10 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Drug De-Addiction Centre in Pune

When someone you care about (or you yourself) decide to take the courageous step of joining a drug de‑addiction centre in Pune, choosing the right facility can make all the difference. Pune has many options—government centres, NGOs, luxury rehab facilities, holistic centres (Ayurvedic, yoga, meditation), and more. But which one is right for you? Asking the right questions up front will help ensure safety, efficacy, comfort, and long‑term success. Here are ten essential questions to ask before you commit to a centre in Pune.


1. Is the centre licensed and accredited?

  • Make sure the facility is legally recognized. Check for accreditation from bodies like NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers), or licensing under relevant Maharashtra or central government health or social welfare departments.

  • Accreditation ensures that minimum standards of safety, hygiene, professional staff, and treatment protocols are met.


2. What is the treatment approach / therapy model used?

  • Different centres use different models: medically supervised detoxification; psychological counselling (individual, group); cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT); holistic methods (yoga, meditation, Ayurveda); spiritual counselling.

  • Ask whether the centre treats both physical dependence (withdrawal, medical complications) and psychological/behavioural aspects (addiction triggers, trauma, coping mechanisms).


3. What is the staff composition?

  • Who runs the centre: psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counsellors, nurses, detox specialists, support staff?

  • Experience matters—how many years they have helped patients with drug addiction, especially in Pune context (local stressors, culture, family issues).

  • Also check staff‑to‑patient ratio—it impacts how much personalised attention one can get.


4. What is included in the costs, and what are the fees? Are there hidden charges?

  • De‑addiction treatment is often expensive, especially luxury or holistic centres. But costs vary a lot depending on amenities, therapies, location. For instance, private “feature‑rich” de‑addiction centres in Pune may cost fairly high, whereas government or charitable ones are much less.

  • Ask exactly what is included: room, food, counselling, medical care, medicines, therapies, aftercare, family visits.

  • Are there extra charges for family counselling, visits, transport, special dietary needs, etc.?


5. How long is the program, and what is the structure?

  • Rehabilitation stays range in duration (often 4–12 weeks or more) depending on the severity, substance, individual needs.

  • What is the daily schedule like? How many hours of therapy per day, group work, individual sessions, recreational/spiritual/holistic activities, rest, chores?

  • Flexibility: Can the plan be adjusted if the person is progressing faster/slower than expected?


6. Does the centre provide aftercare and relapse prevention support?

  • Recovery doesn’t end once the centre’s program finishes. Ask about post‑treatment follow‑ups, outpatient therapy, support groups, counselling for family, relapse prevention education.

  • A good centre will have a clear aftercare plan: what happens when you return home, how often check‑ins, etc.


7. How is medical safety handled?

  • Detox can be dangerous. What medical supervision is there during withdrawal? Are there doctors on site 24/7? Emergency facilities? Access to psychiatric care for co‑occurring mental health issues?

  • Also check for hygiene, infection control, policies for handling crises (overdose, severe withdrawal, mental breakdown).


8. What is the environment like? Location, facilities, privacy, comfort?

  • Where is the centre located? A peaceful, stress‑free location (away from triggers, pollution, noise) often helps in healing. Some centres in Pune offer such greener, serene settings.

  • Accommodations (shared rooms or private), cleanliness, meals, recreational spaces, outdoor areas, nature walks, meditation/yoga hall etc.

  • How much privacy is allowed (can you have visitors? Phone or internet access? Contact with family?). Some centres allow limited contact, others more.


9. How does the centre involve family and support system?

  • Strong family involvement often leads to better outcomes. Ask if the centre includes family therapy, counselling directed at family members, education so loved ones understand addiction, recovery, how to support without enabling.

  • Are visitors allowed? Are there specific sessions for families? Some centres have programs specifically for family healing.


10. What are their success rates and testimonials / references?

  • Ask for measurable outcomes: what proportion of individuals complete the program, relapse rates, how they track progress.

  • Speak to former clients if possible, read reviews. Centre’s transparency about both successes and failures is a good sign.

  • Also check for psychological follow‑ups: how they ensure that recovery is sustainable.


Why These Questions Matter

  • Safety: Some centres may advertise flashy amenities but skimp on medical supervision. Especially during withdrawal when the body can be in crisis.

  • Suitability: A one‑size‑fits‑all program seldom works—your addiction history, mental health, family dynamics etc., need a tailored treatment.

  • Cost & Sustainability: Understanding all expenses and future commitments prevents unpleasant surprises.

  • Long‑term Recovery: Real change requires aftercare, support, relapse prevention—not just staying clean during the stay.

  • Emotional Comfort: Healing is easier when the person feels respected, supported, safe, understood.


Pune‑Specific Insights & Suggestions

  • There are many centres in Pune offering a variety of approaches—government, charitable, private, holistic. Examples include Samarpan Recovery Centre (Pune & Mumbai) which emphasizes holistic, integrated approaches.

  • Places like Abhasa De‑Addiction Centre offer nature‑rich environments, personalised treatment and holistic healing.

  • If cost is a concern, there are budget rehab options which deliver essential therapies and medical supervision without luxury frills. Always check that therapies and medical care are still up to standard.


Final Thoughts

Deciding to enter a de‑addiction centre is a courageous first step. Asking these 10 questions ensures you make an informed choice—one that gives the best chance for lasting recovery. Take time, visit centres if possible, talk to staff and clients, compare several options, and choose a centre that feels right—where you or your loved one will be treated with dignity, care, and the professionalism needed.

If you like, I can share a curated list of de‑addiction centres in Pune and compare them based on these questions—would that help?