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Common Questions About Addiction Treatment

This Q&A is not to be used as medical advice, please call today to discuss your options.

We understand there are many questions you may have if you or a loved on are considering inpatient addiction treatment. Choosing a facility is an important decision. Below, we answer our most commonly asked questions about our program. For any remaining questions, we encourage you to give us a call. We have a patient handbook and other material available by request: 800-481-8457

  • What Are The Safety and Emergency Protocols at OARC?

    At OARC, client safety is our #1 priority. We are a medically supervised facility with a Physician, Nurse Practitioner, and 24-hour Nursing and Behavioral Health Technician staff. We’re equipped to fully diagnose and treat mental health conditions, detox symptoms, illness, and minor injuries. All clients are closely monitored throughout their treatment stay and, in the event of more serious illness or emergency, clients may be transported to a hospital or appropriate specialist. All clients require an emergency contact on file.

    Medical Emergency Protocol

    Though rare, it’s always possible for individuals to have unexpected or serious complications requiring a specialist or emergency medical attention, which may or may not be related to their addiction treatment. In that event, at OARC:

    1. Emergency contact is immediately notified

    2. We are within 5-mile distance from multiple fully-equipped area hospitals. Clients will be transported, possibly by ambulance, to either Ohio Health or Mount Carmel Grove City.

    3. For urgent, but non-emergency conditions requiring a specialist, clients will be transported to an area specialist when medically indicated, such as a local dentist for dental conditions.

    Clients are financially responsible for any treatment costs received outside of our care, though we do work with clients to ensure outside providers, such as dentists, are within their insurance coverage and/or network for non-emergent care.

    Detox Protocols

    Medical Detox is the recommended, safe, effective, and most comfortable treatment choice for drug or alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal is a medical condition that can have varied symptoms, including risk of serious symptoms, depending on the individual. Severity can be affected by level of dependence, length of substance use, the substance(s) involved, age, sex, and underlying health factors. Because of this, clients at OARC are closely monitored for possible symptom development or complications throughout the detox process. As standard protocol, all clients are subject to:

    1. An eyes-on charted “role call” by staff on 15-minute intervals to visually confirm client status. Clients often are not disturbed or alerted if they appear healthy, but their presence and visual status is officially recorded.

    2. Official nursing reassessment every 4 hours, at minimum. Assessments may be increased at any time for at-risk individuals, or by client request. Nurses are always available on-site, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Assessments include vitals, symptom monitoring, and questions. Detox progression is assessed using evidence-based & standardized models based on withdrawal type, such as CIWA-Ar or COWS. Clients may be offered both prescription and over the counter medications when medically indicated.

    Residential Treatment Protocols

    Residential treatment at OARC is a longer, lower level of care than medical detox. Residential treatment aims to shift focus to the psychological components of addiction when a client is medically cleared from detox. However, clients still have access to the same medical professionals and 24-hour nursing as our detox program. Clients in residential treatment are closely monitored, which includes:

    1. Staff eyes-on recorded “role call” every hour. Like detox, clients usually are not disturbed, but their presence and status is officially recorded.

    2. Nursing medical assessment at least 1-2 times daily, with access to additional assessments when needed or indicated.

    Medical Emergency Protocol

    Though rare, it’s always possible for individuals to have unexpected or serious complications requiring a specialist or emergency medical attention, which may or may not be related to their addiction treatment. In that event, at OARC:

    1. We are within 5-mile distance from multiple fully-equipped area hospitals. Clients will be transported, possibly by ambulance, to either Ohio Health or Mount Carmel Grove City.

    2. For urgent, but non-emergency conditions requiring a specialist, clients will be transported to an area specialist when medically indicated, such as a local dentist for dental conditions.

    Clients are financially responsible for any treatment costs received outside of our care, though we do work with clients to ensure outside providers, such as dentists, are within their insurance coverage and/or network.

    Leaving Treatment Against Medical or Clinical Advice

    On occasion, for one reason or another, clients may attempt to or express interest in leaving treatment before completion. OARC is not a lock-down facility. By law, we are not permitted to hold patients against their wishes. However, we do make every effort to help clients come to the best medically-informed decisions regarding their healthcare. If a client even expresses an interest in leaving treatment against medical advice (AMA/ACA):

    1. Approved and/or emergency contacts are informed.

    2. OARC has AMA/ACA protocols that include trained specialists that can assist the client’s care team when speaking with the client about their desire to leave. Fortunately, most clients do change their mind when given the opportunity to think it over or speak with additional staff about any concerns.

