Is There an Admission Process Before I Enter Rehab? What is the Process?

When you have decided to go to rehab, you have to go through the process of picking a treatment center that meets your needs. For some people, this goes quickly; other people take a longer period of time. Either way, once you pick a rehab center, you want to jump right into the addiction treatment. However, there are a few steps that come first.

There is an admissions process and it will differ from program to program, but no single rehab center will be without one. The following discussion should prepare you for this process by outlining most of the major steps.

If you need more detail about any of the following or you are still trying to decide on a rehab center, we can help. Call 800-430-1407Who Answers? to speak with an experienced representative now.

Choosing a Center and a Location

You have probably already done this. But, it is worth mentioning because it is the very first part of admissions. If you still need help deciding, there are some questions you can ask yourself during this time.

Speak with an Intake Specialist

The rehab facility will need to know your medical history.

An intake specialist will answer your questions (every last one) and explain each of the steps that will follow. This is the time when you should ask every question that you can because you may decide at the last minute that this isn’t the program for you. Don’t go any farther in the admissions process if you feel like one of the other rehabs on your list of potential treatment centers could be a better fit.

This will also be the time to discuss financing. The specialist will confirm that your insurance is taken by the program. If not, you will have to make payment arrangements and these can include paying by credit card, loan, or via savings/checking. You may also find that you are eligible for a grant or scholarship opportunity.

If you are planning to attend a state sponsored program, you will not have to work through payment options because the program is presented without charge. However, you will have to verify a few things:

• Income
• Assets
• Legal residency in the US
• State residency

Check-In

If you are attending a rehab program some distance from your home, this step will obviously be preceded by a travel step. Generally, the rehab center will help you to make travel arrangements during the intake step.

When you first arrive at the center, an addiction specialist will be on hand to help you complete this step.

First, your luggage will be examined. The rehab center will give you a list of both things that you should bring and things that you should not bring. The specialist will carefully go through each and every item you have packed an on your person to make sure that you are not smuggling in anything that you shouldn’t, like drugs, alcohol, or weapons. If you have items with you that are not allowed, they will be confiscated.

Can I See the Rehab Center and Take a Tour Before I’m Admitted?

Clinical Assessment

Next, you will meet with clinicians who will guide you through a thorough physical, psychological, and psychosocial evaluation.

Physically, you will be tested for drugs and alcohol in your system and their concentrations will be measured. Your medical history as well as that of your family will be gathered. You will also be given a complete physical and screened for nutritional deficits and infectious diseases.

You will also take part in a number of assessment questionnaires that screen you for mental illness. As with the physical exam, the goal is to determine whether or not you have any co-occurring disorders that need to be treated at the same time as your addiction. Clinicians are also checking to make sure you aren’t suicidal. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, people who use multiple illicit substances experience psychiatric conditions with more regularity.

The social screening will be the biggest surprise, but as the treatment includes various therapies, the clinicians will want to understand the life that you lead and the demographics that you fall into. These will impact your treatment. For example, domestic violence may be present and staff can help the patient draw up a long-term safety plan to help them during rehab. Resources will also be provided.

After you have completed these steps, an individual treatment plan will be drawn up. It will take into account your specific needs and tailor treatment to address them.

For more information about treatment and treatment plans, call 800-430-1407Who Answers?. We have the answers you want.