What to Expect on Your First Day
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- Valid photo ID
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- List of current medications
- Be prepared to provide a urine specimen
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
From the moment you walk in our doors for the first time, you will be greeted kindly and compassionately. We will be your safe haven, where your care and confidentiality remain our priority.
- Your first step with us will be one of discovery.
- Our Intake and Admissions Team will discover what's great about you by collecting initial demographic information and having you sign a few documents after reviewing them.
- Once this is complete, you will meet with a qualified Counselor to complete an assessment. This process is intended for us to learn about your strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
- Our medical team will then take over and assess your status and stability from a medical perspective. This will include a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a physical exam, medical history review, and screening for any co-occurring mental health conditions. The evaluation will also include a toxicology screening, which is performed with dignity and respect. (Our medical staff consists of a Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioners, and licensed nurses).
- Finally, all the information learned about you will be used to develop your Treatment Plan and help you decide on which medication is best suited for you (methadone or buprenorphine)
- The initiation of your medication protocol and Counseling regimen will begin, with our goal being to move you through this process as quickly as possible. We value your time and are committed to making your journey as easy as possible. Let us be your new beginning!
What to Expect During Your First Week in Treatment
The first week after your initial appointment is critical to your recovery journey. We want you to feel supported, empowered, and confident that you are not alone. Here’s what you can expect as you navigate your first week of recovery.
- Each day you come to the clinic, our Medical Team will evaluate your response to the medication you have been given and determine if adjustments are needed. We will increase your medication dosage (if needed) in small increments until you become stable (without withdrawal symptoms for 24 hours).
- Everyone is different, but most patients in medication-assisted treatment begin experiencing relief from withdrawal symptoms in the first few days.
- You will continue meeting with your counselor for individual sessions, focusing on deepening your understanding of addiction and building the skills needed to maintain recovery.
- Addiction counseling sessions may be tailored to address any immediate challenges you are facing, such as stress, anxiety, or cravings. Your counselor will help you set small, achievable goals for the week ahead.
Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy is an excellent Treatment “Add-On”
Intensive Outpatient Group (IOP) Therapy is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended to ensure you build the best foundation for your recovery journey. IOP groups are held five days per week, each group session is three hours long. It is recommended that you attend at least three groups per week. Our IOP groups are engaging and informative and have a great success rate. Adding IOP groups to your treatment will ensure that you receive the best, most impactful services we offer!
What to Expect After the First Month (Achieving Stability)
Many patients reach a stable dose of medication in a very short time (less than 30 days). However, once you reach a stable dose of medication, your treatment is not complete. Our medical and clinical team will continue working with you to help you achieve your goals and live your best life.
While the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) should last a minimum of 12 months, some patients require long-term maintenance. When taken as prescribed and under a physician’s guidance, methadone is safe to use for months, years, or even a lifetime. The amount of time you spend in treatment is ultimately your decision. We will provide guidance and assistance along the way for whatever you choose.
Take-Home Medication
Take-home medication is provided to patients who are receiving a stable dose of medication and have shown treatment progress. While the amount of take-home medication you receive will depend on numerous factors, new federal regulations provide greater flexibility regarding take-homes. Most patients begin to receive take-home medication within just a few weeks of treatment (or less). Patients can be given up to 28 days of take-home medication at a time.
Continuing Treatment
Regardless of how long you decide to stay in treatment, our Medical and clinical team will continue providing excellent care, meeting your needs, and helping you in any way we can with the utmost respect. We are committed to you and your recovery. Our goal is to help you in the most effective, convenient way possible. For individual counseling and medical provider appointments, we offer a variety of telehealth services to ensure we are available when you are.
Ongoing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Regular medication check-ins will continue with your physician or nurse practitioner to ensure your Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is working effectively. Dosages may be adjusted as needed, and side effects will be closely monitored.
- If you're on Methadone or Suboxone, your medical team will track your progress and ensure that cravings and withdrawal symptoms are being effectively managed.
Continuation of Individual Counseling
- Weekly one-on-one counseling sessions with your assigned counselor will help you explore deeper issues, build emotional resilience, and set personal recovery goals. These sessions may be adjusted based on your progress and evolving needs.
- You will continue to work with your addiction counselor on a plan that addresses both your short-term challenges and long-term recovery goals, focusing on emotional regulation, stress management, and coping strategies.
Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy (optional)
- Group therapy sessions will continue multiple times a week as part of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). They provide a safe space to share experiences and learn from others in recovery.