Anticipating your first day of inpatient rehab in West Palm Beach can be nerve-wracking. If this is your first time going to treatment, it’s likely that this is also the first time you will do something new in years without relying on drugs and alcohol. Your first day can be particularly scary because you are beginning to face your fears and recall memories of your struggles during addiction.
Rehab and recovery aren’t supposed to be easy. However, it is essential that treatment staff create a caring, compassionate, and trustworthy environment so all patients can feel as safe and comfortable as possible. The more comfortable you feel, the more healing you can achieve. With that being said, much of your first 24 hours in rehab revolve around preparing you for success in treatment and getting you acquainted with the facility. Here is what you can expect.
Intake and Luggage Search
Upon arriving at an inpatient rehab center in West Palm Beach, a staff member will greet you at the door and take you to the intake room. Here you will be asked to sign a consent form that allows the facility to oversee your care. Then, a staff member will review the rules and basics of the treatment program with you. They may also give you an overview of what to expect on a day-to-day basis.
While you are completing the intake process, another staff member will go through your luggage and personal items to make sure you didn’t accidentally bring any prohibited items to the facility. If you did bring something that isn’t allowed, it will either be disposed of or put away for safe-keeping until you are discharged. The luggage search is meant to protect you and your peers.
Medical Evaluation
After intake is complete, you will start the evaluation and assessment process. This involves meeting with doctors and other addiction specialists so they can learn about your condition and create an individually tailored treatment plan. First is usually the medical portion of the evaluation. This involves:
- Providing blood and urine samples for drug screening
- Completing a nutritional assessment
- Allowing a doctor to perform a physical
- Answering questions about your medical history
- Providing information about your substance use
If any treatment medications are needed, these will be prescribed during this time.
Clinical Assessment
After meeting with a doctor, you will continue this evaluation process by meeting with a substance abuse counselor or clinical team. These individuals will ask questions about your:
- Substance abuse history
- Mental health
- History with treatment in the past, if applicable
- Treatment goals
This information is used to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Tour The Facility
Once all of the serious business is taken care of, the rest of your first day at an inpatient rehab center in West Palm Beach is a walk in the park. After your intake and evaluation, a staff member will show you around the facility. You’ll learn where to find all of the important locations, like the medical station, group room, restrooms, and your living quarters. During your tour, you will also meet other staff members and clients so you begin getting acquainted with the people you will be spending time with.
Settling Into Your Living Quarters
After your tour, you’ll have some time to begin settling into your living space. Most inpatient rehab centers have dorm-style living, so you may have a roommate. You can unpack a few of your things, get to know your housemates, and take some time to relax.
Meet Your Therapist or Join The Afternoon Group
If time permits and if you don’t need medical care, you will be invited to either meet your primary therapist or join the afternoon therapy group. Regardless of what you are asked to do, you won’t have to do any intensive therapy on your first day. Remember, everyone is still trying to help you get comfortable.
If you meet your therapist, he or she will engage in a casual conversation with you to begin getting to know you. He or she may also tell you a little about themself. Similarly, if you attend the afternoon group session, you’ll likely just sit and take everything in. You will only participate if you are willing and comfortable to do so.
At the end of the day, you will eat dinner, take your medications, and head to your room for lights-out.
Start Treatment at an Inpatient Rehab in West Palm Beach Today
As you can see, your first day of inpatient rehab is nothing to be scared of. Here at Mandala Healing Center, our holistic approach cultivates a compassionate and tranquil environment that will help you relax, get comfortable, and begin the healing process whenever you’re ready. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, give us a call today. We can help.