In 2009, only 2.6 million of the 23.5 million people who abused drugs and alcohol received treatment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.₁ That means that only 11.2 percent of those who needed treatment received it. People fail to seek treatment for a myriad of reasons, one of which is the fear of the unknown. Going into a situation when you don’t know what to expect can be frightening and overwhelming. It is a great idea to educate yourself on what to expect during the first step of drug addiction treatment so you can receive the help you need. Once you eliminate the fear of the unknown, it’s much easier to enter rehab without significant anxiety. Give Lakeview Health a call today at [Direct] and see why we’re different from other drug rehabilitation centers. We work with you through the entire process so that you can achieve a fulfilling, lasting recovery.

The First Step – Not the Same for Everyone

Addiction treatment centers choose the first step of treatment depending on the patient’s needs. Some people require detox, while others can move directly to inpatient or intensive outpatient rehab. To determine which drug addiction treatment is right for you, you will go through an intake process before arrival. This will allow a professional to choose the course of drug addiction treatment that is best for your particular needs. Typically, the best course of treatment is determined through an intake call.

The Intake Call

The first step is usually speaking with an intake coordinator over the phone. You might feel a little nervous, however, this is quite normal, and your coordinator will put you at ease by explaining your next steps. The coordinator will discuss your drug or alcohol use history with you to determine the severity of the addiction. During this process, you will relay your substance of choice, the length of use, and how much you use. The coordinator will also discuss your family’s history of addiction as this will paint a clearer picture of your needs. In addition, your coordinator will want to know about any physical and mental health issues that you might have. Many people have concurrent disorders, meaning they suffer from addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you knowingly suffer from any of these, it is vital to disclose it during your intake call so your coordinator can relay this information to the treatment team. This information will also enable the coordinator to determine the first step that should be taken to begin the recovery path to a sober and happy life. Once you and your coordinator determine the best course of treatment, you will be scheduled for admission. The admission process will look very similar to the intake call. You will meet with a physician or nurse to receive a physical. You will provide additional information about your drug and/or alcohol use and medical history during this step. The medical professional will check your vitals and look for conditions, such as high blood pressure, that will need to be addressed. Then, you will take a drug test. Don’t worry about passing or failing the test. This is for informational use only and you will not get into any trouble if you fail the test when seeking treatment for addiction. Instead, your care team will use the data to decide how best to begin your journey toward a sober life. If you are experiencing drug dependency, call us today at [Direct]. Our staff is here to help you overcome your addiction and enjoy a healthy and happy future! You will meet with a certified counselor in a comfortable and private setting at the drug addiction treatment center. You might feel a little nervous when you first enter, however, this is quite normal, and your counselor will put you at ease by explaining your next steps and getting you acclimated. The counselor will discuss your drug or alcohol use history with you to determine the severity of the addiction. During this process, you will relay your drug(s) of choice, the length of use, and how much you use. The counselor will also discuss your family’s history of addiction, as this will paint a clearer picture of your needs. In addition, your counselor will want to know about any physical and mental health issues that you might have. Many people have concurrent disorders, meaning they suffer from addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you knowingly suffer from any of these, it is vital to disclose it during intake, so your counselor can create a treatment plan that works best for your situation. This information will also enable the counselor to determine the first step that should be taken to begin the recovery path to a sober and happy life.

Drug Detox – The First Step for Those Who Are Physically Dependent on Drugs

Most people who are physically dependent on drugs require medically supervised detox. This type of detox is much safer and more comfortable than trying to do it on your own. In fact, trying to detox on your own typically is a setup for failure. Many people end up going back to drugs when they try detoxing themselves, so do not skip this critical first step. Detox will take 5–10 days, depending on such factors as the drug you use and the severity of the dependence. During the process, your body will go through physical and psychological withdrawal, but the symptoms will be managed through various medications. The medication selected depends on the drug used and is also adapted to the patient’s individual needs. While you are in detox, you will have access to around-the-clock medical care. This includes access to a therapist who will help you deal with the physical and psychological issues you experience as the drug leaves your system. Each member of the team is trained to make you as comfortable as possible during this process. After you complete detox, you will be ready to enter rehab. Your body will be free and clear of your drug of choice, so you will be able to focus on your recovery. If you are ready to begin rehabilitation or have any questions about our recovery programs, give us a call now at [Direct].

