Rehab Admissions
Substance addiction is a misunderstood condition that affects the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Because many individuals with addiction are in denial about their habits, it makes taking the first step to finding professional help a challenge.
Seeking and entering treatment is a choice. For those who choose to make a change for the betterment of their lives and that of their loved ones, it starts with making the call for treatment and learning of your options.
In this guide, we explore the rehab admissions process, reasons to call a rehab service provider, and what you can expect when you enter into a recovery programme.
How Do I Know if I Need Help?
Getting help for addiction is a brave step towards living a healthier lifestyle. Without the necessary treatment, many will experience the worsening of symptoms. The effects can filter into your personal and professional life often at the sacrifice of relationships and careers. But when do you know that it’s the right time to find help?
Seeking treatment is about recognising the signs and symptoms of substance misuse and dependence. Substance dependence or addiction is defined as an inability to control or quit the use of alcohol or drugs. Addiction is also not limited to substances but includes behaviours such as gambling, food addiction, and smoking (NHS UK).
When addiction and its psychological and behavioural effects start to damage your life and the lives of those around you, it is time to find help.
Remember, it only takes one step to change your circumstances for the better.
Making the Call for Treatment
Pursuing treatment for addiction can feel overwhelming but it is an important step towards empowerment and living a life in which you can achieve your goals. Fortunately, a rehab clinic or facility understands the difficulties that individuals experience when contacting them for assistance. The decision that you need to make is whether to contact a private rehab or a free service (government-managed). You can also contact a toll-free helpline or hotline for addiction and treatment information.
Making the Call for Treatment
When you call a rehab facility or treatment programme for assistance, you will speak to informed and compassionate staff. The person you talk to is experienced in handling your questions and concerns about addiction the options for treatment.
Should you contact a private rehabilitation centre, they will advise on a consultation for a medical exam. The purpose is to determine the nature of your addiction and your admission into the relevant treatment programme. This includes inpatient or outpatient therapies.
Addiction hotlines are also available for a specific drug and alcohol-related conditions. When you talk to a staff member, they can help you with information on topics of substance dependence. They are also available for family members who want to learn more about addiction. These toll-free numbers can be contacted 24 hours a day and will be managed by qualified and caring personnel. They will not criticise, judge, or threaten to report you for drug use; instead, their role is to guide and help you to find the appropriate treatment.
What Questions Will They Ask?
During the initial phone call, you have the right to remain anonymous and you are not required to share any personal information. For staff to assist with helpful information, they will ask relevant questions to determine whether you have a substance use disorder which is also known as a pre-intake screening. The screening questions will cover the following:
- How long you’ve been using alcohol or drugs
- The types of drugs used
- Your overall history with drugs and/or alcohol
- A history of receiving psychiatric care
- Overall employment, maintenance of relationships, and general family life
- Whether you are facing legal problems
- Whether underlying mental health conditions may be present
These are general questions that are explored to advise on the appropriate rehab facility or programmes available in your area. You can also speak to personnel to learn about the types of treatments and therapies that you can attend in your city or state. They can advise on both local therapy and centres you’d have to travel to.
During the phone call, the staff member may advise on the services and resources that would be most beneficial to you.
It is important to remember that only a professional assessment performed by a therapist can admit you into a recovery facility. You can also be referred to an NHS programme with the assistance of your GP.
Along with exploratory questions concerning your addiction, providers will ask about finances for treatment. This includes options under medical cover, payment plans, and what to expect as general rehab costs.
Before Arriving at a Treatment Centre, How Can I Prepare and What Should I Bring?
Prior to admission, learn how you will pay for the programme of your choice and whether you will need to bring cash or a credit card to the facility. To prepare for your stay in rehab you should make the necessary arrangements for the child, pet, or family care depending on your obligations. Manage any financial requirements including outstanding debts or legal issues to avoid complications when you are discharged.
You should only have the essentials to prepare for treatment. Clothing, bedding, and hygiene products are permitted but your rehab provider will issue a list of items that you can bring with you.
Arriving at the Rehab Centre, What Happens Next?
Upon admission into a treatment centre, you will receive an assessment to determine your physical health, the severity of your addiction, and where you are in the process of detox (WebMD). If you have not undergone detox, this part of the treatment will first be completed before entering into a structured therapy programme.
Some facilities will request that you give your phone to the addiction management team for the duration of treatment. The purpose is to prevent any distractions or triggers through your recovery journey.
You will be assigned a room for treatment and staff will explain the procedure based on your individual assessment. Clients will receive both psychological and medical care and move through the various stages of treatment according to their goals.
