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Get Ready to Start Treatment

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Congratulations on finding treatment—it’s a big step. It’s normal to feel worried about how treatment will go. If you can plan ahead, it can help you feel confident the day you go to treatment.

Getting there

Make sure you have transportation to and from treatment and that you’ve planned ahead for any childcare needs. You can reach out to your healthcare professional or support group to see if they can help with planning.

If you have a telehealth (online) visit, make sure your computer, tablet, or phone is charged and connected to the internet.

For an outpatient appointment (where you don’t stay overnight):

  • Bring your ID and insurance card (if you have them).
  • Write down what you’d like to ask or talk about.
  • Be ready to share what treatments, including medicines, you’ve tried before and why they did or didn’t work—and what you hope to get out of treatment.
  • Bring a list of any medications you’re on and what each one is treating (you can also bring the medicine bottles and boxes in a bag if that’s easier).

For an inpatient program (where you stay overnight):

  • Bring your ID and insurance card (if you have them).
  • Make sure you know what you can and can’t bring with you—especially the medicines you take, food, phones, and if you use them, tobacco products.
  • Ask what type of contact is allowed with family and friends.
  • Be ready to share what treatments you’ve tried before and why they did or didn’t work–and what you hope to get out of treatment.

Planning for changes

Before starting treatment, it can be helpful to take a few moments to think about why you want to start treatment, who you can turn to for support, and what you hope life will be like after treatment. This planning for change form can help you gather your thoughts.

alysa's profile image

“It was overwhelming to think about staying overnight at a recovery program, but that time is just what I needed.”

Last Updated: 04/24/2023