Inpatient Rehab – Step 1 or Step 2

Some people move directly from intake to inpatient rehab; making it their first step for drug addiction treatment. Depending on the level of treatment that you need, you may be able to start here. However, if you need to go to detox first, this will likely be your second step on the road to treatment for addiction. Inpatient rehab is an intensive process that focuses on helping you free yourself from the hold that drugs have over you. You will spend a minimum of six hours in therapy each day during this process. It is highly structured, and since you will be in a controlled environment, you won’t have to worry about external stresses getting in the way. You can spend your time focusing on yourself and your needs. This is helpful when overcoming addiction and a proven method our Lakeview Health staff employ. You will have an individualized treatment plan when you enter rehab, so it is impossible to know exactly what will occur. However, you can still get a general idea of what to expect during treatment. Your day will begin by eating a healthy breakfast. This breakfast will fuel your mind and help you get the strength you need to tackle your issues. You will eat with other residents and then go to early meetings. The idea of attending group meetings might seem overwhelming but the groups are small, so you will get personalized attention and quickly make friends. The group leader starts with a topic for discussion and then everyone is invited to participate. You might feel a little shy or vulnerable when you first enter rehab, but you will quickly see that the groups provide a welcoming environment. You will soon want to share with others during these meetings. You can use the space to talk about life stresses and roadblocks that get in the way during recovery. Your group’s leader and other members will offer insight and support while looking to you for the same. The people in your group will quickly become your support system and you will learn from one another while navigating the road to recovery. You will meet for lunch and then continue with group and individualized therapy. There are multiple programs available that address everything from life trauma to spirituality. You can even join a mindfulness-based stress reduction group, where you will learn helpful techniques to use in times of stress. These techniques can be used in the real world when you feel an urge to drink or use a drug. At Lakeview Health, additional available activities include yoga, meditation, swimming, weightlifting, and a spa. These reduce stress which helps our patients focus more on their recovery. At the end of the day, you will eat a healthy dinner, and then you will be free to return to your room. The quarters are divided by gender, so you will spend the evening with individuals who are the same gender as you. This creates an additional sense of safety and security as you process what you learned during the day. To get started or to learn more about the specialized recovery programs Lakeview Health offers, give our friendly and experienced staff a call now at [Direct].

Intensive Outpatient Rehab – The First, Second, or Third Step in Treatment

For others, the first step of drug addiction treatment is intensive outpatient rehab. Those who have a mild to a moderate issue with drugs can begin with this step while others transition to it after undergoing detox and inpatient rehab. Intensive outpatient rehab lasts for at least three hours a day and can be completed during the day or in the evenings. You live at home during treatment, instead of at the rehab facility, while still receiving group and individual therapy. Just like with inpatient rehab, the program is styled to meet your specific needs. You will be sent to the best groups to address your issues and you will have access to support staff when needed. While this is not as intense as inpatient rehab, it works wonders for many individuals. Those who don’t experience a lot of external triggers and have a strong support system at home often turn to this option. This is also a good choice for those who need to continue working during the rehab process. One’s employment often instills confidence and a sense of purpose. For certain individuals, intensive outpatient rehab is a great way to recover.

What Is Your First Step?

As you can see, there is not a single answer to the question, “What is the first step of drug addiction treatment?” A licensed professional will need to evaluate you to determine the best process for your needs. Professionals want the best for you during recovery and will match you up to the right treatment plan. Of course, you still have a say in how you move forward with treatment. As you go through the intake process, you can voice your concerns and help your intake counselor choose the right plan for you. Your counselor will empower you during this process; ensuring your needs are met every step of the way. For more information or to speak with a Lakeview Health representative, contact us today at [Direct].

Footnote 1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/drugfacts_treatmentstats.pdf