When you have made the decision to embark on a residential drug abuse rehab program, the next step is to prepare for your inpatient treatment stay. From the process of locating a drug abuse treatment center to speaking with your insurance company, there are logistical and practical steps you need to take in order to arrange for treatment and position yourself – or a loved one – for success.
The Process of Entering Drug Abuse Rehab
Because the majority of drug-addicted individuals seeking drug abuse rehab tend to enter treatment quickly, taking an organized approach can streamline the preparation process.
Gather References for Drug Abuse Rehab Programs
Begin your rehabilitation research by acquiring the names and phone numbers of the drug abuse rehab programs best suited to your personal addiction needs. Speak to your physician, personal therapist or a drug addiction referral service to receive leads on reputable drug abuse rehab centers. Consider any special needs you may have, seeking drug abuse rehab centers with capacity to treat concurrent mental health conditions, provide on-site detoxification facilities or provide trauma therapy as needed. Once you have assembled a list of possible drug abuse rehab centers to contact – and a list of qualities desired in a rehabilitation center – you can begin your search in earnest.
Contact Drug Abuse Rehab Programs
The next step is to contact drug abuse rehab programs. Ask about enrollment openings, as not every center will have beds available due to enrollment caps or waiting lists. Also inquire about patient-to-staff ratios (an indicator of staff attention available), therapies provided and amenities available. Be sure to ask each center to explain its treatment approach, success rates and philosophy in treating individuals with an addiction to your drug of choice.
Phone Your Health Insurance Company
While some drug abuse rehab centers do not accept insurance coverage, the vast majority do, allowing individuals to greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs for drug addiction treatment. Confirm that your health insurance policy is in good standing, ask if the rehab centers you have selected are covered, and find out what other coverage combinations can be used to fund your inpatient drug addiction treatment. Ask about reimbursement policies, deductibles that need to be met, prerequisites for treatment, and obtain the name of your care coordinator.
Pack and Arrange Transportation to Drug Abuse Rehab
The drug abuse rehab center you select will provide you with an orientation packet (often emailed or faxed to you) consisting of a welcome letter, list of regulations and a recommendation for packing. Pay close attention to prohibited and recommended items to take along with you during your drug abuse rehab stay. Make sure to pack comfortable clothes, books, a journal and small mementos to remind you of home. Make arrangements for your transportation to and from the rehab center, as well (though some centers will provide transportation or shuttling).
Talk to Your Employer
You will want to speak to your employer before you leave for drug abuse rehab. Some employers provide specialized programs for substance abuse, and others will grant time off. Contact your human resources department and ask about your options for entering drug abuse rehab while continuing your employment.
