There are several stages of addiction recovery that may seem intimidating to some people, and one common example in the early stages of such recovery is the first call made to an addiction treatment center. Whether this call is made by the person managing addiction or someone close to them on their behalf, knowing some of the important topics that will be discussed is often helpful for overcoming hesitance or fears of taking this big step.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re here to provide caring inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery programs around Boise, Washington and Oregon areas, and our caring staff is always available to speak to you or a loved one about any issues you’re managing and how we can help. Here are some of the key topics that are typically discussed during a first call to any addiction treatment program, plus some tips on how to prepare for and navigate them.
Basic Over-the-Phone Assessment of the Situation
Firstly, in the majority of cases, the initial call is a brief assessment of the person’s situation in order to determine how best to proceed. Questions on current and past drug use, any mental health issues that may be present and the level of support available from family and friends are just some examples of what might be asked.
Answering these questions honestly and openly allows treatment professionals to begin forming an appropriate plan of action tailored to the individual’s unique needs. If a loved one is on the phone rather than the individual managing addiction, it can be beneficial to have them prepared with as much information as they can provide.
Provide a Comprehensive Overview of Treatment Plans and Options
When speaking with an addiction treatment center, you will also receive valuable information regarding different treatment options that are available. This usually includes discussing inpatient and outpatient programs, what types of services and therapies are offered and the expected duration of the program. Asking any questions you may have about anything from cost to length of stay can also help you or your loved one get a better understanding of what’s involved in successful addiction recovery.
Family Allowances and Involvement
For many people, addiction recovery involves support and involvement from family members. Treatment professionals will likely discuss how family can get involved in the recovery process, such as through educational workshops, counseling sessions and family therapy. They will also provide information on any allowances that are offered to support families during this time of transition.
When we talk about allowances, we’re referring to things like temporary housing assistance, meals and transportation for the family. Knowing what is available can help families better prepare and plan for a successful recovery.
Medical or Mental Health Professionals
Another key topic that is usually discussed during a first call with an addiction treatment center is any mental health or medical professionals who may be involved in the recovery process. For example, if someone has experienced depression in the past, they may need to see a psychiatrist for medication management.
Questions about insurance coverage for such services and which professionals are available in-house or nearby may also be discussed.
In conclusion, making a call to an addiction treatment center can be daunting, but understanding the topics that are typically discussed during this initial conversation can help make it more manageable and less intimidating.
Billing and Costs
While it likely won’t be the first topic of discussion, questions around costs and billing will also be addressed. Treatment centers typically have a variety of payment plans and financing options available to help make it easier for those facing financial hardship in addition to addiction. It is important to understand what is covered by your insurance plan, as well as any out-of-pocket expenses that may be involved.
General Timelines
While many cases of addiction recovery cannot be nailed down to a rigid timeline, it is still important to understand what the estimated time frame would look like for a particular path of treatment. Knowing if the program recommended is short-term or long-term will allow you or your loved one to have realistic expectations and goals when beginning recovery.
This knowledge can also provide reassurance that there are people available to help in the journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The first call to an addiction treatment center is often intimidating, but knowing what topics will be discussed can help make it easier. These topics typically include discussing different treatment plans, allowing family involvement, talking about medical or mental health professionals, billing and costs as well as general timelines. With this information in hand, you or your loved one can feel more prepared for a successful start to addiction recovery.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we are here to provide compassionate and knowledgeable guidance every step of the way. Contact us today for any questions or information you may need about addiction recovery.
