The benefits gained from going to a
treatment facility can be enormous and possibly even save a substance abuser's life. When you or a loved one is admitted into a substance abuse program, the experience can be quite overwhelming, especially during the first few days. To help cope with the frightening experience that most substance abusers go through after entering treatment, whether the abuser be you or a loved one, it is important to know what to expect.
First Things First
When a person is first admitted into a treatment facility, he or she will first go through an intake interview. Sometimes, the secretary of the treatment facility will administer the interview. Other times, it may be a medical professional. The purpose behind the intake interview is to assess a patient's current state of mind, including whether or not he or she will need detox services. Some treatment facilities may not allow a person to enter until proper detox services have been obtained. On the other hand, some facilities will offer detox treatment their selves.
It is also during the intake interview that it will be assessed whether or not the patient suffers from any type of mental illness. The thoroughness of the intake process may not be all that extensive. If so, a more thorough assessment will be conducted on the patient within the first few days of treatment.
Paperwork
There is much paperwork to be filled out when a person first enters into a treatment facility. He or she will be responsible for answering many questions. It is important to fill out the paperwork using complete honesty; this ensures that the most appropriate services can be obtained. The patient will also receive much paperwork, including an orientation packet and a copy of the patient's Bill of Rights.
Tour of the Facility
A tour of the entire facility may or may not take place on the first day of treatment; however, a tour of the patient's living quarters will. The belongings of the patient will be sorted through by a staff member, ensuring no illegal or prohibited items are brought in. Illegal and prohibited items tend to include any and all drugs and alcohol, cell phones, weapons of any sort and much more. If drugs and/or alcohol are found, most treatment facilities will not contact law officials. Instead, they will destroy and throw away the substances.
Physical Examinations
Most treatment facilities mandate their patients to go through a physical examination during the first day or two of treatment. In addition, the patients are required to take drug tests. By identifying the drugs that are presently in the patients' systems, this helps in creating an effective treatment plan. Many facilities will also carry out tuberculosis tests on their patients.
Meeting a Case Worker
Usually, on the first day of treatment the patient will meet with his or her case worker. Most times, this case worker will remain as the patient's case worker for the entire duration of his or her stay.
Development of a Treatment Plan
During the first two to three days of treatment, a patient will meet with several therapists and psychologists. These medical professionals will sit down with the patient's case worker to create an extensive treatment plan. If a patient has any concerns and/or thoughts relating to his or her treatment plan, it is imperative that he or she relays them to the case worker.
