First Steps
The intake is the first step of the rehabilitation process. It is a crucial part of the treatment and includes a thorough assessment of the addicted individual. All aspects of the person will be looked into and questioned to reveal where issues lie and what type of problems are being encountered. The initial assessment will include taking details of an addict’s medical history, including any previous substance abuse treatments.

Mental health issues will also be investigated as these often go hand in hand with abuse difficulties. Which substances are being taken, the length of time of the addiction and the quantity or doses used will all need to be revealed. Questions about the individual’s social life, family life, employment and financial status should also be asked to help build up a complete picture of their background. Family members might also be interviewed to assist with this assessment simply to establish the best approach and long-term care.

Gain Trust
This is also a time to break down barriers and gain some trust between the individual and the clinicians. It may well be the first time an addict has had the opportunity to be completely open and honest about their dependency. Questions about how the substance abuse began, how it effects daily life and what is hoped for the future can all be discussed. Of course, the addict may not tell the whole truth, often because they have been used to covering up or denying their actions, but trained practitioners will be able to detect this by observing tell-tale body language or evasive spoken language.

Confidentiality
All the data collected will remain confidential, but it is used to create an individual and effective plan of treatment for the addict. Research has shown that tailor-making the treatment is a much more effective way to achieve lasting results than a one-size-fits-all approach.