The first step in seeking real treatment for your drug addiction is to visit your physician. The physician will then likely refer you to a professional mental health provider like a psychiatrist, psychologist or a counselor.

If you want to make the most out of your appointment, then come prepared. How do you get prepared and what can you expect from your doctor?

Things you can do to prepare for your doctor’s appointment

Tell your doctor the truth about your addiction – If you are tempted to give your doctor or your mental health provider the impression that your drug addiction is not as worse than it actually is, your course of treatment is likely to be one that does not give you the best results.

Bring with you a trusted friend or a member of your family – A friend or family member can provide more helpful additional information about your drug addiction if you happen to overlook some pertinent information that your physician or mental health provider may deem important about your problem.

Write down all the medications and drugs you are taking presently. This could even be the supplements, vitamins and of course, the drugs, legal and illegal you are taking.

Make a list of the questions you want to ask your physician or mental health provider.  This is one vital factor to make the most out of your appointment. Some of the questions you can include in the list can be:

• Do you have some reading materials that can be taken home to read? Are there any websites you can recommend helpful for the treatment and understanding of my addiction?
• Will I need to stay in a hospital or be treated in an outpatient basis? Will I need to stay or visit a recovery clinic? What recovery clinic do you recommend for me?
• What kind of mental health provider do you recommend for me? Will it be a counselor, psychologist or a psychiatrist?
• What do you think is the right course of treatment for my case?
• Are there any alternative therapies you can recommend besides your main course of treatment?

If new questions rise in your mind during the appointment be sure to tell them to your provider or doctor as well.

What to expect from your doctor/psychiatrist/mental health provider

The doctor needs to ask you relevant questions about yourself to help you with your problem. It is important to answer them truthfully and honestly. If you need to ponder over the questions before answering them then do so. The right information will lead to the right treatment and to a much better recovery.

Questions to be expected from your physician

• Are you willing and prepared to go through the treatment for your drug addiction problem?
• Have you attempted to halt your addiction by yourself?  What did you experience when you tried to quit by yourself? Did you suffer from withdrawal symptoms when you stopped?
• When you take drugs how much drug do you take?
• How frequent do you use those drugs?
• What are the drugs you are taking that are addicting?
• When did you first start taking those drugs?

Harmony Wellness Center
110 N Orlando Ave
Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 234-6454
https://www.harmonywellnesscenter.com/