Our Evaluation Processes
We begin our learning and assessment process during our very first contact with you or your loved one; we also with our assessment, rule in or out a diagnosis of chemical dependency; and of course, we conduct a thorough evaluation of everyone who arrives at Canadian Addiction Recovery Network for inpatient treatment.
Pre-Admission Evaluation
From our very first phone call with the person needing treatment or his family member, we begin to gather information. Our Admissions/Case Specialists will lead a comprehensive evaluation process in which they work to ensure that Canadian Addiction Recovery Network can meet your needs. They also determine which of our programs will best fit your current life circumstances. This evaluation may assess key details about:
- mental health history
- substance use and medical history
- family structure and issues
- legal history
- career and education
- current therapist and physician information
As needed, our clinical and medical teams are consulted to determine whether Canadian Addiction Recovery Network meets your needs as well as which member of our staff will comprise your individualized treatment plan.
Residential Assessment
Sometimes it can be difficult to make an accurate assessment of an addiction over the phone or in a brief meeting. During the first few days at Canadian Addiction Recovery Network we will explore and assess his or her condition.
Planning Your Personalized Treatment
Armed with the information we’ve gathered, every patient will be assigned an integrated, multi-disciplinary team of highly trained staff members who will create an individualized treatment plan for each individual. Depending on his or her needs, an individual’s treatment team is comprised of our expert staff who are experienced in such areas as addiction therapy, psychology and psychiatry, addiction medicine, health and wellness and nutrition. They’ll pay special attention to the possibility of dual disorders and conditions, cross-addictions, co-occurring conditions and other potential barriers to recovery.
Your treatment plan will be based on your unique needs and life circumstances. Components of your plan may include: detox services (when necessary); individual one on one, group, and family counseling; specialty treatment groups; psychological services; health and wellness; fitness and recreation; diet and nutrition services; and continuing care support and planning. The bottom line is, your treatment plan is structured to work for you and your presenting circumstances and issues–whether they be physical, mental or spiritual.
Treatment plans are progressive, as we are constantly looking into your future, toward a life of recovery after Canadian Addiction Recovery Network. As treatment progresses, each person is gradually challenged to work outside his or her comfort zone, yet within the Canadian Addiction Recovery Network safety net.
With this structure, each and every individual who comes to us for treatment is given the tools to help form a solid foundation for a life of recovery.
Initial and Ongoing Evaluation for Patients Entering Inpatient Treatment
If you or your loved one are entering treatment at a Canadian Addiction Recovery Network facility, we will conduct a thorough medical evaluation upon arrival, taking into consideration:
- age
- overall health
- specific medical conditions present
- medical history of the patient and their family
- substance abuse
- nutrition
- HIV and STD testing, if applicable
Often, we’ll conduct a panel of lab tests to observe metabolic processes and rule out other medical problems that may have arisen from substance use. And, if necessary, we’ll recommend medical detoxification.
Each individual will meet with a therapist within the first few days of admission for a thorough interview. Mental health issues complicate recovery; they should be assessed and managed while in treatment. Depression and anxiety are common with addiction and can be significant blocks to recovery. Other potential blocks to recovery include chronic pain, bipolar disorder, sleep concerns, trauma, attention deficit disorder (ADD), process addictions (such as sex addiction or gambling addiction), and eating disorders. These co-occurring disorders and addiction interaction disorders must be addressed as part of a personalized treatment and recovery plan.
It’s important to realize that these initial evaluations are not the end of the process. We understand that as a person enters sobriety, different issues can arise; our staff is constantly watching for these changes.