Most people are confused and frightened when they first enter the doors of a treatment facility. Few enter with an attitude of “Isn’t this a wonderful place to be”, yet their lives have become unmanageable and out of control. Often they have lost or never discovered the peace and serenity of a chemical free lifestyle. Members of their families and close friends have been unable to help or understand. Some doubt whether they should be in a treatment center at all. If you have these types of feelings, take heart in knowing that many before you have had similar doubts and fears.

Welcome!

You will find the treatment facility to be:

 A safe place to begin your path to recovery.

 A caring place to heal physically and spiritually.

 A program that knows how to treat addiction while treating you with dignity.

 A center in which health care professionals provide quality, confidential care.

 A program designed for you and your recovery needs.

 A program that accepts you where you are today.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM TREATMENT

There are three things that will enable you to complete your program successfully:

 An open mind

 A willingness to change

 Being honest about who you are

The life of a chemically dependent person is filled with chaos. Over a period of time this lifestyle becomes so familiar that anything less than chaos is abnormal. Routines revolve around the next drink, line, fix, or smoke. Moral values deteriorate along with self-esteem and peace of mind. Masking feelings and emotions with alcohol or drugs is a way of hiding from reality. Denial is the defense mechanism that keeps the chemically dependent person from seeking help. Treatment is the place to recapture control of your life. Where drugs or alcohol controlled your every move and thought, recovery will give you back peace and serenity.

Treatment is the place where you will meet others who have suffered similar circumstances and give you the opportunity to experience personal growth and success with the support of peers much like yourself.

Treatment is highly structured for your benefit. Every activity is carefully planned to provide you with the tools you will need to maintain a lifestyle free from chemicals. You will find the staff is caring and understanding; yet they will ask you to achieve specific goals and treatment plans that may seem difficult and sometimes unnecessary.

You will be assigned a personal counselor who will manage your treatment program with you. Your counselor will meet with you individually to begin to establish your goals for treatment, and assist you in determining what you want to accomplish in treatment. Any problems you are having should be discussed with your counselor so he/she can effectively assist you in resolving them before you complete your program. In case the treatment facility is unable to assist you with a problem, the clinical staff will refer you to an appropriate agency for the service you need. You are encouraged to be present for meditation every morning, as this will help you prepare mentally for the day’s activities. Meditation gives you the opportunity to discuss what you learnt the day before, any problems you are having, and share any personal experiences with your peers.

An outline of the week’s activities will be made available which will include the time, title of the activity, and the staff conducting the activity at the notice board. You will be required to attend all scheduled education and group therapy unless absence is approved by your counselor. It is import that you are prompt for every class. You will not be allowed to interrupt group therapy if you are late.

If you are feeling sick, you are encouraged to go and be checked by the nurse or the doctor if at all possible. If you become ill or feel sick during the day, the nurse on duty can schedule a time to see you.

If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment program, don’t hesitate discussing them with your counselor.

You will be assigned a big brother/sister who will guide you in your settling dawn and familiarizing with the intendance. Additional staff members include:

 Program Officer

 Nurse

 Psychiatric Doctor

 House Keeper

 Accountant

The staff of the Treatment Center will always be there to meet your needs during your treatment program.

WHAT GOT ME INTO TREATMENT?

You may be asking yourself this question at that moment. Why am I beginning an intense treatment program?

People before you have asked the same question and have had many answers:

“My childhood was a mess, I’m lucky to still be alive.”

“My drinking started to get out of control because of all the pressure I’m under.”

“I thought I could handle cocaine, but I guess it got the best of me.”

“Things are so screwed up in my life right now. I need time to straighten out my life. I need a break.”

“I’m a loser. Nothing good has ever come my way.”

“My boss thinks I’ve been ‘doings’ on the job. If I weren’t here, I’d be out of a job.”

“My families made me come. They think I need to quit drinking so much.”

“My wife complains about my drinking and said if I didn’t get help she’d leave me.”

“I shouldn’t be here. It’s all a mistake.”

For almost every person who enters treatment there is a “Crisis” or situation” that has finally caused him or her seek help. Often it is a crisis at home, on the job, or in school. Sometimes it’s a legal problem; sometimes it’s a health problem or a financial crisis.

Whatever your crisis or situation, you have made an important decision. Write down the real reason you think you are beginning treatment. Be honest. In your own words: “Why am I Here?”