How to get admitted to rehab? Understanding what to look for during rehabilitation center admissions and beyond can help make the process less daunting. Knowing what to bring and how to get to treatment allows you to concentrate on recovery instead of logistics. This article aims to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to prepare for addiction rehab admissions.
Initial Contact Before Entering Treatment Center
When rehab is ready to onboard a patient, he or she typically gets notified by a phone call, an online inquiry, or a referral from a rehab admissions consultant. Usually, potential patients have to spend some time on a waiting list as immediate admission rehab is not always possible due to limited rehab facilities.
In this phase, the professional will assist in answering all the technical questions, such as your next steps, travel details, and other administrative matters. It’s also important to pass the insurance verification and clarify all financial arrangements to ensure the alcohol or opioid treatment is accessible and affordable for you.
Pre-Admission Assessment
Every patient has to pass a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment before he or she is admitted to the health center. It involves a clinical interview detailing substance use history, mental and physical health history, family history, and social factors. Urine drug screening and blood tests may be performed to detect substances in the patient’s system. Several validated assessment tools are also utilized, such as those listed below. Information gathered guides the development of an individualized treatment plan.
Common Assessment Tools for Admission to the Rehab
| Tool | Assesses |
| Addiction Severity Index (ASI) | Substance use severity in several life domains |
| Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA) | Alcohol withdrawal symptoms |
| Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) | Mental health symptoms |
| Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) | Drug use and consequences |
| Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) | Alcohol cravings and behaviors |
Rehab Admission Day
How long does it take to get into rehab? The intake process usually takes from a few hours to one day. Let’s take a step-by-step look at the whole procedure when entering rehab. It involves several key components.
What to Expect on the Day of Admission
This day is a flurry of meetings and activities designed to welcome you, assess your needs, and help you adjust to your new, temporary home. You will face administrative tasks like paperwork and clinical meetings with counselors and nurses. At times, the pace may feel rushed as the facility needs to accomplish many things on admission day.
Arrival and Check-in Process
The admissions process at the center can take 1-2 hours, depending on your arrival time. You will have to cope with all the papers, and pass verification. You have to fill out forms with personal information, medical history, and substance use details. Mention emergency contact names and numbers, write down your insurance information, and verify. Also, review and sign treatment consent forms. Depending on how you feel and the time of day, many centers will offer to get some food if you’re hungry or retire to your room to rest if you’re tired.
Explanation of Facility Rules and Policies
Once the initial paperwork is completed, staff will provide a detailed explanation of all the rules that patients must follow during their stay. They are generally similar across facilities. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, as well as cell phones and computers. Residents are required to attend all scheduled activities, stay on campus, and smoke only in designated areas. Romantic relationships are discouraged, and sexual relations are not allowed.
Meeting with the Admission Coordinator
Each patient will be paired with a specialist who oversees treatment planning and progress. It should be done shortly after intake. The admissions coordinator is the person responsible for your rehab onboarding. He or she explains the daily schedule, treatment programs, and what patients can expect during their stay. Feel free to ask questions and clarify details. This meeting starts the relationship-building process between you and the clinical staff, who will support your recovery journey.
Personal Belongings Check
Be prepared that your bags and belongings will be thoroughly searched. This ensures no prohibited contraband is brought inside. In general, appropriate items to bring include insurance cards and ID, casual clothing and pajamas, toiletries, necessary medications, eyeglasses, books, or magazines. Residents should not bring weapons, alcohol and drugs, toiletries that contain alcohol, sharp objects such as scissors, aerosols, nail polish and removers, or inappropriate clothing.
Initial Orientation to the Facility
It’s also the admission coordinator’s task. It involves a tour of the premises, an overview of daily schedules, the rehab’s rules and guidelines, emergency procedures, and more. You will be assigned to your room and provided with clothes, toiletries, and other essentials if needed. Rooms may be private or shared, depending on the facility and occupancy levels. Clients will have an opportunity to settle into their new living space before starting assessment and treatment. Patients are encouraged to settle in, familiarize themselves with their new environment, and meet fellow residents.
Medical Evaluation During Entering Rehab
Now that you know how to get into rehab, let’s focus on your medical tests. A comprehensive medical evaluation is the first step in drug and alcohol addiction treatment. It helps identify any physical or mental health issues that need to be addressed and provides necessary medical care and technical assistance. Most likely, you will pass it during your first day in rehab, but if you arrive in the late hours, then a medical evaluation can be conducted the next day.
Physical Examination
- Previous health conditions. Chronic illnesses, surgeries, or any other significant medical history
- Current medications. A list of all medications currently being taken, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.
