The decision to seek treatment for a substance dependency is a quite commendable action. Taking such a step demonstrates that the impacted subject realizes they cannot control their addiction, the lives of themselves and others have been adversely influenced, and circumstances will only continue to deteriorate if swift and aggressive measures are not introduced.
That said, this process\’s initial stages can be daunting and confusing. Therefore, having an idea of what to expect during this time might play a critical role in ensuring the healing soul\’s recovery efforts are successful.
Things To Expect When Beginning Treatment
It is important to understand that every treatment program participant is different. Ergo, the experience might vary slightly from subject to subject. However, many experience similar events when starting treatment including:
The Checking-In Process
Before any therapeutic action can be taken, the recovering dependent must first check-in to the facility in question. During this procedure, the individual seeking help will likely be required to fill out a significant amount of paper work highlighted by an intake form.
On the intake form, prospective rehab patients will be asked to provide information regarding their circumstances such as the type of drug they abused, how long they used said substance, if they have any underlying health or mental issues, and any other pertinent data. This enables addiction specialists to get to know them and ultimately formulate the most thorough and individualized treatment plan.
Said individuals might also undergo medical and mental evaluations from licensed and experienced physicians.
Detox
In certain instances, treatment\’s earliest stages will require detox. Those possessing severe addictions or enter a treatment program with significant underlying health concerns will need to rid their bodies of the addictive substance before proceeding any further.
The process could take an appreciable amount of time depending upon factors including the intended recipient\’s:
- General health
- The specific chemical they are dependent on
- How long their addiction has lasted
- The amount of the offending drug that they were routinely ingesting
Numerous treatment clinics possess safe, state-of-the-art medical facilities where detox can be performed under the strict supervision of experienced medical professionals. Persons with major dependencies are gradually weaned off the drug in question so they are not overwhelmed with the symptoms associated with mental and physical withdrawal.
Counseling
Once the healing soul has cleared the first two hurdles, the recovery process can commence in earnest. Typically, counseling is this component\’s first phase.
Under usual circumstances, the treatment recipient will be assigned a licensed counselor with whom they will receive private therapy geared towards accomplishing tasks including:
- Identifying why the dependency started in the first place and spiraled so far out of control
- Specific triggers that precipitated initial and continued substance abuse
- Uncovering any mental health concerns or anxiety issues
- Learning to eliminate any negative individuals or environments
- Finding coping methods designed to help the individual in question lead a healthy and productive life while avoiding or reducing the potential for relapse
Therapy might progress to group sessions or specific endeavors created to improve the mind and body\’s health.
Planning For The Future
In a solid percentage of cases, an inpatient treatment stint lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 days. As these time frames draw to a close, treatment center staffs and patients work to forge aftercare plans.
This outline might contain some type of blueprint regarding issues such as immediate future living arrangements, employment possibilities, continued medical therapies or counseling programs, and access to other support services.
Coping With Treatment\’s Beginning Stages
Treatment is certainly beneficial. However, completing it is not always easy. Those experiencing its initial phases should expect some challenges and might be able to cope with said difficulties by:
Expecting Highs And Lows
During the early days of the recovery process, those undergoing treatment will likely experience a wide range of positive and negative emotions. Industry professionals stress that these feelings are normal. The trick is trying to maintain the proper balance.
Avoiding Idle Time
Excessive down time is a major potential enemy to recovery. It is during these periods people overthink and might develop excessively negative thoughts. Fortunately, this possible pitfall might be avoided by ensuring any idle time is filled with some type of productive and time-consuming activity.
Understanding That Cravings Will Occur
Overcoming the physical addiction is often the easier aspect of recovery. However, mental cravings can and often do occur. These intense feelings might be kept at bay through participation in beneficial and positive endeavors.
Contacting Us
Those with dependencies residing in the eastern portion of the United States are urged to contact us. Our New Jersey shore-based facility have helped countless former addicts hailing from northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and southeastern regions overcome their physical addictions and successfully complete recovery programs. Call us at 833-610-1174.