Ten Questions Commonly Asked by Clients Entering an Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center
If you are considering inpatient treatment, congratulations, recognizing you have a problem and becoming willing to explore treatment options are very hard things to do! Finding the right treatment center can be difficult and you probably have many questions about what to expect in treatment. To help ease your concerns, we have answered common questions asked by patients entering treatment at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center.
1. What happens when I first get there?
You will be welcomed by one of our Admission Team Members, who will sit down with you and personally answer every question that you have. If you are hungry, we will provide you a freshly prepared meal. You will then speak with a nurse about your medical history and any current medical concerns. We will then take you on a tour of the Center and get you settled into your room.
2. Will I have to do detox?
This is a medical question that can only be answered by a doctor. You will be seen by our medical staff upon admission to the program, and they will determine if you require detoxification, require medications to assist in the process and how long this will take. If you need detox, we provide 24/7 medical monitoring and care, nutritious food, plenty of fluids, and TV, books, and movies to help you pass the time. We also have exercise bikes outside your room in case you need to burn off nervous energy.
3. Can I really afford to do this?
Chemical dependency treatment can be costly, but it can also fundamentally change your life. We are in-network with most insurers and most plans cover treatment, so you are often only responsible for your deductible and co-pay. We also work with reputable third-party lenders to ensure you can obtain any financing you need. Most people struggling with addiction are wasting far more money on drugs, alcohol, legal costs, gambling, and medical complications caused by their addiction, than they will spend on treatment. In the long-run, getting better is far cheaper than continuing to spend money on your addiction while constantly getting sicker. The question should be, can I really afford not to go to treatment?
4. Will I be able to call work?
For the most part, no, though your counselor may approve limited contact in special circumstances. Many people entering treatment have lots of responsibilities at work. This can create difficulties when we remove ourselves from the outside world for a month to go to treatment. However, regardless of how important you are at work, they will be able to live without you for a month. You are going to be busy getting better. That’s where you need to focus your attention, time and energy. Trust me, they will understand. In fact, your employer and co-workers likely recognize you need help, and want you to get better as much as you do.
5. Can I ever make phone calls?
We will hold your cellphone in a lock box during treatment, and you will not be able to use it, except in emergency circumstances. Clients will be able to use an in-house phone at the discretion of their counselor. Generally, you will have access to the phone on Saturday and Sunday after you have been in treatment for 5-7 days. Phone calls may be made outside these times with counselor approval. Limiting access to the phone is in no way a punishment, it is intended to give you an opportunity to focus on your treatment and not be distracted by outside influences.
6. Will I be stuck at the facility the whole time? Due to COVID-19 and to protect our clients from exposure some activities are unavailable at this time.
Absolutely not! You will have the opportunity to attend 12 step meetings in the community ten times per week, and will also participate in off-campus recreational activities such as hiking, going to the gym, bowling, and going to sporting events, waterfalls, museums, and other attractions. We also have a large outdoor deck at the Center, so you can enjoy fresh air during your free time.
7. Can my family and friends visit me? Due to COVID-19 and to protect our clients from exposure we have suspended outside community support during this time.
Absolutely! Visitation is on Sundays from 1-4:30PM. You may provide the names of the people that you would like to visit you to your counselor, they will have you fill out a Release of Information form, and you will be called to the lobby when your visitors arrive on Sunday.
8. Will I be put down by staff and other clients?
Absolutely not! There are some stories floating out there about how when you’re in treatment, you are singled out and humiliated in front of others. That will not happen at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. You will be held accountable for your actions, but you will always be treated with respect and dignity. You will find humility without humiliation.
9. What if my family won’t participate in family week?
Oftentimes families are not able to or refuse to participate in family week. However, whether your family participates or not, the experience can be life changing. Clients and staff can role play any absent family members, and if travel to the Center is the issue, we can schedule live online video sessions with your family members. Bottom line, you are going to get better whether anybody else gets better or not.
10. What happens when I leave treatment?
During treatment, our Case Manager will work with you to make a detailed plan for your aftercare. This may involve scheduling you for appointments with medical and behavioral health providers in your community, placing you in a sober living house, and enrolling you in intensive outpatient treatment programs. We also offer a free 90 minute group therapy session with Lauren, our Family Coordinator LAC, for graduates of our program every Wednesday at the Center, or on ZOOM for those out of town, from 5:30-7 PM.
Hope you found this Q & A helpful! If you want to learn more, please call, 406-453-5080, or email us at info@rehabrocky.com.
Thank you
Jim
James A. Francetich is a freelance writer and author. The opinions expressed are solely of the author and do not represent any community based recovery programs, private or public entities or any governmental agencies.