Frequently Asked Questions
Entering rehab for drug or alcohol addiction is a challenging time for anyone. Patients must leave behind their regular lives and attend a treatment facility with unfamiliar people and surroundings. Understandably, many addiction questions about treatment can arise for people attending a rehab facility for the first time. It’s perfectly normal to feel a little apprehensive about addiction treatment, and many patients have numerous questions to ask when choosing an alcohol and drug rehab
To help alleviate those concerns, our FAQ page aims to tackle just about every question patients have asked about the addiction treatment process over the years. We want every patient who attends our Florida treatment centers to feel comfortable and welcomed as they enter our facilities. We aim to treat each patient individually by developing customized treatment plans that provide the best care possible for their specific needs.
What Questions Should You Ask a Rehab Facility?
When considering a rehabilitation facility, asking comprehensive questions is essential to ensure you or your loved one receives the best possible care. Here are some key questions to ask:
- What types of addiction or conditions do you specialize in treating?
- What is your treatment approach (12-step, holistic, cognitive-behavioral, etc.)?
- Do you offer personalized treatment plans?
- What medical and therapeutic services are included in the program?
- What are the qualifications of your medical and therapeutic staff?
- What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
- Are there licensed addiction specialists, therapists, and medical professionals on staff?
- What does a typical day look like in the rehab facility?
- How long are the treatment programs (30, 60, 90 days)?
- Do you offer inpatient, outpatient, or both types of treatment?
- What aftercare or support services do you provide post-treatment?
- What are the living conditions like?
- Are private or shared rooms available?
- What recreational or therapeutic activities are offered?
- How do you ensure patient safety and privacy?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- What are the total costs of treatment?
- Are there payment plans or financial assistance options?
- Do you offer family counseling or support?
- How are families kept informed about the patient’s progress?
- Do you treat co-occurring mental health disorders?
- Do you have experience with specific demographic needs (age, gender, cultural background)?
- What is your approach to dual diagnosis treatment?
- Do recognized healthcare organizations accredit you?
- Do you provide medically supervised detoxification?
- What medical support is available during withdrawal?
- How do you manage potential medical complications?
- What is your discharge planning process?
- Do you help patients develop a post-treatment recovery plan?
- What ongoing support or alumni services do you offer?
- What is the visiting policy?
- Are personal electronic devices allowed?
- What should patients bring, and what items are prohibited?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
Remember, choosing a drug rehab facility is a deeply personal decision. It’s best to tour the facility, speak directly with staff, and trust your instincts about the environment and approach. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any point that concerns you.
What Is the Hardest Part of Rehab?
After the initial detox, which removes the physical presence of the substance, patients must begin confronting the mental aspects of addiction, which can be the hardest part of rehab. During therapy, they must learn to navigate triggers, manage stress, and create new coping strategies so they can live their lives without relying on alcohol or drugs. This process is emotionally and mentally exhausting since they must rewire their brain with new and positive thought patterns and behavioral responses.
When confronting how addiction has negatively impacted their lives, many patients struggle to face the broken relationships addiction caused and how they can rebuild trust with family and friends. Therapy during addiction recovery requires personal accountability, resilience, and commitment, as each day presents challenges to achieve healing. The path to addiction recovery is rarely easy, with setbacks and challenges a common occurrence.
What Is the Hardest Stage of Sobriety?
The ongoing challenge of maintaining sobriety after quitting drinking and drugs presents another difficult aspect of rehab. The hardest stage of sobriety after addiction recovery is often early sobriety, typically the first year after treatment. This period comes with numerous challenges that test a patient’s commitment to recovery. Early sobriety exposes emotions that were previously covered by substance use. Navigating daily life becomes a minefield of potential triggers, including social situations involving alcohol and stress at work or in relationships.
The first year of sobriety is particularly challenging because it represents a complete lifestyle transformation. Every day requires lots of effort to maintain sobriety, rebuild life skills, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. The risk of relapse is highest during this period, making it crucial to have strong support systems and ongoing therapy treatment. While challenging, this stage is also incredibly hopeful. Each day of sobriety is a great day and a step towards healing. With proper support, commitment, and resources, patients can successfully navigate this difficult stage with the skills for sustained recovery.
Which Step Is the Most Difficult for an Addict to Take?
