What to Expect

For many people, just the thought of entering a treatment program for drug addiction is scary and overwhelming. What will it be like? What will they do to, with, and for me? What will they expect me to do? Am I going to be completely cut off from the world? What are the other patients going to be like?

The questions go on and on. And though many of the answers depend upon the unique nature of the treatment program you are considering, some of the mystery can be removed – and much of the anxiety can be lessened – by gaining a general understanding of what happens at a drug rehab center.

For example, most drug rehab programs consist of four stages: intake, the development of a treatment plan, treatment, and aftercare:

Step 1 – Intake
“Intake” refers to the assessment process that happens on a patient’s first visit to a treatment program. During intake, the program’s treatment professionals learn the medical and family of the patient, and discuss the patient’s drug use. There’s usually a lot of paperwork to fill out during the intake phase, including a treatment consent form that – among other things – outlines the program’s confidentiality policy and states that the patient has willingly entered the program.

Step 2 – Developing the Treatment Plan
Based on the information the client gives during intake, an initial treatment plan will be created, and a doctor or nurse will review the plan with the client. This is a great opportunity for the client to ask as many questions as are necessary to develop an understanding of what will occur during treatment.

Step 3 – Treatment
Once the plan has been developed, actual treatment will begin, starting (if necessary) with a period of detoxification during which the clients’ body will purge itself of the drug(s) or alcohol that have been abused. Once the detox is complete and the client’s body is clean, the rehabilitation and recovery portions of the treatment plan can begin. During this time, the treatment plan will be reviewed and modified as needed to ensure that the therapeutic activities and experiences that the client is completing are having the desired effect.

Step 4 – Continuing or After Care
People typically make great progress toward a life without drugs or alcohol while they’re in a treatment facility, but returning to “normal” life can be difficult. A good treatment center will provide continuing care in the form of counseling sessions and support groups. Continuing care is important because addiction is a lifelong disease that requires maintenance. Some treatment centers will even help graduates find a “sponsor” – someone who’s been through treatment and has successfully abstained from drugs and alcohol for an extended period of time.

The treatment process may seem overwhelming, but remember that taking things one step at a time will keep the process manageable, and make long-term recovery achievable.