Seeking Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
What Happens when I First Arrive?
The following videos will give you an example of what it might be like to enter a residential treatment program. Remember, addiction is a treatable, chronic illness, and you'll be entering a supportive medical treatment facility.
In these videos, you will meet the following three professionals:
When you first arrive at the facility, you will be greeted by members of the care team.
Hi, welcome to our facility. My name is Lori and I'm gonna be part of your care team today doing your intake. I have a few questions for you before I turn you over to Nurse Maury. First of all, have you brought any valuables with you? If you have, we can collect them. I will mark them and make sure that they get stored in our safe. Also, how many bags have you brought with us today? We'll mark them, take them to confiscation where someone will thoroughly check them and you'll receive them back as soon as you get a room assignment. I'm gonna turn you over now to Nurse Maury.
Hi, my name is Maury. I'm a registered nurse here and you look a little scared. Is this your first time in treatment I understand. You're gonna be okay. You took the first step by walking through the door. We're here to make sure that you're okay. Do you have any allergies to food, medication, even environmental allergies, anything like that? Okay, I understand you're coming off of opiates, not unusual. We are going to make this as comfortable as possible. You last used yesterday? Okay, we do have some comfort meds for you and we'll get those on board as soon as you start to feel any kind of way. I really need to get some vital signs on you now and make sure that the medical piece is stable. That's very important. We're gonna encourage you to drink a lot of fluids, okay? How's your stomach right now. You feeling okay?
Next, you will fill out some paperwork.
Hi, welcome. My name is Sarah. I'm going to be the intake coordinator meeting with you today to get all the proper consent signed for your treatment stay. I'm also gonna be getting your personal information and going over your treatment plan, so just bear with me. I'm also gonna be going over what to expect while you're here. So do you have any questions?
Safety waiver
The care coordinator will likely also ask if you have a history of self-harm and/or suicidal behavior. Both are common among those seeking treatment for substance use disorder. It’s important that you are honest in these conversations so your care team can provide you with resources to keep you healthy and safe during your treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
You may also be asked if you are interested in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.
They will also answer any questions you have.
Living Arrangements Transcript is below
I know you had some questions about what to expect for the living arrangements, because each facility is a little bit different. You will have a roommate, and there'll be a bathroom and a shower in your room. You'll have access to the common areas, to group rooms, as well as the kitchen. I also have a folder here that's got the daily schedule and our handbook to help guide you.
Peer Support Transcript is below
I know you seem a little bit uncomfortable so I hope that this can help. You'll be assigned a buddy who's gonna support you and get you group and acclimate you to the unit.