Health & Wellness - December 2016

–COLUMN PROVIDED BY–
RECOVERY
3107 Cincinnati Road, Georgetown, KY 40324
502.570.9313 | RecoveryWorksKY.com
What to Expect from an Inpatient Recovery Program
HELP FOR WHEN YOU’RE READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY TO SOBRIETY
by Dr. Christopher Johnston, Recovery Works
After taking
the important
initial step of
admitting you
have a substance-abuse problem and
deciding to seek help, your options
can include an inpatient recovery
program.
The goal of an inpatient recovery
program is to provide a safe,
therapeutic atmosphere in a homelike
environment as you work towards
getting and staying sober. Treatment
programs can range in length from a
week to a few weeks to a few months.
The length of your stay is based on
your needs as identified in your individual
treatment plan and the progress
you make in treatment. The process
begins with an interview with program
staff, where you will learn about
services, fees and guidelines. Next you
will have a physical exam. This will
help the staff evaluate your needs and
design a program that will be most
beneficial for you. You will need to
bring a photo ID, an insurance card
and all your medications in their original
prescription bottles. Once you are
admitted, you can get ready to move
in to the facility.
There are some things you need to
take care of right away. Because addiction
is considered a serious health
condition, the Family Medical Leave
Act permits eligible individuals to
take a job-protected leave of absence.
Program staff may be able to help you
complete any necessary paperwork
required by your employer. You will
also need to make arrangements to
cover your financial obligations (such
as rent and other bills) during the
treatment period.
If you need legal help, the program
staff can work with attorneys,
judges and probation officers to
ensure you are in compliance with
any current court orders or probationary
requirements.
For some, leaving family and
friends behind is the most difficult
part. Involving family in recovery is
key to success. You will need their
support as you work through recovery.
Take some time before you leave
to apologize for shortcomings or
problems that have arisen from your
addiction and let others know you are
starting a process to help heal your
broken relationships.
You can bring some items with you
to Recovery Works, including nonaerosol
toiletries that do not contain
alcohol; a notebook and pen; and a
week’s worth of seasonally appropriate
clothing. You’ll need pajamas, jeans,
undergarments, sweats, shoes and/
or sneakers. The program provides all
your bedding, such as towels, washcloths,
pillows and blankets.
You may not bring food (including
gum and candy), cellphones,
laptops, iPods, e-cigarettes, alcohol,
drugs or weapons. Do not bring any
items of value.
Your typical day during the treatment
process may include individual
and group therapy sessions, as well as
meditation, recreation, exercise and
educational, support and self-help
groups. You may undergo psychotherapy,
music therapy or art therapy.
Contributing to the wellbeing of the
treatment community, such as performing
assigned chores, is another
important aspect of your recovery. At
the end of the day, you will have time
to reflect on what you have learned.
When you are in a safe environment
with a structured routine, you can
begin the journey towards recovery.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – and
don’t be afraid to get sober.
About the Author
Dr. Johnston graduated from Medical
School at CMDNJ New Jersey Medical
School in Newark after obtaining a
Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers Camden
College of Arts and Sciences.
After a three year residency at West
Jersey Hospital in Voorhees he became
Board Certified in Family Practice and
practiced in Camden County for 26 years.
Dr. Johnston is also board certified in
Addiction Medicine as of 2002.
The goal of an inpatient recovery program is to provide a safe,
therapeutic atmosphere in a homelike environment as you work
towards getting and staying sober.