If you’ve made the decision to get help for a drug or alcohol problem, you’ve already taken the bravest and most important step in your recovery. There are many drug and alcohol treatment centers in Seattle that can help you break your physical dependence on drugs and/or alcohol, focus on improving your health, set and attain sobriety goals, and create new habits that empower you to take better care of your body, mind, and spirit. People who have made the decision to enter treatment often find they have a renewed sense of hope and optimism.

But if this is your first time navigating the drug or alcohol rehab process, it can be hard to know where to start. The sheer number of drug and alcohol treatment programs and facilities in Seattle and Washington state can make taking the first step feel overwhelming. This guide will give you an overview of the different types of programs available at Seattle treatment centers and what to expect from the process.

 How To Ask For Help

Before you start researching Seattle treatment centers, talk to those close to you. Let a trusted friend or family member know about your decision to seek help. If you’re concerned about the reaction that friends and family may have, you can talk to your healthcare provider instead. Whoever you choose to share your decision with, it’s helpful to have someone supportive in your corner as you begin your treatment journey.

 Seattle Treatment Centers

There are many types of evidence-based treatment centers in Seattle. We all have different needs and that’s true of drug and alcohol treatment as well. Researching Seattle addiction treatment centers and knowing what types of programs are available will help you choose the program that’s the best fit for you. No matter what type of program or facility you choose, you’ll be joining a supportive community of people who understand what you’re going through and want to help.

 Inpatient Treatment: Residential Inpatient

Residential Inpatient Treatment is a medically supervised program where you stay in the treatment facility overnight. These programs offer medically supervised detox for stopping alcohol and drug use. You’ll participate in different types of therapy and learn to create new healthy habits. A residential inpatient program might be a good fit for you if your current living situation makes it difficult to stay away from alcohol or drugs. Inpatient treatment can also be beneficial if you’re dealing with other health conditions or if you don’t live near a treatment facility. Most patients stay in residential inpatient programs for several weeks before transitioning to outpatient treatment.

Inpatient Treatment: Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization is the most intense type of outpatient treatment. These day programs are a good fit for patients who need a lot of structure, but don’t require inpatient treatment. Partial hospitalization programs are typically full-day programs providing a supportive environment for patients dealing with drug and/or alcohol abuse. These programs include medical treatment and therapeutic treatments that are tailored to your needs and the severity of your addiction

Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment: IOP Programs

Intensive outpatient programs, aka IOP Programs, are concentrated outpatient rehab programs that provide structure and support while offering the flexibility patients need to keep living their everyday lives. IOP programs typically meet around ten hours per week, either in the morning or the evening, making them ideal for people who want to continue to work, go to school, or live at home with family. If you have a supportive home environment and don’t require medically supervised detox, you may be able to start your journey with an IOP program. These programs can also be the next step in continuing care for patients who have completed residential inpatient treatment.

Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Online Outpatient Treatment

Patients who don’t need help with detox may be able to take advantage of online outpatient treatment. These programs are available through your smartphone or other connected device and incorporate evaluation, education, counseling, and other recovery services. Patients can connect with addiction professionals remotely. These programs can also be part of a continuing care plan following in-person treatment.

How to Make an Appointment

Once you’ve chosen the facility or facilities that you’re interested in, you’re ready to make an appointment. You can make appointments at most drug and alcohol treatment centers by phone or online. But before you pick up the phone, gather all the information you’ll need. Treatment centers will want to know what kind of insurance you have, what issues you’re struggling with, what kind of treatment program you’re interested in, what hours during the day you’re available, and what your transportation situation is. Once you’ve got this info together, you might want to write yourself notes or even a script of the questions you want to ask. Calling to make an appointment can be a little nerve-wracking, but with a script, you can be sure you get all your questions answered. The first question you should ask any treatment facility is if they’re taking new patients. If the answer is no, don’t be discouraged. Ask if they have a waitlist.   

Assessment and Admission

Once you’ve decided on your treatment center, the facility’s staff will go through an evaluation with you to make sure you get the care you need. Once your appropriate level of care is established, facility staff will call your insurance company to get authorization. Once they know how much your insurance will cover, they’ll let you know your up-front cost. Staff will work with you to figure out the best date for you to arrive and check in. If you need transportation to the drug treatment center, they’ll work with you to arrange that, as well. Once you arrive, you’ll complete some paperwork and go through orientation.

How to Get Ready for Rehab

Your specific preparation will depend on what alcohol or drug recovery center and what kind of treatment program you’ve chosen. Most addiction treatment centers will want you to bring your ID, insurance information, and any medical records that they may need to care for you properly. If you’re going to an inpatient facility, you should pack comfy clothes and toiletries. The facility you choose will give you a list of what and what not to bring. No matter what kind of rehab program you’re entering, bringing a positive outlook and a realistic set of goals will help you start your rehab journey off on the right foot.

Checking In – Your First Day

When you arrive at the drug or alcohol rehab facility, the staff will conduct an intake interview. This interview allows them to get to know you better so that they can tailor your treatment to your needs and goals. Staff members will typically ask you for details about your substance abuse and your lifestyle. After your interview, you’ll go through orientation that will let you know what to expect from your program and help you feel familiar and comfortable with the facility.

Detox Process

Once you’ve completed your intake assessment, you’ll go through detox. Whether you’re getting sober from alcohol or stopping opioid or opiate use, your rehab facility will have trained certified staff to help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Support during detox may include medical care, mental health care, and, if necessary, medication. The length of the detox process varies depending on your stage of addiction, but usually doesn’t last more than seven days.

A Typical Day

The detailed structure of your program will depend on your rehab center’s approach, on your addiction, and on your personal goals and situation. But a typical day includes morning, afternoon, and evening individual and group therapy sessions. If you’re in a residential inpatient program, you’ll have a scheduled wake up time in the morning, planned times for meals, and a set time for lights out at night.

Aftercare

Your recovery journey will likely incorporate more than one type of treatment program. But no matter what, your treatment plan should include continuing care after you leave inpatient or outpatient treatment. A good continuing care plan should include continued support from counseling staff as well as access to resources in your home community. Many people also benefit from participating in peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

If you struggle with alcohol or drug use, we want you to know that addiction isn’t a willpower problem, it’s a treatable disease. In Seattle and Washington state, there are many alcohol and drug treatment centers staffed by compassionate people who are dedicated to helping you recover, succeed, and flourish. If you’re ready to take the first step on your road to recovery, Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers are here to help. We have decades of experience creating personalized drug and alcohol treatment programs that have helped thousands of people get and stay sober. If you or someone you love needs help with alcohol or drug use, contact us today. We’re here for you 24/7.