Choosing to enter drug or alcohol rehab is an important step on your recovery journey. For many, inpatient rehab can bring up a lot of questions and concerns. When you have an idea of what to expect, it can make the process a little easier. Of course, what happens in drug rehab largely depends on the treatment center that you go to. In addition, everyone’s recovery journey is unique. Use this post as a general guide to help you settle in on your first day of inpatient rehab.

The Intake Process

One of the first things that will happen is the intake process. You’ll go over your insurance information and payment. You’ll be given a chance to ask questions about the facility. You will have to answer questions about your history and physical needs. You may go through different types of assessments to determine your physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs. The assessments help the staff figure out how best to help you.

You will most likely have a physical exam and discuss your health concerns with medical professionals. If you need additional testing, the medical team can help you get the resources you need. You will also meet with your therapist to talk about your goals and reasons for entering treatment.

Tour the Facility

As part of the first day of rehab, you will tour the facility. You’ll want to know where you go to eat and relax. Most facilities have small gardens where you can enjoy nature. The tour can help you become familiar with your surroundings, which can ease your stress. Expect to hear the rules and procedures of your treatment center. These rules help you live peacefully with others in treatment.

Settling In

You should be given a list from the center of what you can bring and what you can’t. Still, the staff will probably search your luggage to make sure that you haven’t brought in any contraband, which includes illicit drugs, electronic devices, and any items that prohibited in rehab. You are allowed to bring in prescription medications, but you may have to turn it over to the staff to monitor. It can be a good idea to write down your family’s phone numbers to have them readily available.

What You Can Bring to Treatment at Pyramid Healthcare

After you’ve toured the facility, you’ll likely have some downtime to get acclimated. At this time, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and even anxious.

Throughout Your Stay

While everyone has a different treatment plan and schedule, your days will consist of:

• Individual, group, or family therapy
• Mealtimes
• Free time (amenities will vary at facilities)
• 12-Step meetings

If you’re attending a holistic treatment center, your days may include activities like gardening, yoga, drumming, and anger management.

Most treatment centers will keep your schedule full. Inpatient rehab is very structured in order to keep clients focused on recovery. This is one of the biggest differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment.

One of the best things you can do is to drop your expectations about rehab. Each drug and alcohol treatment center and individual’s experience will be different, so it’s important to manage your expectations.

Ask the admissions department any questions you have prior to entering treatment. Talk with staff on the first day and throughout your stay; they are here to help you feel safe, comfortable, and open to treatment.

Interested in learning more about Pyramid’s full continuum of behavioral healthcare? Call to request information about rehab programming at our treatment centers.