What To Expect From An Alcohol And Drug Rehab Center

Checking into an alcohol and drug rehab center is for most addicts one of the most frightening times they experience. All the components that made your life predictable and safe is all of a sudden turned completely upside down. You will be isolated from your family and friends and spend your life surrounded with strangers. And last but not least, your weird but safe comfort zone consisting of a life of addiction will be stripped away like a lightning strike. Let's face it; many addicted persons people have no clue as to what to expect within their first 24 hours at an alcohol or drug rehab center, so here is a rough checklist you can prepare yourself with.

When you first arrive at an alcohol or drug rehab center, you will have to go through an intake interview. This is your first meeting with a highly skilled therapist. The therapist will ask several very personal questions. Try to cooperate as good as you can with your intake therapist, as your intake will help to stake out the course of your treatment. Your intake therapist will diagnose your alcohol or drug addiction problem as well as any coexisting psychological disorders through the use of very specific standardized criteria.

During or shortly after your intake interview, you will be given a so called information and orientation packet. The contents of this packet will vary between drug rehab centers, but will always include a Patient's Bill of Rights or a similar document, which lists numerous rights to which you are entitled by law. Your packet will most likely also include a schedule of activities, information about the alcohol or drug rehab center's history and goals, insurance details as well as other information that is important to your stay.

After a while, it's time to take a look at your living quarters. The belongings and contents of a patient will be searched intensely. Objects that are not permitted will either be locked away or destroyed, depending on the legal options. Your own clothing is typically allowed however, in some centers there is a dress code. n
At some point you will meet your drug or alcoholism treatment team. The team will normally include a physician, therapist and case manager or maybe a social worker as well as support people. Some alcohol or drug rehab centers also provide a nutritionist and perhaps an activities director. The same staff members will remain on your personal treatment team throughout your time at the drug rehab center.

Within the first 24 hours at an alcohol or drug rehab center, you will have to go through a full physical examination. In cases where the doctor is of opposite gender from yourself, a nurse or staff member of your gender will be present as well. You will need to undergo urinalysis and most likely blood testing to determine which drugs are currently present in your system and in what amounts. You may also be screened for tuberculosis as well as other communicable diseases. The doctor or his staff will meet with you to discuss your test results and make recommendations for medical assistance with your drug addiction problem.

Within a couple of days, your treatment team will work out an individualized drug or alcoholism treatment plan. This will include the process for your initial detox, as well as the treatment that will take place next. You are the most important member of your team, so do not be afraid to speak up and contribute your own thoughts and opinions. If the company's policy states otherwise, you should strongly consider changing to a different alcohol or drug rehab center.

So, have no illusions when you are entering an alcohol or drug rehab center; it can be harsh, frightening and even traumatizing. Keep your wits about you and don't hesitate to ask all the questions you need and everything will work out. Keep in mind that the staff members are there to help you solve your drug or alcohol problems and get your life back together. An alcohol or drug rehab center has as it's mission to help you, so be prepared to learn more about yourself and your addiction and utilize this knowledge for your own benefit.