Going to rehab is your best option for taking care of your health when you have been dealing with an addiction. Using drugs or alcohol excessively can often lead to health conditions that affect just about every part of your body. Whether you’ve already been dealing with an issue such as heart disease or just fear that you’ve damaged your liver, one of your biggest concerns might be to make sure that you get the help you need to start caring for your physical health. You could also be grappling with a fear of going to the doctor if you’ve experienced a traumatic health event in the past. In each of these cases, your general health and personal needs will be the main way your treatment team determines how often you will see a doctor in rehab.
Rehab programs employ physicians and other health care providers to help you maintain your physical wellbeing while you begin the process of weaning your body off of drugs and alcohol. You may need to see a doctor to help you make it through serious withdrawal symptoms, or you might have an ongoing health concern that needs regular medical attention. When you enroll in a rehab program, you’ll start off with a physical and mental health assessment that checks these factors that influence the frequency of your doctor visits.
- Your personal health history up to this point
- Your current physical and mental health symptoms
- Your medication regimen
- Your comfort with meeting with a doctor or other health care provider
Get the Support You Need to Heal Inside and Out In Rehab
Every rehab program is different, which means that you might see a doctor more frequently in one than you would another. You’ll also find that the frequency of visits varies from one patient to another. Someone who is in optimum health and not dealing with severe withdrawal symptoms might not need to see a doctor for a physical exam every day. However, you will likely meet with a mental health counselor on a daily basis, with many people experiencing several therapy sessions within each day.
If you don’t see a doctor every day, then don’t worry. You’ll still be receiving quality health care services that address your physical and mental health needs. You might have a nurse or addiction treatment technician check your vital signs during the withdrawal process. You may also have a professional nutritionist on staff helping to plan your daily menu and meals so that your body receives the nutrition it needs to fully recover. Many rehab programs also employ physical therapists, fitness trainers and other professionals who develop and implement exercise routines that help you start feeling your best.
In addition to caring for your outward health, you’ll also be working hard to heal mentally. Addiction frequently develops due to mental health conditions that are undiagnosed or untreated. If you have a new mental health condition that requires medication to control, then you’ll likely meet with a psychiatrist or other licensed medical provider to begin your new treatment plan. They’ll monitor your body’s reaction to any new medications as you begin your treatment, and you’ll have access to counselors who can help you find natural coping strategies that include things such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness training.
Your treatment plan may be different from the other people in your rehab since there is not a one-size-fits-all way to heal from an addiction. The thing to remember is that your plan will be personally tailored to fit your needs. As you enter rehab, make sure to share your physical and mental health concerns. It is also important to be open to hearing what your treatment team suggests regarding things such as when and why you visit with a doctor or other health care professional. You may also find that your treatment plan changes as you make progress. Once you get through the withdrawal process, you’ll typically have your physical health monitored less frequently since the focus will then turn towards how you are doing mentally. If a new health concern ever arises, you’ll also receive prompt medical attention that keeps you safe and comfortable.
Are you curious about what other services you’ll receive in rehab? We can outline what a typical day will look like for you. Give us a call today at 833-610-1174 to find out how going to rehab can transform your physical and mental health.