About ProjectKnow.com

ProjectKnow.com Mission Statement

ProjectKnow.com aims to inform parents and family members of those struggling with addiction, as well as addicts and alcoholics themselves, about the options available for treating addiction. With a library of original content, as well as content from our sister site Child.net (launched 1998, now merged here), and a national directory of teen resources, addiction therapists, treatment centers, and sober living providers, we educate in simple language. While ProjectKnow.com is not meant to take the place of advice from medical professionals, who should always be consulted regarding issues of substance abuse or potential behavioral health disorders, we do provide overviews and offer resources that can expedite the process of familiarizing yourself with addiction, drug and alcohol abuse, dependency, treatment and recovery topics and options.

ProjectKnow.com Content and Contributors

The editorial content featured on ProjectKnow.com provides useful information about the disease of addiction, the effects of substance abuse, and the available treatment methods. We enlist professionals from the fields of mental health, addiction medicine, and behavioral sciences to write and review content to check that we are providing the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

ProjectKnow.com’s Ethics

ProjectKnow.com commits to high ethical standards, in the interest of being as helpful as possible to those seeking treatment. In doing so, we strive for full transparency, by denoting ads from editorial content. We take steps to ensure our advertisers are licensed, similar to the criteria used by the federally run Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provider directory at SAMHSA.gov.

On ProjectKnow.com, we believe in treatment for all, and support autonomous, informed decisions on the path to recovery. We provide content that shows all facets of addiction and its treatment, allowing our visitors to choose the treatment path that fit their needs or those of their loved one. ProjectKnow.com visitors can feel confident that we do not broker or sell admissions, nor do we conduct “consultant contracts.” If you encounter any deceptive, unethical, or misleading marketing practices based on calls made to centers or helplines listed on this site, please contact us.

What Treatment Provider is Right for Me or My Loved One?

We believe in autonomy, and support informed decisions, when it comes to choosing an appropriate treatment provider. It can feel easy to get lost in the plethora of information available online; however, online resources like ProjectKnow.com and facility websites as well as the below, can help you tailor your search.

Consider accreditation and licensure when searching for a treatment provider. Facilities that are accredited by the Joint Commission or CARF have voluntarily met quality and safety standards that exceed certain state licensure criteria. State licensure also matters, as it provides parameters on which services can be rendered at that facility.

Determine if the program is a clinical match for your or your loved one’s needs. Search online or ask an admissions representative for in-depth details on the clinical program offered at the facility. Ask for some of the names of the licensed healthcare practitioners who serve patients at the facility. Ask whether the facility tracks the success of its alumni in staying sober and whether it has published any outcome studies.  Note if the admissions staff asks you about your medical history on the phone, and if they offer specific information about the treatment methodologies available. Evidence-based practices are scientific treatment methods that are proven to garner better outcomes. Ask if the facility utilizes an evidence-based treatment model and request additional data and information on how these methods can work for you or your loved one.

Finances are often a barrier to entry for addiction treatment, so it is important to ask about payment options and insurance coverage up front. Contact the facility or your insurance provider to determine if a program is “in-network.”

Find as much information as possible to support or guide your decision. Read staff bios that detail qualifications, skills, and licensure. Search for videos, photos, and reviews to get a full view on what to expect. Ask for details on the intake process, treatment plans, and long-term support to determine if the offerings available match with your needs.

Keep an eye on the warning signs of possible bad actors. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. Promises of a “cure” or an unrealistic success rate can be signs of possible unethical behavior. Some facilities may offer gifts, cash payments, free travel, or aid in securing insurance. These can be undue inducements which are illegal. These behaviors can put you or your loved ones at risk and should be considered suspicious.