If you or someone you love is starting rehab, you probably have a ton of questions about what to expect. Don’t worry, that’s totally normal! An estimated 2.6 million Americans are currently being treated for drug and alcohol addiction – and each one of them has experienced this same concern.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect on the first day of rehab and offer some pro tips to help you cope.

Sound good? Awesome! Keep reading for all the details.

And, if you’re seriously considering checking yourself in sometime soon, check out our how to prepare for rehab guide first. It’s packed with helpful tips and resources to help get your journey started!

Intake

When you arrive at rehab, you’ll be greeted at the door and escorted inside. Because the first day of rehab is the hardest, you can expect checking in to feel like a big challenge. But don’t worry – you can do it!

Taking those initial steps inside are the first indication that you are truly ready to get help.

As soon as you’re inside, you’ll meet an intake nurse. This person will guide you through the process of enrollment and help you get settled in. Step one will be paperwork.

Once you’ve signed the necessary legal forms, giving your chosen treatment center consent to start rehab, you’ll start learning more about what the program entails. You’ll likely receive a written handbook or welcome packet. And, you’ll hear a daily summary of what each day in the program is like.

Keep in mind that you will have some control over your individual treatment program once your initial detox is done. So, it’s essential to be honest with yourself and the rehab center staff when it comes to which specific classes and therapies you think might help. This information will be combined with your medical and psychological evaluations to create a custom rehabilitation plan.

During intake, you’ll probably go over some insurance coverage information, as well.

Don’t forget to bring any insurance documents you have with you. And, if you aren’t covered, don’t panic. There are plenty of options for alternative financing available!

Assessment

During the first 24 hours after entering rehab, you’ll go through a series of simple evaluations and assessments. While this might sound scary at first, don’t start stressing. There is no such thing as passing or failing, and there are no wrong answers!

Instead, the purpose of these exams is to better plan your treatment, ensuring that you get all the physical and psychological support that you need.

• Social Assessment: This series of questions helps to determine the physiological, biological and social factors that contribute to each individual’s struggle with addiction
• Nursing Assessment: This survey or questionnaire records each patient’s physiological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual state for reference throughout their rehab journey
• History And Physical Evaluation: Just like any other trip to the doctor, the rehab staff will want to compile past medical and mental history with a current physical evaluation to create a solid understanding of each client’s needs

These tests are absolutely essential to establishing a safe and effective treatment plan and will only work properly if you are completely honest. So, even though it might seem hard to be upfront about your struggle, there is simply no other option that will work!

The information gathered on your first day will also be used to determine things like how long you’ll spend in rehab, how much of your program will be inpatient vs outpatient, and what followup care you might need. Of course, these details will likely change over the course of your treatment – but they are a vital jumping-off point for the medical staff that will be attending you!

During this assessment, it’s also essential to share any vital information about allergies, sensitivities, diet, and anything else that makes you special. In most cases, your preferences will be easily accommodated, helping you feel more comfortable faster in your new home away from home.

Getting Settled In

Going into rehab means getting used to a brand new environment. So, don’t be surprised if it takes you a day or two to feel comfortable in your surroundings.

You’ll also be meeting a large number and a wide variety of new people, which can feel overwhelming. And, if you’ve been struggling with addiction, you have probably been spending a lot of time in social isolation. Keep in mind that building healthy new relationships is an integral part of recovery, even if you don’t love it on day one.

During your first hours in rehab, you’ll most likely be given a tour of the facility where you’re staying. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to rest in your room and process everything that’s going on. Luckily, you’ll have a team of medical experts and psychologists close at hand, just in case you start to struggle.

During the first few days in rehab, you might experience detox. This initial phase of sobriety can present a challenge, but once you’ve jumped this hurdle, you’ll be set on a course toward recovery.

This is a great time to catch up on your reading or enjoy the comfort items that you’ve brought from home. You’ll also be surrounded by a new support network of staff, friends, and fellow patients to help out if you need it!

Beyond the First Day of Rehab

If you or someone you love is battling with addiction, the first day of rehab signifies a very important step in your journey towards wellness and recovery. And, with this article as your guide, you’ll have nothing to fear.

It’s totally normal to feel worried or concerned about making the decision to check in. But, it’s also an incredibly positive choice – and one that you’ll never regret!

Learn more about the rehab experience or contact us today at (888) 200 5555. Our helpline is open 24/7, and our confidential staff is standing by to assist you. We offer access to top treatment centers, caring and supportive assistance, and financial aid!