What to Expect on the First Day of Alcohol Rehab

The scariest thing about an inpatient alcohol rehab treatment program is the fear of the unknown. If you are planning on admitting yourself or a loved one into an inpatient program, knowing what you or your loved one should expect throughout the first day can relieve your anxiety and make you feel confident in your decision to proceed with treatment. Alcoholism statistics show that alcohol rehab centers that utilize reality-based therapy treatment, management of withdrawal symptoms, and evidence-based practices exhibit the best success rates. Once you have found a facility that uses these practices and has a high success rate, this is a breakdown of what you should expect within the first 24 hours of being admitted into the program.

 

Step #1: The Intake Process

You cannot expect to feel comfortable the minute you walk through the doors of an alcohol rehab center, but as you start to feel familiar with your surroundings, you will feel comfortable and at peace. The first thing you will go through when you enter a program is intake. During the intake process, you will speak with therapeutic and medical professionals to discuss your mental and physical health. Expect to be asked a lot of questions, and be prepared to give the answers. After the question and answer portion of intake, you will meet with a medical professional and complete a full physical. The doctor will take your vitals, labs, and schedule testing to determine the cause of symptoms you are exhibiting. If you have a medical condition that requires medication, the staff will verify what medications are needed to stabilize your condition to ensure they are on hand. You are not permitted to bring your own prescribed medications into the center unless they have been approved by the doctor first.

 

Step #2: Meeting With Your Therapist

Once your physical is done, you will then meet with your alcohol abuse therapist to discuss your history of substance abuse. You will discuss what your reasons are for seeking treatment, and what your future goals are once you are in recovery. Your therapist may list alcoholism causesand ask you to identify which causes you believe pertain to your situation. By understanding what has propelled your addiction, you and your therapist can start creating a plan so that you can live a sober life.

 

Step #3: Inspecting Your Bags

While honesty is the best policy, addiction is an illness, and it is common for patients to try and bring contraband into the facility for when times get tough. Having your bags inspected is an inevitable part of treatment. Your bags will be checked for alcohol, drugs, weapons, contraband, and electrical devices that are not permitted. If you want to avoid feeling like you have attempted to smuggle contraband into the facility, review the facility's cheat sheet to see what is and is not permitted before you arrive on day one.

 

Step #4: Getting Your Tour

After you pass your inspection, you will be taken to your room. You may share a room or have a private room depending on the center you choose. The staff will give you a tour to show you where you will have group sessions, counseling sessions, and medical treatments. You will also go over the center's rules and be asked to sign a form showing you understand these rules.

 

Step #5: Settling Into Your Room

Your first day is all about settling in. After you tour the property and acknowledge that you know the rules, you will be taken to your room where you can put up your belongings. If there is time, you may have a group counseling session where you can meet other patients. If the center is pressed for time, you may be directed to the dining room where you will enjoy your first meal in treatment. Your first day in alcohol treatment may not be as clear cut if you are exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. If you fall ill, you may receive detox treatment before you settle in. Now that you know what to expect, it is the time to take the leap for the sake of your future. Meta: What to expect on the first day of alcohol rehabilitation usually begins going through the intake process and getting familiar with your surroundings.