- Vital signs assessment. Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
Psychological Evaluation
- Clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist
- Assessment for co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Behavioral assessment. Evaluation of behavior patterns related to substance use, such as compulsions, triggers, and coping mechanisms.
- Psychological testing. Administration of standardized tests and questionnaires
Social Assessment
- Family dynamics. Exploration of family relationships, including any history of substance use or abuse within the family.
- Employment and financial status. Assessment of the patient’s job stability, and financial resources.
- Living situation. Evaluation of the patient’s housing conditions and potential triggers within the home environment.
Drug and Alcohol Screening
It is made to detect current or recent substance use. It’s a necessary part of the alcohol rehab admissions process or drug rehab admissions process.
- Visual screening. Examination for signs of substance use, such as needle marks or tissue decay.
- Urine drug screen. Checks for 10-12 common drugs, including opioids, cocaine, and marijuana
- Blood tests. Can detect alcohol, opioids, and other drugs
- Breathalyzer. Estimated blood alcohol concentration
The results of these screenings help establish a baseline for the patient’s substance use, identify any substances that could pose immediate health risks during detoxification, and guide medical professionals in creating a detox plan.
Treatment Planning for Addiction Services
Developing a customized treatment program is an important part of rehab admissions. It provides the patient with a roadmap and structure for the recovery process and outlines goals and steps to take to get there. A treatment plan is crucial, especially for those who have experienced a chaotic lifestyle.
Development of an Individualized Treatment Plan
- Firstly, professionals clarify how substance use impacts all major life areas, such as employment, legal, family, medical, and financial. They create a treatment plan based on the gathered info. It needs to be tied to the ASAM standard (American Society of Addiction Medicine).
- Setting goals and objectives. After gathering the clinical information, the goals and objectives are developed into an individualized plan through a logical series of steps that build on one another: problem statement, goal, objectives, and interventions. Goals are based on the problem statements and are reasonably achievable in the active treatment phase. At least one goal should relate to a substance use disorder (SUD) condition and treatment.
Objectives are what the person will do to meet those goals. They must be stated in behaviorally measurable language and it should be very clear when he or she has completed the objectives. Usually, the SMART method is used for set objectives.
- Several evidence-based treatment modalities may be included in a patient’s plan, depending on their specific addiction and needs. These include medically managed detoxification, individual and group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, family therapy, peer support groups, mindfulness practices, nutrition planning, and aftercare planning. The intent is to provide multilayered treatment that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of addiction for sustained healing.
Introduction to the Treatment Team
A successful treatment experience is heavily reliant on the expertise and assistance of a dedicated treatment team. Patients are introduced to professionals who will be guiding them through their recovery journey. The team includes addiction medicine physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, nurses, and social workers. There are always open lines of communication so the clinical team can collaborate and ensure patients feel supported while they do the hard work toward recovery.
Family Involvement
Family participation is a key part of many treatment programs. Research shows that individuals have better outcomes when their family members actively participate. The family and friends provide both emotional and physical support, and maintain the patient’s behavioral health Positive attitudes and encouragement from them can motivate the patient’s commitment and enhance their progress in rehabilitation.
Role of Family in the Rehab Process
Family members attend psychoeducational sessions to learn about addiction and resources for support. They may also participate in family counseling or therapy. These sessions aim to educate families on addiction and improve family functioning. In these sessions, therapists may facilitate discussions on learning healthy communication strategies, rebuilding trust and intimacy, boundary-setting, etc.
Family Visitation Policies
Every rehab has different policies regarding family visitation during a patient’s treatment stay. Many restrict visits during early treatment but open up visitation later on. Limited visits early on help minimize outside distractions so the person can focus on treatment. Later visits allow families to see the patient’s progress and practice relationship skills learned in therapy.
Before visiting, family members may need to sign up for facility guidelines.
Transition to Regular Treatment
The transition process involves integrating into the rehab community, where patients start to build relationships with peers and staff. Therapy sessions commence, providing structured support through individual and group settings. Adjusting to the new environment may take time, but the consistent schedule and supportive atmosphere help patients acclimate. This initial phase is important for setting the foundation for ongoing recovery.
A Long Journey Starts From the First Step
The intake process could be stressful and take some time but it allows clinical staff at rehab facilities to focus on the key aspects of recovery. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and engage with staff members.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, there is no shame in seeking help. Treatment providers are ready to assist by connecting you to a rehab assistance center. Contact a rehab provider today and begin your journey toward a positive transformation.
