How to Prepare for Residential Treatment

It takes courage to ask for help to overcome substance abuse. For some, help for a substance use disorder involves a stay in a Residential Treatment facility. If you have never been in treatment before, it can be overwhelming not knowing what to expect.

• Do I Need to Go to Rehab?
• Benefits of Rehab Treatment
• How to Choose a Rehab Center
• What Can I Expect During My Stay?
• What Items Do I Need to Bring with Me?
• Items NOT allowed
• Phone & Smoking Policy

Do I Need to Go to Rehab?

While it might be a difficult decision to make, the first step toward recovery is facing the fact that you’re living with an addiction. Only 11% of those who need addiction and rehab treatment actually seek out the help that they need.

Warning signs of addiction will vary from person to person, but they can include anything from suffering physical and mental health, to a lack of responsibility or feeling of control around your life. Work problems, relationship problems, and even current events can all have an impact on your life and your addiction. Having a family history of addiction can also increase your risk of developing one yourself. Up to 50% of substance abuse risk factors are considered genetic.

If you’re experiencing withdrawal, or desire to quit but are unable to do so on your own, you may need to visit a local rehab facility.

Benefits of Rehab Treatment

What are the benefits of visiting a rehab treatment facility instead of trying to navigate the challenges of addiction on your own?

Rehab treatment facilities are designed to provide the structure and support you need to recover from addiction while eliminating negative influence from your life and preventing you from accessing the addictive substance. Rehab facilities allow you to focus entirely on yourself and your recovery.  They can also provide you with therapy options, help by emphasizing physical health, nutrition and teach you how to make healthy habits and sent boundaries. You may even find that you make new friends during your time at a rehab treatment facility, people who can help support you once you leave the inpatient facility behind.

How to Choose a Rehab Center

There are more than 13,000 substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States, so finding the one that is right for you might seem intimidating; however, the sheer number of options means that it should be easier to find one that is right for you. Make sure you’re considering your personal needs and goals.  Take the time to schedule a consultation with treatment professional and investigate multiple options before you decide on which facility will help you.

Consider on-site factors that might impact your decision, from therapy and treatment options to specialties, how long you’ll be expected to stay in the program, where the facility is located and what amenities they offer. You’ll also want to consider the cost of the program and whether it’s covered by your insurance.

You will also want to make sure that your chosen facility is licensed, has been accredited by the Joint Commission, and has been open for an appropriate length of time. They should also offer an evidence-based clinical program and comprehensive continuous care to ensure that you have all the support you need throughout your inpatient program and during your recovery outside of the facility.

What Can I Expect During My Stay?

As part of your Residential Treatment at Gateway Foundation, you will receive 24-hour support to encourage you to participate in recovery without the distractions of daily life. Residential Addiction Treatment Centers at Gateway include:

• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Educational group sessions
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Recreational activities and team building
• 24-hour access to medical staff
• Physician and psychiatric sources
• 12-Step recovery education and peer support
• Recovery planning to prevent relapses
• Comprehensive discharge planning

What Items Do I Need to Bring with Me?

Below is a checklist of personal items that will ensure your comfort in the program:

PERSONAL ATTIRE

In general, pack for 7 days since you will be able to wash your clothes here. Below is a guide with suggested quantities to help avoid under- or over-packing.

• Undergarments (10)
• Socks (7 pair)
• Shoes (3 pair-at least 1 pair of gym shoes and all hard-soled for safety)
• Comfortable fitting clothes- pants/jeans (7 maximum) and tops (7-10)
• Sweat Suits (1-2) and workout attire (2-3)
• Jacket (1-2)
• Pajamas (3) and Bathrobe (1)

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, or bath gel (unopened and alcohol-free)
• Deodorant (Solid only)
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Disposable razors with shaving cream or electric razor
• Hair gel
• Hand cream/body lotion
• Makeup remover/vaseline
• Makeup
• Personal hygiene items
• Hairdryer/curling iron

OPTIONAL

• MP3 player (without camera or internet) or personal CD player (use with headphones)
• Sunglasses (for outdoor use only)
• Notebook, pen, envelopes, stamps
• Cigarettes-unopened packages only.

ITEMS PROVIDED BY GATEWAY FOUNDATION

Bedding, towels, and laundry detergent are provided.

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED

In our experience, the following items can be dangerous, distracting, or violate others’ rights.

• Internet-connected devices
• Audio/video recording devices
• Loose Tobacco and/or rolling paper
• E-Cigarettes
• Food items of any sort
• Personal TVs, radios, or videos
• Aerosol or alcohol-based products
• Inappropriate books/magazines
• Pocket knives
• Shorts that are more than 3 inches above the knee
• Tight-fitting or revealing clothes
• Excessively loose-fitting clothes i.e. pants worn too low

We recommend not bringing cell phones and cigarette lighters. If brought, they will be secured.

Bring all personal medical supplies such as glucometer and testing supplies for diabetes.

Vehicles are not to be kept on-premises and must be removed from site within 24 hours.

Cash is not needed on the site and is discouraged from being brought. Clients may not have more than $50.00 in any form in the agency safe at any given time.

PHONE AND SMOKING POLICY

Phones are available to call loved ones and personal cellphone use varies based on each facilities guidelines. Adult clients are permitted smoking breaks throughout the day.

For questions about Residential Treatment Programs at Gateway, call our admissions office today at 877.505.4673.

Gateway Foundation

Gateway Foundation is a recognized leader in evidence-based addiction treatment proven to get results. Our experts in Addiction Medicine—including highly educated clinical and medical professionals and expert psychiatrists and nurses—deliver care that never stops. For over 50 years, Gateway Foundation has been helping individuals and their families recover from addictions and behavioral health issues and is the only provider that covers the entire state of Illinois with 16 facilities from the Wisconsin Border to the Kentucky Border. Gateway has specific programs focusing on substance use disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring issues. We’re licensed by the state of Illinois and accredited by the Joint Commission. We are in-network with all the major commercial insurance plans. Gateway Foundation: Addiction medicine, saving lives.