EOSIS

They offer inpatient residential and detox. Which one fits is usually decided by how much structure the first few weeks need, and Saint Paul has 8 other centers within 14 miles.

They provide detox for 5 substances: alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamines and opioids. Whether a bed is free this week is a question for the call, and Saint Paul has 8 other centers.

Saint Paul has 1 AA group, which is a different thing from treatment and a useful one next to it.

They offer a program for clients with a mental health diagnosis as well, which not every center around Saint Paul does.

They prescribe 2 medications: buprenorphine and naltrexone. What a provider actually stocks changes, so ask for the one you need by name before driving to Saint Paul.

Older adults, plus young adults from 18 to 25 and adults from 26 to 64. Ask how the groups are arranged in Saint Paul, because a wide age range often still means one room.

The list should include anything stopped recently, because a recent change matters as much as a current dose. A pain condition does not disappear during treatment and should be part of the conversation from the start. Ask who to speak to if something needs changing mid program.

One of them takes the decision to use out of your hands for a while. The other leaves it with you. A clinician settles this on risk, history and circumstances, and the assessment is a single appointment. Ask whether a center can carry out an assessment first rather than selling you a program.