The most difficult part of addiction recovery can vary from patient to patient, as everyone’s journey is unique. However, most patients consider the initial stage of admitting that they have an addiction and committing to change to be the hardest part of addiction rehab. Making the decision to seek help requires being vulnerable and honest about how addiction is controlling their lives. Admitting powerlessness over substances means facing profound shame, guilt, and the painful reality of how addiction has damaged relationships, career prospects, and personal potential. The barrier to committing to admission for addiction treatment is immense, as it requires potential patients to confront the experiences that may have driven them to begin substance abuse. While it may be the most difficult step to take, it can be the most rewarding as well.
Addiction Questions at WhiteSands Treatment
WhiteSands Treatment is here to answer all of your addiction questions regarding the treatment process. Our professional staff and facilities aim to provide the best addiction treatment care for each of our patients to ensure they are comfortable throughout their time with us. We encourage you to explore this approach on your own. Getting started is as simple as making a quick phone call, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 877-855-3470 today. We’re here to answer all of your treatment questions to ensure you are confident with your decision to attend our addiction centers in Florida.
How do I know if I need help, or if a loved one needs help?
There are a few factors involved in identifying if someone needs help with substance abuse and addition. If you or your loved one is using drugs or alcohol frequently, without limitations, or every day, then help is absolutely necessary.
Once it has become clear that the substance is controlling someone’s life, then seeking help is the answer. Even if you or your loved one is a “functioning” addict/alcoholic, meaning that they can get up and go to work without hindrance, maintain relationships, home/personal responsibilities, etc. it still may not be enough.
Where is White Sands Tampa?
Our medical detox and residential treatment programs are completed at our Plant City location and day-night program and IOP take place at our Hyde Park location. Our facilities offer a beautiful, calming, and relaxing environment, ensuring that you or your loved one are comfortable during the journey toward recovery.
Why should I choose White Sands Tampa as my rehab center?
Whether you have an addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, food/eating disorder, shopping, gambling, gaming, etc. or any other related psychological issues associated with addiction, there are many reasons why White Sands Tampa is the right place for your recovery. For example, we provide:
- Individualized treatment plans customized to fit the needs of addicts.
- Sober-living facilities
- Inpatient treatment programs
- Phenomenal medical detox protocols
- Family and group-therapy programs to help mend relationships
- Alternative treatment plans such as: art therapy, yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback, nutritional, exercise programs, and more
- A well-trained and dedicated staff of addiction specialists that will go to great lengths to ensure the success of your recovery
What is your confidentiality policy?
White Sands Tampa complies with the standards of confidentiality are presented in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, ensuring that the individual is completely protected with respect to information regarding their treatment/recovery process.
Are you equipped to treat co-existing disorders?
We offer dual diagnosis treatment programs, of which are designed to treat both co-existing disorders (i.e. bipolar disorder) as well as their addiction, especially since oftentimes the two go hand in hand.
Once someone is admitted to a program, can they leave?
Because treatment at White Sands Tampa is entirely voluntary, this means that anyone may leave at any time if they so chose. However, we highly recommend that you stay during your entire treatment period so that you can get the best care that you need, and recover effectively.
What will happen when treatment is over?
Upon completion of your treatment program at White Sands Tampa, our team will guide you through the next phase of treatment. This may involve a sober-living house, entering into a 12-step program, or participating in an outpatient program.
This is discussed with the addict’s primary psychologist, whom will make the right recommendations based on the addict’s progress.
How do I pay for treatment?
We accept credit cards, wire transfers, or cashier’s checks. We have insurance and admissions coordinators that will answer all of your questions regarding your benefits and pre-authorization verification.
What is the cost of treatment?
There is not a set cost for treatment at White Sands Tampa. If you discuss your particular financial needs with our insurance coordinators, we will take them into consideration when planning your treatment and discussing options with you, especially if you are uninsured.
What should I bring to White Sands Tampa?
You may bring the basic living essentials, such as: personal hygiene products (toothpaste, hair care products, deodorant, etc.), clothing, books, and magazines. Any other essentials that you need may be given to you or ordered for you if necessary.
What is the cell phone policy?
Cellphone and electronics use is permitted between 6:30pm & 10:30pm in your private room.
Will I be allowed to have visitors?
Yes, your loved ones are welcome to send mail, as long as it does not contain any food or drink products.
Will friends and family be able to mail letters and packages?
Yes, your loved ones are welcome to send mail, as long as it does not contain any food or drink products.
Can I contact my loved one while they are in treatment?
Due to HIPPA laws, we cannot provide you with any information unless your loved one signs a disclosure authorization form giving our staff permission to talk to you about their progress
Once this is in place, you will speak with one of our addiction specialists and they will provide you with the next steps, whether it’s through family counseling or even just playing more of an active role in the recovery process as a supporter for the addict.