Questions Worth Asking
Through our organization website last night I received a question that was so succinct and addressed such an important issue I wanted to take a few minutes today to reprint it here (editing out all personal details) and to address the issue publicly. Please find this below.
“I have a niece that’s in her 4th/5th time in rehab for heroin (addiction). She’s considering your place. How do I know that you guys aren’t just another money grubbing institute enjoying the profits of this latest epidemic.”
This is a great question and one I feel passionate about answering. It is truly a dilemma, to have a loved one in a state of impending crisis and not feel confident about where to turn. I will reprint excerpts of my answer to this question below as I think they may be useful to anyone reading this article.
“Before I answer your question let me say that it sounds like you or your family has had a bad experience in the past with the treatment industry. Please let me extend my sympathy for this if it is the case. There is no excuse for anyone who would profit off the misery of another human being.
That said, the short answer to your question is that from the outside you can’t be certain that we are different. While I’m certain that is not the answer you were hoping for please continue reading so that I may elaborate. Our industry is rife with bad actors who portray themselves as saints . I would venture to say, unless an individual has done extensive research into the industry they would be shocked at how pervasive a fact this is. Honestly it is disgusting to me that this is the case. Trying to change this reality is the very reason I am working in the treatment industry.
How Do You Navigate Your Way?
Many of those bad actors have very smooth presentation and make elaborate promises. As a result it can be very challenging to sort out whom can be trusted. This is only compounded by the fact that every single individual and family we speak with is in the middle of a crisis, which makes sound judgment all the more difficult…
…Getting back to your question, as you stated, how can we help you determine if we are a safe place for your niece. You can, of course, look at all our resource materials either on our website or on our YouTube channel. They should provide you a good general understanding of our culture, facilities, and program. However if I were in your shoes I would still be skeptical. To that end I would invite you to read our Google and Facebook reviews from former clients and their families. Again, while helpful this would probably still not make me feel totally comfortable if I were in your position. So I would invite a conversation . I would be happy to speak with you at length and share with you anything you would like to know about our organization, our program, our business practices, the neuroscience which is the grounding of our clinical approach, or anything else. I would be happy to speak to your attorney or anyone else you would like to use as an advisor. I can promise that myself and my staff will always be candid, honest, and frank. Further I would happily invite you to personally come tour our facility if you would like. One of the experiences I enjoy the most is watching an individual take in our program for the first time. There is so much about a place and a culture that must be experienced to be understood. I cannot promise you that I will always give you the answers you want but I can promise you that I will always give you the truth.”
What Matters Most?
At the time of this writing I have not gotten a response to my email, so can’t report if it helped. When a family is seeking treatment for a loved one it is a very sensitive time. In my view trust must be earned not given as a result it can be difficult to know who to rely on. Central to my role with Granite Mountain is to interview potential partners within our industry. Please find below some of the things I look for when speaking to others in my industry, or when touring a facility.
- Transparency in all matters. When I ask a simple question I look for a simple answer. This sounds basic, but I have found that when I’m dealing with an honest person they will have simple answers. When dealing with a dishonest individual their answer to a simple question often leaves me feeling more confused than when I began. Further if a program is open and transparent about their strengths, their weaknesses (we all have them), and everything else, this demonstrates a level of honesty that can begin to be relied on.
- Clarity of purpose. All great organizations do a few things very well. I am immediately skeptical of any organization that claims to be all things to all people. In any profession it just isn’t possible to be great at all things.
- Consistency of culture. When speaking to multiple individuals across an organization is the message I’m receiving significantly consistent? Or am I left feeling like perhaps I’m speaking to people from different organizations? Do the pictures on the website match what I see with my eyes when I’m there? I look for consistency in all levels of communication when speaking to an organization.
- Leads with program. Sometimes when I ask people to describe their organization they lead with their therapeutic program and what sets it apart. Many others lead with their amenities. When I am selecting prospective partners for our company I am drawn to those who lead with their program. This sends a clear message to me that they take their program, and by extension the wellbeing of their patients seriously.
- Am I a person or a commodity? In speaking to a facility do I feel they are taking the time to understand my unique situation, do I get a quick and professional response, are they trying to help me to a solution to my problem or are they trying to get me in their facility? These are questions which I ask myself. At the end of the day do I feel like the organization views me as an individual who needs help or as a commodity to be traded upon.
- Trust my gut. At the end of it I need to listen to my gut. All of us, have great instincts when it comes to who to trust. These insticits have been honed by millenia of evolution. If I get a bad feeling about someone I need to trust this feeling and walk away.
The above list should give the reader a good start on determining whom they can rely on during this crucial time. The more of the bolded statements that I encounter when speaking to an organization the better I feel about a potential partnership.
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, and feel you need some help please reach out to us. If the cost of providing the advice is that you wouldn’t consider Granite Mountain as an option then please reach out anyway. There are many fine programs in the country and we will be satisfied knowing that we helped another family find their way to recovery. At Granite Mountain we live by a simple mantra “do the right thing, for the right reason, every time.” This is never more true than when helping someone find recovery and a new life.
Until next time
Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us today.
