The first day of substance abuse rehab can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming. After all, it is the beginning of hard work and major changes in your life. It is important to remember that even though the changes may not always be comfortable, they are intended to reap great rewards as you trudge the road to recovery. You should anticipate meeting with medical and therapeutic professionals during your intake process, assist the staff as they search your personal belongings, and have a little quiet time to settle in. The first day of substance abuse rehab is designed to be simple and stress-free.
Substance Abuse Rehab Intake Process
During the initial phase of entering a substance abuse treatment center, you will begin the intake process which consists of a lot of questions and answers. You will undergo a physical to assess your overall medical health. During this phase of the intake process, it is important for you to be forthcoming about any underlying medical issues you may be experiencing – asthma, Hepatitis C, high blood pressure, diabetes – and be sure you give them any prescriptions you may need during your stay. In some cases, you may be asked to participate in further testing and treatment to handle those issues and any that may be discovered during the intake physical.
You will also sit down with a therapist for a brief evaluation during your intake process. You will be asked a series of questions concerning your drug history and what you are hoping to achieve in drug rehab. During this time, you may also be asked about any underlying mental health issues or traumas that may have contributed to your addiction. Next, the therapist will begin the process of creating an individualized treatment plan just for you. If you have been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, it is vital that you let the therapist know so that you can take advantage of dual diagnosis treatment.
Drug Rehab: Searching Your Personal Belongings
A necessary and seemingly invasive step you will take upon entering a drug rehab program is having a counselor search your personal belongings. The counselor or tech will check your suitcase and other bags to be sure you do not have any drugs, alcohol, weapons, or other contraband. Some treatment centers will require you to turn in your cell phones and other electronic communication devices as well. If you brought prescription medication, you will be required to hand it over to the onsite medical staff. The medical staff will administer your medication when it is time for your dose.
If you are not sure what is appropriate to pack for drug rehab, you can request a list of what is considered contraband and what you should bring with you. Each substance abuse treatment center will allow you to bring the necessities with you. However, policies on extra items may vary by center. Here is a list of what most rehabs recommend you bring:
- A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of people you want to be involved in your treatment (family, healthcare professionals, sponsors, etc)
- Jewelry that you wear every day (wedding ring/watch) However, be cautious about bringing any other valuables along with you.
- Prescription medication should be in the original pharmacy bottle with the information label intact. It is also important to bring a list of all medications you take and dosages.
- A small amount of cash ($50 or $100 in smaller bills) to put onto your account for cigarettes, snacks, drinks, etc.
- Insurance cards/ Identification (driver’s license, passport, etc)
- Notebook or Journal
- Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing
- Pictures of your loved ones to keep in your room
- Toiletries
Getting Settled into Drug Rehab
Once you have completed the intake process, had your personal belongings assessed, and been given a tour of the facility, you will have some time to settle in. Depending upon what time of day you enter treatment, you may be invited to join your first group meeting or head over to grab a meal. Most substance abuse treatment centers will take your physical health into consideration. If you are ill and require medical attention, you will be attended to. Your health is always a top priority in drug rehab.
First Day at Comprehensive Wellness Center in South Florida
Located in breathtaking Palm Beach, Florida, Comprehensive Wellness Center provides a perfectly serene atmosphere to begin your path to recovery. Our inpatient dual diagnosis treatment center is only one city block from Southeast Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, a few blocks south of Ocean Avenue, and less than one mile from Palm Beach’s pristine shoreline. This natural beauty will allow you and your family an opportunity to start anew in a positive and enriching environment.
For the best in treatment, counseling, aftercare and other beneficial programs, Comprehensive Wellness Center will provide the tools and support needed to make lifelong sobriety a reality. If you would like to know more about what you can expect during your first day at drug rehab, take that first step towards a healthy future and call us today.
