At Good Heart Recovery, we understand that the decision to seek inpatient treatment for substance use and mental health disorders can be a difficult one. That’s why we strive to make the admission process as smooth, safe, and as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you check into our drug and alcohol rehab facility in Santa Barbara.
Prior to your admission at our Santa Barbara substance abuse treatment center, you will have already completed a 15-30 minutes pre assessment over the phone. During this assessment, we will gather all pertinent information for our clinical and medical team, which will be used to guide your care. We will screen for medical history, medication history, any mental health concerns, as well as demographic information.
Here is what you can expect when you check into our Santa Barbara Drug and Alcohol Rehab
When you arrive at our facility, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team which consists of Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians, Case Managers, Primary Therapists, and our professional and fully licensed nursing team. Upon initial arrival, you will be led to the back of the facility outside in order to complete a rapid Covid test as per our Covid safety protocols. Belongings will be searched to ensure that there is no contraband, and valuables will be inventoried and stored in a locked and secure area. Additionally, the Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians will walk the client through consents for treatment, as well as other initial documentation. Once this is completed, the licensed nurse will take over and begin the nursing assessment.
The nurse will walk the patient through a pain assessment, fall risk assessment, health screening questionnaire, as well as a comprehensive medical assessment which includes dietary, nutrition, and medication orders. The nurse will also lead the client through two other assessments called the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (if appropriate) and the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment. These assessments are designed to assist in evaluating the severity of the clients current withdrawal symptoms from substances or alcohol use.
Once the above assessments are completed and medications are ordered, the client will then meet with a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians to go over facility orientation, room assignment, and introduction to the other clients.
If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, our medical team will provide you with medication to ease your symptoms and ensure your comfort and safety. Our team of medical professionals along with our medical director is trained to manage the withdrawal process and will monitor your progress closely to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate care.
Here is a list of medications commonly used during the detox or residential level of care for substance use disorder treatment at our Santa Barbara rehab. Please note that the specific medications used may vary based on the individual’s needs and the substance they are detoxing from. Additionally, this list includes medications that may be used in the first week, but the length of medication use will depend on the individual’s treatment plan and progress.
In addition to the above-mentioned medications, you will also have access to these additional medications to help control unpleasant symptoms.
NAUSEA
- Ondansetron (Zofran): This medication is a serotonin receptor antagonist that can help alleviate nausea and vomiting. It is often used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
- Metoclopramide (Reglan): This medication is a prokinetic agent that helps the stomach empty more quickly, which can reduce nausea and vomiting. It is often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis.
- Promethazine (Phenergan): This medication is an antihistamine that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. It is often used to treat motion sickness and to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by surgery or anesthesia.
ANTI-SEIZURE
- Gabapentin (Neurontin): This medication is an anticonvulsant that can help prevent seizures. It is often used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol): This medication is an anticonvulsant that can help prevent seizures. It is often used to treat epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder.
- Valproic acid (Depakote): This medication is an anticonvulsant that can help prevent seizures. It is often used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches.
CRAMPING
- Dicyclomine (Bentyl): This medication is an anticholinergic agent that can help relieve muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. It is often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Hyoscyamine (Levsin): This medication is an anticholinergic agent that can help relieve muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. It is often used to treat IBS, colitis, and peptic ulcer disease.
RESTLESS LEGS
- Clonidine (Catapres): This medication is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that can help reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). It is often used as an off-label treatment for RLS.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin): This medication is an anticonvulsant that can help reduce the symptoms of RLS. It is often used as an off-label treatment for RLS.
SLEEP
- Trazodone (Desyrel): This medication is an antidepressant that can help improve sleep. It is often used to treat depression and insomnia.
- Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine): This medication is a hormone that can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is often used as a sleep aid.
It’s important to note that medication alone is not a substitute for a comprehensive substance use disorder treatment plan. Medications should be used in combination with therapy, support groups, and other forms of treatment to promote long-term recovery. Medications will typically be administered within the first hour or two after admission.
First Day at our Santa Barbara drug and alcohol treatment center
After you have completed the intake process, you will meet with your therapist for an initial assessment within 24 hours of arriving at the facility. This assessment will help us understand your unique needs and challenges and will guide the development of your personalized treatment plan. A personalized treatment plan is a unique and individualized plan of care created for each patient as part of a program of recovery.
The goal of a personalized treatment plan is to provide the most effective treatment for a client’s specific needs and circumstances. The plan considers the client’s substance use history, medical history, mental health, and personal goals for recovery. The plan may include a combination of therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, as well as medications and support groups. The treatment plan is regularly reviewed and modified as the patient progresses through their recovery journey, ensuring that treatment is responsive to the client’s changing needs. A personalized treatment plan is essential to the success of the client’s recovery and to help them achieve long-term sobriety.
What to bring to treatment when you check into our Santa Barbara drug and alcohol rehab facility
We recommend that you bring comfortable, casual clothing that is appropriate for physical activities such as yoga or hiking. You should also bring personal hygiene products, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and soap.
In sum, checking into our Santa Barbara drug and alcohol rehab facility can be a life-changing experience. Our team of experienced professionals provides individualized care and personalized support to each of our clients. From the moment you walk in the door, we are here to guide and support you on your journey to recovery. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for substance, use or mental health disorders, we invite you to learn more about our programs and the compassionate care we provide at Good Heart Recovery.