FAQ
My son/daughter says he is ready to commit to a program that will help him recover from his 4-year heroin addiction. But will he still be able to continue his education while in treatment?
Many Arizona Recovery Campus clients continue to work, care for family and/or maintain academic studies throughout the program. While detox is likely required, your son’s program could be tailored not only to fit with his individual addiction-recovery needs, but also with crucial life activities such as attending college. This would be determined during the admissions process when his assessment is performed by one of our highly qualified ARC clinicians.
Is there a chance I won’t need detox?
Severity of your substance dependency is key here. If you have been unable to taper down to a full stop on your use of alcohol or another drug, detoxifying would be the first step in your recovery. Upon admission to the program you will be assessed for your health, strengths, deficits, motivation and addiction history. These and other criteria help to determine your rehabilitation treatment plan. If the effects of drug or alcohol use remain in effect, it is highly unlikely you will be able to successfully pursue recovery from your addition.
What is medical detox?
Detox, or detoxification, is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as “the process by which the body clears itself of drugs.” In terms of how it is used in the addiction recovery process for persons addicted to powerful opioids, medical detox is the first procedural step to effectively manage the often dangerous impact of withdrawal. Detoxifying without medical management can have potentially fatal consequences. At ARC, our medical professionals provide expert guidance through the medically managed detox process.
Why does it have to be a physician that oversees medical detox?
Sudden withdrawal from powerful opioids that have been controlling an addict’s life is not just exceedingly unpleasant, it can in some cases be fatal. Each person undergoing detox is unique. In addition, the medications used to ease the process interact with different opioids in complex ways. Our medical professionals at ARC are there to ensure that the right medications are administered per your individual drug history and condition, and to make sure your reactions are effectively monitored.
Does it matter at ARC what religion I am – or if I don’t practice any religion at all?
There is no religious component to ARC’s program. Here at ARC we respect all persons’ deeply held beliefs. We make access available to faith-based facilities near our campus, while understanding that the spiritual life is experienced and expressed in many ways. Our goal is to support you in your journey to recovery by helping you develop greater understanding and acceptance of yourself. This includes gaining insight into your own core values and responses; communicating your real feelings while respecting those of others; and using tools such as meditation, exercise and relaxation to maintain good mental and emotional health.
How does ARC determine what treatment plan is right for me or any particular individual?
Treatment plans at ARC are developed based on analyses by our mental-health professionals of each individual’s addiction history, health profile, emotional and behavioral difficulties and – perhaps most importantly – his or her recovery motivation and goals. This is all part of the assessment process, making the resulting treatment plan unique to each individual who undergoes assessment. No two powerful addictive substances are exactly the same, nor are two persons seeking sobriety the same. Here at ARC, we regard this focus on you as an individual as crucial in our assessment process.
What if, once I am there, I feel the program isn't what I want to do. Will I be permitted to leave treatment, or am I committed to stay?
Treatment at ARC is always on a voluntary basis. You cannot be compelled to remain in the program and can remove yourself from it, if you wish.
If I do have to leave because of a family or other situation that will require an indefinite period of time, can my spot be held?
Once you leave, your status as a current ARC client cannot be held. (There is always opportunity for readmission, however, with re-assessment).
Why can’t my spot be held?
Our Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and OPT (Outpatient Therapy) programs provide you with paths into understanding your attraction and susceptibility to addiction, and strengthening your current motivation to turn away from it. These “paths” require following the program designed and scheduled to work on a timeline with your particular therapy, group and activity sessions. Interrupting your program puts you at a disadvantage on this trajectory. But it’s good to remember that your place at ARC is more than a “spot.” Readmission means we already know you and your progress to date. Re-assessment allows us to know how best to continue your recovery program.
What about visitors and phone calls to or from family or friends?
In general, phone calls are permitted at certain times daily after the first week of treatment. Visits are determined per your assessment in order to ensure you have the time you need to acclimate yourself to your program.
I feel that your program at ARC will help me, but I am from out of town. I do have a therapist in my home city who thinks your program would be an excellent one for me. Will I be able to continue with that therapist after I return from ARC?
At ARC we stress that, if they wish, clients should feel free to continue with a mental-health professional of their choice after completing their treatment here. Your therapist can review your progress and goals reached here at ARC, suggest support groups you might want to join, and help you make other decisions that can sustain your addiction-free future.
Am I allowed to keep personal items while at ARC? And are there things I should specifically not bring?
There are a number of items you can bring, but some things that are not permitted.
I’ve looked at your program at ARC and can tell that my daughter will benefit greatly from the experience. But as her mother, I always worry. Is there staff available at any time?
First, you should know that ARC is a very secure facility, with every precaution taken to protect our patients. And rest assured that staff members are on site and available 24/7, and our hotline is also right here and monitored day and night.