If you have chosen a drug treatment facility to attend to help you conquer your addiction to your drug of choice, you are probably wondering what the first day at the treatment center will be like. This is perfectly normal. This article will help to answer some of your questions about the admissions process. It will also discuss what professionals you will talk to during intake into an addiction treatment center. Not all facilities will have the same exact procedures, but there are certain aspects of the intake process that will likely be similar from facility to facility.
Drug Rehab Staff Members
A drug rehab center will have a variety of professionals on staff. This will likely include some type of administrator or admissions specialist, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, registered nurses, dietitians and various kinds of social workers with experience in the substance abuse field. They are all there to help you. Staff physicians will probably hold board certifications in addiction medicine. These doctors will design your detox program and make sure that your medical problems are treated while you are a resident at the facility. Most rehabs now offer dual diagnosis services. This means that any concurrent mental health issues like depression are identified and treated along with the standard treatment for substance abuse. If you are a dual diagnosis client, you will likely receive the services of a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has received additional training beyond medical school in the treatment of mental illness. A psychologist specializes in mental health but cannot prescribe medication in most states.
Your First Day at Rehab
When you first arrive at your facility, you will be greeted by an admissions staff member. You will fill out certain forms that ask for general information about you, such as your name, age, family and emergency information. They will likely search your property and person for contraband, too. Don’t take this personally. It’s just a necessary procedure. Next, you will likely be interviewed by a registered nurse or therapist with special training in substance abuse. You will be asked about your drug or drugs of choice, length of time of use, amount you use and other related questions. Be honest. Take your time and answer each question the best you can. After that, you will probably see a physician for a medical exam. Be sure the doctor knows all about any medical problems you have. If you have a dual diagnosis, you will probably see a psychiatrist before the first day is out. They will want to start you on appropriate medication right away. The first day can be overwhelming. Just stay calm and remember that everyone there is just trying to help you.
If you would like help with a substance abuse problem for yourself or a loved one, just call us anytime at 833-846-5669. Our professional drug treatment counselors will be happy to assist you with finding the very best in individualized addiction treatment. Let us help. It’s what we do.