What It's Like Inside a Substance Use Treatment Center

Entering treatment can be an exciting and intimidating time. When deciding if you should go to a treatment center, it can be helpful to know how to prepare. Knowing what the experience will feel like emotionally and physically will help you feel more comfortable when entering treatment. 

Research the Various Types of Treatment Centers

Before entering a treatment center, you will want to do your research. There are a lot of different philosophies surrounding treatment, so you will want to make sure you find a place that is qualified and right for you. Things you will want to consider are the kinds of practices they provide. Are they more conventional or holistic? 

Ideally, you will want to choose a place that involves a variety of different therapies. This way, you will have a good chance of tailoring a treatment plan that speaks to you.  

Diagnosis and Detox 

The detoxification process is challenging for many people. Therefore, it is crucial to find an appropriate diagnosis. A licensed professional will be able to determine a diagnosis and create a treatment plan to suit your needs. Key things that diagnosis should include:

  • Background health check
  • Family history of mental health or substance use disorders
  • How often do you use 
  • How long have you been using
  • Your diet

Diagnosis is critical for finding a program that fits your needs. Depending on the severity of your SUD, the first step will be ridding yourself of substances. Therefore, you will also want a detox program that will help you through the challenges of withdrawal. If you seek inpatient care, professionals will be with you 24/7 to ensure you get the support you need. 

This could include helping you manage withdrawals with medication. Ultimately, the detox process ensures you are sober and stable before entering treatment. It is a challenging part of the process but a vital one.  

Entering Treatment Is an Emotional Experience 

After enduring the challenges of detox, you will need time to allow your emotions to balance out. Therefore, expect to feel a range of emotions when entering a treatment center. Some of the emotions you experience might include: 

  • Stress 
  • Anxiety 
  • Fear
  • Helplessness 
  • Doubt
  • Anger 

There is also the terrifying feeling of admitting that you can no longer do this alone. 

The first thing to do is to take a deep breath. Trying to combat the overwhelming rush of emotions can perpetuate negative thoughts. It is important to keep an open mind. Remind yourself that you are here to heal yourself, and there is no need to try and figure it all out on the first day.

Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable

During the first few days of treatment, it can be hard to express how you feel. Most treatment centers will have some form of group therapy or group sessions where you talk about your past struggles and how you feel you are doing in your treatment. While you do not always have to share, it is a good idea to try and express what you have been through. 

It may feel like you will be judged for the actions that led you to this point. Remember, you are among peers, and many of them share similar experiences. Understanding this can bring ease and help you build lasting relationships. 

When you feel comfortable, try to allow yourself to be vulnerable. Open up to those around you. When you are able to be vulnerable, it allows you to connect with people, and it can help make you feel less alone in your treatment. 

Overcoming Fear

While all of this can be a lot to take in, the best thing you can do is keep a positive mindset and allow peers and professionals at your treatment center to help. Understand that treatment centers exist to provide you with the tools you need to build a better life. 

At a treatment center, you will never experience any judgment for things you have done in the past. The purpose of treatment is to help build you up so you can stand up to the challenges of recovery. It is also about helping you transform into the person you want to become without the use of substances.  

Be Kind to Yourself

There is no quick solution for managing sobriety; like life, it is a journey. Therefore, remember to be kind to yourself by practicing self-compassion. Understand that you will have days where you feel engaged and motivated and days that will challenge you. Therefore, take stock of how far you have come already. Even deciding that you need to enter detox and treatment is something to be proud of. Remember that you are not alone. 

Entering a treatment center can be intimidating. Therefore, it is critical to know the right place for you. You will want to find someplace that fits your personal needs and that will set you up for a successful recovery. NorthStar Transitions can be that place. Our experienced staff can help you and your loved ones navigate the challenges of detox and treatment. We aim to get to the source of your substance use by addressing any underlying mental health issues and providing conventional and holistic resources to care. Our peer-support group and family therapies allow you to develop meaningful relationships with loved ones that will help you face challenges long after treatment. Remember, you are never alone. If you or a loved one needs help, don't wait; get help today. To learn more, reach out to us and call (303) 558-6400.

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