Getting to a place where you are free from the shackles of addiction can feel like a distant locale located a lifetime away. However, it doesn’t have to be. If you know you have a problem but want to change your life, enrolling in a residential treatment program is a positive step towards achieving that goal. A good treatment program makes you feel comfortable, treats your particular condition and understands that recovery is individualized. As a potential patient, it is also important for you to understand what treatment actually looks like on a daily basis. This article will describe what residential addiction treatment looks like at Casa Palmera.
It’s Time to Pack
Once you have decided where to enroll, it is time to think about what to pack. At Casa Palmera, there are some guidelines and restrictions in place to keep you safe during your time there. All that you want to bring should fit into one piece of luggage, one carry-on and one personal bag.
The first thing to pack is clothing. Casa Palmera is located in Los Angeles, so check the forecast for current weather conditions to prepare accordingly. Be prepared for different activities like lounging around the house or in the yard, exercising, sleeping and going on casual outings. You do not need anything fancy, but you will need comfortable clothing. Pillows, towels, sheets and the like will be provided for you. Laundry services are on-site, and detergent is provided. Some important documents that you will need include some form of identification (your driver’s license, passport, or photo ID), insurance card and pharmacy card.
If you are taking any medications, prescribed or otherwise, bring them. Do you take any vitamins or supplements? Along with your medications, these must be in a sealed bottle. If not, they will be disposed of. Personal toiletries like soap, deodorant, face wash, etc. are allowed but must all be alcohol-free. Perfume and cologne are exceptions, and they will be kept in the administrative office.
You are probably wondering about your cellphone and laptop. Both are permitted; however, during the first 72 hours of your stay, the clinical team will hold onto your phone for you. Laptop privileges are determined by the team as well.
Don’t Bring These Items
There are some things that you are not allowed to carry with you. Inappropriate clothing that is revealing, overly tight or displays drug logos is prohibited. The same goes for literature and movies that contain drug/alcohol or sexual references. Other things you should not bring include:
- Play cards and dice
- Unauthorized medications
- Drugs and alcohol
- Paraphernalia
- Candles/incense
- Matches
- Cameras
- Weapons
- Computers
- Televisions
- DVD players
Please remember that these limitations are only in place for your safety, well-being and success in the program.
Welcome to Your Fresh Start
Once you have packed all of your things, it is time to head to West L.A. to commence the healing process. Casa Palmera has a number of beautiful and clean private residences that will be your temporary home for as long as you need.
Depending on the substance you have been using, detoxification may be the first task on your to-do list. Trying to withdraw from drugs or alcohol without medical supervision can be extremely uncomfortable, making it that much harder to stay sober. More importantly, sudden withdrawal from substances like alcohol or heroin can cause seizures and even death. Medical detox can give you the fresh start to recovery that you desire.
A Typical Recovery Schedule
What might your day look like? At Casa Palmera, the early bird catches the worm: wake-up time is at 7:15 am. Meditation is a staple of every morning starting at 7:45 am. Next up is breakfast and at 8 am. You will take any medications you’ve been prescribed at this time. By 9 am, chores and in-house exercises should be checked off your list.
The rest of your day will consist of a variety of scheduled therapies and programs like psycho-education, life skills, cognitive behavioral therapy skills, mindfulness, step work, insightful meditation and more. In addition to individual therapy, you will have the chance to interact with and learn from other patients in the program through group work. Phone time is allowed during lunch and again at dinner from 5:00-6:30 pm. Later on, you will engage with others in a 12-Step meeting. Lights are expected to be out by 11 pm.
Your waking hours will be filled with deep recovery work to get you well as soon as possible. During all of this, there will be opportunities to get sunshine and fresh air. You’ll have access to a private chef and exercise equipment and will get to go on daily and weekly outings. In addition, there are many soothing indoor and outdoor spaces. Casa Palmera’s residences are designed for your comfort.
If you know you have a problem with drugs or alcohol but want to get better, it’s time to find a residential treatment program that works for you. Finding out what treatment looks like on a daily basis can help you get a good idea of the quality of the facility. At Casa Palmera, we understand that recovery is individualized. Each person experiences addiction differently and has unique needs that need to be addressed properly. We pride ourselves on our small patient-to-staff ratio which allows us to recognize this and tailor our residential treatment program to your unique situation. We want you to feel noticed, secure and supported by our clinical staff and to know that you are never alone. Our private residences are located in West L.A. and are designed for your comfort. Contact us today to find out more about our diverse and comprehensive therapies and programs.
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