How to get started in treatment

It’s hard asking for help, especially if the person asking for help doesn’t know where to start. When someone picks up a phone to call a substance abuse treatment facility, not knowing what to expect, the phone can feel heavy, but it’s really an easy process. Because we at NewDay Counseling know how difficult it is to admit to an alcohol or drug problem and ask for help, we do everything possible to make it simple and non-threatening. Our staff truly cares about the clients walking through the door, and this makes a huge difference. This is not a commercial — it’s a description of how we handle admissions to help familiarize readers with the process — I assume other facilities will do something similar.

NewDay Counseling offers free consultations, so it doesn’t cost anything to get started. The Practice Manager will likely be the staff member who consults with the person asking for help, and if it’s determined that treatment is a possibility, a counselor will meet with the client to perform an assessment to determine what level of care is required. If it’s determined that the client is not appropriate for the level of care NewDay Counseling provides, the client is given Savannah community options to access the higher level of care. NewDay staff will help make the referral to the appropriate level of care. If it’s determined that inpatient care is needed, and the client wants to go to a facility out of town, we’ll help arrange that referral also,

If it’s determined that the client meets the criteria for outpatient addiction treatment, or the client needs individual counseling on a limited basis, and NewDay is the appropriate facility, the client is scheduled to receive a medical assessment. This is the last assessment before entering treatment. The physician will make sure that there are no medical complications that will complicate treatment,  and the physician will determine if any medications are needed.

Once medically cleared, and it’s determined that the client will attend the Intensive Outpatient Program, the client will receive orientation, an explanation of the program, client’s rights, confidentiality, release of information, group rules, etc. After orientation, the client will begin attending groups four times a week, three hours each evening — the outpatient program lasts for 8 weeks. The client will meet with their counselor once a week unless more sessions are needed. The counselor will develop a treatment plan. The client and the counselor will discuss the client’s progress meeting treatment plan goals and objectives.

When the client nears their discharge date, the counselor will begin developing a discharge plan. Sometimes, the client is referred to further counseling for specific issues, and to ongoing support in the community, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The client will also attend Continuing Care groups at NewDay once a week for a few months just to check in and report on progress. There is no charge for the Continuing Care groups.

This is the basic process, although there is more to the treatment process. Anyone who wants a more comprehensive description, or has questions is always welcomed to call.