Medically Reviewed by Dr. Mohammed Saeed, MD.
Choosing to seek help for a substance abuse problem is a massively difficult (and brave) decision, one that many struggles to make. The toughest step is the first – admitting that there is a problem with some form of addiction. The next is complex – determining what kind of rehab will best meet the person’s needs.
Should that decision be to enter a rehab center, a little understanding of the typical admission process should ease some of the anxiety. Starting anything new — especially something this major — can be intimidating. While the details may differ, the basic admission process for almost every rehab center shares several common steps.
Rehabilitation centers may specialize in handling different people and addictions. Be sure to review the treatment center’s client information before you begin the process.
Pre-Intake Screening
The pre-intake screening is typically done over the phone. It gives the treatment facility an overview of the individual’s situation and care needs. Many admissions advisors have gone through the rehab process in their own lives, so they understand how difficult it is, and will do their best to be helpful and supportive. They will answer any questions along the way.
Some or all of this information will be reviewed:
- Drug/alcohol history, including the drugs abused and length of time they’ve been used
- Prior substance abuse treatment history (if any)
- Any potential underlying mental or emotional disorders (such as depression or anxiety), the history of any mental health treatments or psychiatric care (if any), and any history of trauma or abuse
- Family history, both medical and substance abuse/mental health histories
- Medical issues, including a list of all current medications and supplements — it may be helpful to have any medical records on hand for the call
- Family status and current living situation
- Employment status
- Legal issues
Investing in addiction treatment is an investment in the future, so the cost of rehab may also be discussed on the same call. Insurance coverage and expected out-of-pocket costs for the patient will be reviewed. Most recovery centers will work with the patient and their family to find a payment plan and treatment options that fit the financial situation, and all information will be kept fully confidential.
Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan
The advisor will develop and discuss a personalized treatment plan and then help choose the best facility to fit the plan if the organization has multiple locations.
Once the treatment plan has been agreed upon, the date for admission will be scheduled. The treatment center may even provide a packing list, and offer travel advice or assistance. If the person is in crisis, admission may be expedited.
Prior to the admission date, the treatment center may request the client’s full medical history so their staff can know any potential medical issues, and refine the individualized treatment plan. They may also request that the client completes a mental health assessment. When an individual is struggling with both a substance use disorder and mental health concern (such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder), they usually need treatment for both. The mental health screening will be used to further customize the treatment plan.
When the client arrives at the facility, they will be checked in, receive a formal medical screening, and get settled in. Then the hard work begins.
Rehab Admissions Process At Into Action Recovery
If you choose to contact Into Action Recovery Centers, you can expect to be asked some basic questions to see if you are a good fit for our level of care. You will receive an immediate call back from Paul Dyne (our Executive VP), or Shane Leonard (our CEO). They’ll ask a few more questions as part of a clinical and medical pre-screening, and they will answer any questions you may have. Next, you’ll speak with our Benefits Coordinator, Viviana Flores, to review insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.
Our Treatment Center executives handle admissions calls because we want everyone to understand everything they will receive while in our care. It gives us a chance to get to know you and understand your situation, and build a rapport. It may also give you and your family a greater level of comfort knowing that you are talking with the true decision-makers. At least one of our Executives is always present at our facility.
We are equipped to do admissions 24/7. Addiction has no schedule, so we work under that premise.
If you are a good fit for our programs, we’ll email and text you our client information packet and start planning for your arrival. If you are from out of state, we’ll make arrangements to have an Into Action staff member pick you up at the airport or other transit hub. We’ll contact you before you leave home and stay in touch with you, door to door.
Our medical director will have already reviewed all the medical information gathered from you, so we will be ready to begin your treatment program immediately upon your arrival.
If for some reason we are not the right fit for your needs, we’ll provide you with at least 3 referrals to other organizations. We care deeply about your suffering and do not want to waste the opportunity to connect you to the resources and people who can help you on your recovery journey.
Into Action Recovery Centers takes pride in providing a high level of treatment and a holistic approach to recovery for those who suffer from addiction. Our comfortable facility is designed with the client’s needs foremost in mind. Our staff includes master’s level counselors, licensed chemical dependency counselors, 24-hour nursing professionals, a staff psychiatrist, a staff chef, and direct care personnel. Our counseling staff provides individualized treatment and care for our clients with an emphasis on tailoring treatment to the specific needs of each individual. Additionally, our staff provides family counseling, relapse prevention, life skills, and grief and trauma counseling.
Into Action Recovery Centers provides an abstinence-based program and all of our staff members have a strong understanding of the recovery process through personal experience. We are passionate about sharing the process involved in living a drug and alcohol-free life. We offer free aftercare for the men who complete our program and have a strong alumni network that remains active in the community. We also offer other amenities such as dietician-prepared meals, mindfulness-based meditation training, outings, and fitness training.
