What to Expect When Contacting a Recovery Center
Are you looking for a drug and alcohol treatment center for yourself or a loved one? When you reach out to a recovery center, be prepared to provide the intake worker with some information. The answers you provide will help you and the treatment center staff determine whether a particular facility is the best option.
All Recovery Centers are Not the Same
Choosing a recovery center is a straightforward matter of selecting one that has a bed available and accepts the right insurance. The reality is more complicated than that.
Each drug and alcohol center treats clients based on its mission statement and stated treatment approach. These concepts form the foundation of all programs for clients at that center.
Questions You Can Expect From a Recovery Center
When you call a recovery center, you will be connected to the admissions staff. These staff members are trained to ask questions to determine whether someone would be a good fit for the treatment center’s programs. You can expect to answer the following questions during your conversation:
- Please tell us about your/your loved one’s medical history.
The recovery center wants to be aware of any recent surgeries you or your loved one has undergone. The recovery center also wants to know if a client is living with a chronic illness (asthma, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, etc.) that must be managed before entering the center.
Mental Health Part of Medical History. A potential client’s mental health history is an important part of their medical history. If they have ever been treated for a mental illness, share this information with the intake worker. In a situation where you suspect your loved one is living with a mental illness and an addiction, don’t hesitate to tell the intake worker your suspicions.
A dual-diagnosis treatment center like Fair Oaks Recovery Center treats clients’ mental health concerns and substance abuse issues at the same time. It’s not uncommon for clients struggling with an addiction to also have a mental health issue. Both of them need professional treatment to increase the chances of long-term recovery.
- What kinds of drugs have you/your loved one been using? What is your use history?
The intake worker asks questions about the kinds of drugs and the amount someone has been using to start making notes for possible detoxification (detox) if the recovery center offers that service onsite. Some recovery centers send clients to an offsite location for detox services. No matter how detoxification is handled, the treatment center must know exactly what type of drug addiction it is dealing with before a client can start the detox process.
The recovery center asks prospective clients about their substance use history because this information helps the medical and psychological professionals on staff develop an individualized treatment plan for each client.
Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Recovery Center
A conversation with an intake worker is the perfect time for you or your loved one to ask some questions as well. Here are some to get you started:
- Can you tell me about your treatment programs?
Ideally, the recovery center you choose should begin with a detailed evaluation of each client upon their arrival at the treatment center. New clients should get a physical exam and meet with a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
Detoxification. If the new client is still using drugs and alcohol, they will need to complete detox before they can start their treatment. Ask whether the detox program is medically supervised and if medications are used to keep clients comfortable through this phase.
Daily Schedule. The intake worker should be able to provide information about what a typical day at the treatment center looks like for clients and tell you whether the facility offers specialized programs for clients with PTSD, veterans, nurses, or executives living with an addiction.
The facility should offer individual and group therapy sessions, nutritious meals, and a physical activity program. Clients should also learn about the disease of addiction and relapse prevention during their stay. Many drug and alcohol treatment programs offer family counseling programs so that the family can understand addiction and offer understanding and support to their addicted loved one.
Living Arrangements. Many addiction recovery centers are co-ed, offering services to male and female clients. Prospective clients may want to inquire about living arrangements within the facility, as they may have concerns about personal security. Ask whether the staff is on duty 24/7 to ensure all clients are safe and can stay focused on getting sober during their stay at the facility.
Fair Oaks Recovery Center offers a holistic approach to treatment in a safe, supportive facility. Our client’s recovery is our primary focus.
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