatment works for most people who stay in rehab for an adequate period of time and engage with their treatment plan. Luxury rehab promotes relaxation and well-being through attractive facilities and special amenities, but it facilitates recovery through high-quality, research-based programming. A luxury rehab with a commitment to helping individuals achieve real and lasting recovery will lead to greater happiness and a higher quality of life for the long-haul.