Rehab Intake

What Is Rehab Intake?

Rehab intake is a typically brief process that occurs immediately after the patient arrives at the treatment center or as soon as the patient comes into direct contact with a center employee, such as at an airport or in a transport van. Intake involves the patient completing a series of administrative processes that are designed to ensure that everyone at the treatment facility is safe and that the patient has a successful recovery process. Although the exact rehab intake process will vary between facilities, and often between patients, there are a number of similarities that most share.

Complete Rehab Intake Paperwork

Typically, patients will complete any remaining paperwork that was not finished during the admissions process. For example, patients may be required to provide insurance information and identification to make sure that payment is clear and no fraud has occurred. Patients may also need to fill out financial paperwork. Those patients who are going through the legal process or who are attending rehab as a result of a court order/plea deal may also need to complete paperwork regarding these issues.

Get Inspected For Forbidden Items

It is at this point that the patient and their belongings are checked for any forbidden items such as illicit substances and weapons. This is done to make sure that no patients are tempted to relapse and that staff and patients alike are protected from harm. Many rehabs ban additional items that are either likely to serve as triggers for patients or that are in some way likely to distract patients from focusing on their recovery or in some other way make rehab less likely to be successful. Common examples of banned items include:

• Illicit substances
• Medications (without a prescription)
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Drug paraphernalia
• Offensive clothing
• Clothing that glorifies drug and alcohol abuse
• Weapons
• Pornography
• Video games and DVDs
• Gambling devices
• Candles and incense
• Electronics

Get Questions Answered

While it is normal to have many concerns about the recovery process, treatment providers can answer questions surrounding the beginning stages of treatment for patients during rehab intake. This will allay patient concerns and make them more comfortable once they know what to expect. This also allows the patient to develop a warm connection with the staff before detox is started.

Fill Out Intake Questionnaires

Although a much deeper assessment of the patient’s needs occurs either immediately after rehab intake or during the detox process, patients will generally complete a questionnaire or have a brief conversation with staff during rehab intake. This questionnaire helps determine a patient’s unique needs and status and help staff provide a customized treatment plan that is designed to make each patient’s stay in rehab as safe and successful as possible. This also helps patients realize that they are unique and in need of various types of healing.

Examples of commonly asked questions include:

• What is your name and date of birth?
• What is your address and email?
• What is your medical history?
• Do you want to stay on campus or do a partial hospitalization?
• What is your substance abuse history?
• What are your treatment goals?
• What are your budget constraints?
• What medical conditions have you been treated for?

During this process, clinical staff become aware of patient’s inner-most feelings of happiness, sadness, anger in relationship to chemical dependencies. Any underlying issues, including physical or mental health conditions are discussed as staff conduct health screenings.

Ready To Get Help Today?

Maintaining sobriety after treatment takes courage and a sense of responsibility needed for living a healthy life. The intake process helps clinical staff in rehab facilities hone in on the most important details of recovery. Patients can ask as many questions as they need and connect with empathetic staff members who have a deep desire to connect with patients on a core level.

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Treatment providers are eager to help by connecting you to rehab facilities. Don’t be afraid; now is the time for change. Contact a rehab provider today and start living a life of positive change.

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