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Taking the first step to recovery can be difficult. Learn what to expect during addiction treatment.
This post was paid for and produced by our sponsor, New England Recovery Center, a subsidiary of Spectrum Health Systems, in collaboration with WBUR’s Business Partnerships team. WBUR’s editorial teams are independent of business teams and were not involved in the production of this post. For more information about New England Recovery Center, click here.
The New England Recovery Center (NERC) understands that the decision to pursue drug or alcohol addiction treatment can be daunting. If you are considering treatment for a substance use disorder, the following information may help alleviate uncertainty and let you know what to expect during a stay at NERC’s Westborough, Massachusetts inpatient center.
Treatment team
Upon admission to the New England Recovery Center, you will be assigned a master’s level clinician who will be your point person for the remainder of your stay. The role of this clinician is to provide support and guidance as you work together to develop the best possible recovery plan designed specifically for you.
Other members of the team include a family engagement specialist, continuing care specialists, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, mental health clinicians and recovery specialists. At a minimum, you will meet with your clinical team three times a week for individual therapy, continuing care planning and family engagement.
Family visits
NERC believes that family members or close friends are an important part of the recovery process and therefore encourages their involvement throughout your treatment stay. Every Sunday, families are welcome to join the Family Renewal Program which begins with an educational session and then allows quality time for visits. The program enables family members to receive the education and support needed to help you in your recovery, while learning to cope with their own concerns and emotions.
In addition, NERC offers a weekly virtual family support group on a variety of topics.
Length of stay
The length of stay at New England Recovery Center will depend on a variety of factors – including what you want to gain during the treatment process, progress toward your individual treatment goals, access to appropriate aftercare and medical necessity as determined by your insurance provider. You should plan to stay for at least two weeks but longer stays are always encouraged.
The main reason for a longer stay is that it allows time for you to develop the skills and tools needed to re-enter the world prepared to face life’s challenges. Skills taught include coping with difficult situations, finding a job, rebuilding relationships and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They also hold classes on resume writing, job interviews, family and relationships and more. During this time, nurses will continue to monitor you for any post-acute withdrawal symptoms and provide comfort medications as needed.
Everybody’s journey to addiction recovery is different, which is why NERC evaluates you as an individual with unique requirements and circumstances. This way, they can tailor your treatment plan to address your needs and preferences.
"NERC saved my life! I learned a lot from attending the groups. They gave me time to open my eyes and now I no longer have any urges to use drugs. I enjoy life and having a new start.”
Patient Testimonial
Continuing care
Inpatient treatment is just the beginning. Your recovery journey is a lifelong one, and it is critical that you set yourself up for success after discharge. Your clinician will work with you to develop a continuing recovery plan to help maintain the gains that you’ve made during treatment, while sustaining your recovery and preventing future relapses. The comprehensive planning process at New England Recovery Center addresses individualized needs regarding clinical services, vocation/education, legal issues, housing and employment. To ensure continued success, NERC clients often continue treatment at one of their outpatient clinics or become involved in the peer recovery support centers.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction or a substance use disorder, call New England Recovery Center today at 1-877-MyRehab or visit New England Recovery Center.