Understanding The Rehab Intake Process


Once you have made up your mind to get addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, the next issue to deal with becomes choice of couples rehab and then the intake process. Choosing a rehab center can be fairly easy if you have the right information.

Some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a couples rehab center include cost, reputation, amenities and location. Talking to various local rehab center representatives can also give you a better perspective of what each has to offer. Immediately you settle on the best rehab center, you must start thinking of the intake process.

First-day jitters are fairly normal for just about any situation. However, learning a thing or two about the intake process can help reduce the nervousness that is often associated with leaving your comfort zone and moving into unfamiliar territory.

What is Rehab Intake?

A rehab intake is basically a process that culminates in getting addiction treatment in a given facility. Each rehab center may have its own unique steps, but the general objective of this process is to determine if an individual meets the requirements to be enrolled for treatment.

This process involves different administrative functions that are aimed at capturing the patient's personal information and providing the necessary accommodation. The process also ensures that specialists at the facility get important information to help them come up with a personalized treatment plan for the patient in question.

What Happens During the Intake Process

Below is a detailed look at some of the things you can expect to go through during the intake process.

The rehab paperwork

Upon reaching the rehab facility, a representative will receive you and show you to a comfortable place to either wait or start the process. One of the first things you are likely to do is fill out some paperwork. Some of the details you will have to provide include your name and other personal information as required by the particular rehab.

You may also be presented with a questionnaire that requires you to give more information. The answers you provide can help the rehab determine how determined you or a loved one is when it comes to getting treatment. Your answers are also likely to help the specialists come up with an effective treatment strategy.

Insurance details may also be required at this stage. That helps the rehab know if you will be able to settle the bills as required. Additionally, individuals who are going through a legal process may also have to provide relevant information before processing can be completed.

Security inspection

Rehab centers are responsible for the security of their patients and that is why you will have to go through a security check. This means that any luggage you carry will be inspected to determine if it contains only the things that are permitted. Some of the things that may not be allowed in a rehab facility include:

  • Pornography materials
  • Illicit drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Weapons
  • Offensive clothing
  • Electronics
  • Medications without prescription
  • Material that glorifies alcohol or drugs
  • Gambling devices
  • Candles and incense
  • Marijuana

There are even more items that may be banned from a rehab facility to ensure that everyone is safe and can focus on recovery. Keep in mind that some of the things you may find harmless, can trigger another patient's addiction problem. The particular rehab therefore reserves the right to ban what it believes can cause problems.

Medical and physical evaluation

Depending on the rehab you choose, there is likely to be a comprehensive medical evaluation. At this point, a qualified doctor will run several lab tests to determine if there are any other underlying health issues that may be unknown to the patient.

A medical history will also be taken. Additionally, the doctor may carry out a physical exam to get a full picture of the patient's current condition. The patient's history with alcohol or drug use is also likely to be recorded just to get a clear picture of the past.

During this stage, you are likely to interact with a doctor, nurse and medical technicians. Their aim is to determine the current state of health for the patient and gauge the possibility of severe withdrawal effects.

Psychological assessment

A comprehensive psychological assessment is often undertaken by a licensed mental health specialists. Some of the professionals that may be involved at this stage include psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist. In certain cases, interns may also participate.

The aim of this evaluation ids to determine the unique religious, cultural and lifestyle factors that are unique to the individual. This information is key to coming up with an effective plan for treatment.

The individual’s history of substance use, current level of functioning, severity of substance use and developmental history are among some of the issues that are likely to be looked into.

Other issues that may also be looked into include disorders such as anxiety, depression and trauma related disorders. This evaluation usually takes the form of an interview.

Addiction is a disease that has a huge impact on the psychology of the addict. That is why this psychological assessment is important when it comes to getting a clear picture of the problem. The findings from this assessment usually form an integral part of the treatment plan to be used.

Psychosocial assessment

This evaluation is carried out to determine some of the most important social issues that are unique to the patient. Some of the things that may be looked into include educational background, relationships, occupation and living conditions.

It is worth pointing out that the individual’s living conditions are assessed to establish if it is a good idea to let them move back to their residence after completing treatment. Some living conditions may actually lead to relapse, which is why a rehab may recommend a recovery home instead of direct discharge.

Psychoeducation

Because the patient is coming into a new environment, it is important that he or she be prepared mentally. That is why a psychoeducation session is held. During this stage, the individual is made aware of the rules and regulations of the institution.

They also get to learn about the schedules, treatment options available and meals and personal time. The patient is also furnished with information regarding visiting days and how long visitors are allowed to stay.

Finally, the patient is also educated about the importance of observing the laid out rules. Failure to adhere to the rules is likely to lead to a given sanction.

A tour and settlement

After completing the above noted assessments, the patient will be taken around the facility and given an overview of how things work.

Basically the patient will be taken through the most important areas. This may include the gym, dining hall, meeting area, doctors quarters and so forth. The patient will also be taken to his room or living area and allowed to settle in.

Preparing for Residential Addiction Treatment

To ensure that your intake or that of a loved one goes smoothly, it is prudent to p-reaper beforehand. Making a call to your treatment center can help you learn about what is allowed and what is not.

A representative is likely to give you a clear picture of what you should pack in order to be comfortable at the facility. Additionally you can get a lot of information by going through the rehab’s website. You may even get a glimpse of some of the amenities that are available on the premise.Some of the things you may want to pack include:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Small bills for the vending machine
  • Toiletries and bath essentials
  • Prescription medication
  • Stationery and stamps for writing letters during downtime
  • Some centers may allow you to pack your phone and laptop

Because you may be at the rehabilitation center for over a month, it is always prudent to make arrangements to have your business supervised by a trustworthy individual. You should also seek leave from work to ensure that you do not lose your job.

Getting the family prepared for a long period of absences can also be wise. Of course most rehabilitation centers arrange to have close family members brought on board with the treatment program. That allows everyone to participate in treatment and recovery of the patient.

Recovery is Just a Phone Call Away

The intake process may sound long and tedious but it really isn't. Most of the steps noted take less than 10 minutes. That means you will not spend too much time waiting to be processed. Instead everything will be done as fast as possible so that proper treatment can begin.

Whether you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, the truth is that help is available at our Dana Point treatment center in Orange County, California. All you have to do is call or hit the chat button for more details on the way forward.

Our team of specialists have the skills and experience to walk side by side with you and your family until you overcome the problem.