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Congratulations on taking the first step towards a peaceful life. One of the most important steps to getting effective treatment is first acknowledging that a problem exists, and then finding the right form of treatment. While there are several options for treating those with drug or alcohol addiction, often a person will have more success in an inpatient rehabilitation program.
While it may seem daunting and a little intimidating, by following the program for 30 plus days and away from everything you know, you will find that in time things will get easier and the road to recovery will be more manageable.
There are hundreds if not thousands of rehabilitation facilities you can enter for drug or alcohol addiction treatment – some cater to young adults, while others cater to business professionals. Each facility has its own approach to treatment and other services that can benefit you in the long term. However, making the best decision about which rehabilitation facility is best is up to you.
You will need to determine which plans you can afford (or your health insurance covers), which programs offer the best treatment approach (according to you), and any other personal preferences you might consider. Asking to take a tour of several rehabilitation facilities that meet your needs may be the most effective way to make the best choice.
Once you have chosen a rehabilitation facility, all that remains is to prepare for the start of your program. While all facilities are different, below is a brief description of what you may encounter in your first few days in treatment:
- Income – Before actually starting your treatment program, there will be a short exam and interview taking place. This intake process generally consists of drug counselors and medical professionals. They will first learn about your addiction, the types of substances you are addicted to, the various causes of addiction, other pre-existing medical conditions, and more. They will also do a physical exam and blood and urine samples to help with the process. The results of these exams and interviews will determine which treatment option is most suitable for you and how long you need to stay in the program.
- detoxification – After you have been assessed by counselors and medical professionals, you should enter a detoxification period. During this period of time, you are medically supervised by a team of professionals as you go through the different phases of your detox. NEVER TRY TO DETOX ALONE: Medical assistance is always advised during a detox as the body can experience adverse effects from withdrawal. This page is at DualDiagnosis.org provides an in-depth explanation of detoxification and what you might expect.
- Active Care – Once your body has rid itself of toxins and drug or alcohol residue, you will most likely be ready for active treatment. During this phase of your treatment program, you will engage in various forms of therapy (individual, group, and family counselling), along with other treatment options which may include holistic medicine which may include acupuncture, horses, meditation, religious practices, and more. Active treatment will last throughout your stay in the rehabilitation facility and may change as you progress toward living a sober life.
These are common steps taken during the first few days of an inpatient recovery program. As stated above, because each rehabilitation facility has its own regimen and approach to treatment, this list may vary.
However, knowing what to expect can often help relieve any bouts of stress, anxiety, or fear you may have to begin with. Drug rehabilitation facilities are often the most effective approach to addiction treatment.
However, it is very important to point out that ultimately, you and your will to succeed and live a sober life are the primary decision makers as to how effective the treatment really is.