    3. In the event of AMA/ACA, clients are requested to sign a waiver acknowledging that their decision is against the professional advice of their medical provider, along with the possible risks outlined by their provider. As a general policy due to ethics standards, we do not transport clients to their desired destination if they leave AMA. They are given their belongings, cell phone, and an opportunity to arrange transportation. Though leaving treatment is ultimately a client’s own healthcare decision, if a client chooses to leave against the advice of medical professionals, we do not make efforts to help make that decision easier, such as transportation. We may, however, provide other resources they may need or request to ensure their safety.

    Early recovery can be stressful – cravings, impulsivity, or unexpected mood shifts are not uncommon, which is often a natural symptom of early addiction recovery – though it does heal with time and support. We know the possible consequences of leaving treatment, so never take such requests lightly. That said, we also respect our clients’ decisions regarding their healthcare should they choose to leave treatment.

    If you have any other questions regarding our safety protocols or would like a copy of our client handbook, please reach out to us at 800-481-8457

  • Does insurance cover addiction treatment?

    Thanks to new legislation, insurance coverage has significantly changed to better cover addiction treatment services.  With the introduction of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, treatment for addiction must cover treatment.  In other words, insurance must cover addiction treatment services much like any other medical or surgical conditions. This includes medical detox, residential rehab, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, counseling, and more. This enables many more people to utilize their insurance coverage and health benefits to cover the cost of addiction treatment services.

    Ohio Addiction Recovery Center is able to accept most health insurance plans and will work closely with your insurance company to secure insurance coverage for your treatment program. Our staff will manage and coordinate every aspect of your admission to our rehab center. We want to take as much stress out of this already stressful situation for you. We will determine your exact insurance coverage and eligibility, will bill your insurance company, and find out what, if any out pocket expenses, such as co-pays or deductibles, will be needed. You have insurance for a reason, we want it to cover as much of your stay in treatment as possible.

  • How do I know if I or someone I care about needs addiction treatment?

    The answer is very simple: if you have found yourself here most, likely you do. The best way to determine is by giving us a call to do a brief assessment to see if you would benefit from a rehab program. When you have trouble controlling or managing your substance use it leads to destructive behavior. Addiction is typically defined by continuing substance use despite negative consequences, such as family strains, legal trouble, mental health decline, or impacts to your career. If this is relatable, you need action.

    Doing this alone is not only difficult, but it is rarely successful. If you or a loved one could moderate their substance use, they would have done that before or after negative consequences. That is why substance use disorder is classified as mental health condition – a disease. Substance use is merely the surface issue that is visible to the world. More often than not, there are a variety of underlying issues that accompany substance use. Please contact our toll-free line if you have any questions at all. Calls are always 100% confidential and free of charge.

  • How long is your program?

    First, we would like to say that the length of the program is not the same for each person based on a variety of factors. As mentioned earlier, Ohio Addiction Recovery Center designs a treatment plan around each client’s individual needs. Some people require more help which will take more time. This timeline will help give you an idea of what to expect on the road to recovery.

    1. Detox: 7-10 days depending on the substance being used, amount being used, and duration of use.
    2. Residential Treatment: 30 days but may vary depending upon individual goals and progress – Clients live in the rehab center and are under the care and supervision of our staff.
    3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): 15-20 sessions. During this phase, you will transition into sober living and attend PHP 5 days per week. PHP consists of two 3 hour sessions per day which includes groups and therapy.
    4. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 18-24 sessions. During this phase, you will transition into sober living or return home and attend IOP 3 days per week with each session being 3 hours.
    5. Sober Living: 6 Months. Live life as you wish while following our simple guidelines that will help you stay on the right track.

    The program is set up this way to slowly transition you back into a sober and drug-free life by giving you support throughout the process. This model ensures long-term recovery.

  • What if I do not have insurance or cannot afford your program?

    We will do whatever we can to make addiction treatment available to you. Please call us at 800-481-8457 to discuss your options.

  • Are you a dual diagnosis program?

    Yes, OARC is a dual diagnosis program treating substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. That said, some mental health diagnoses require a higher level of care than what is offered at OARC. During your pre-assessment with admissions, we can help you determine if OARC is the right fit for you or a loved one. If a higher level of care is more appropriate, we can provide referrals to other programs that we work with. Please contact our admissions team at 800-481-8457 to discuss questions regarding mental health.

  • Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

    To determine whether you need inpatient or outpatient treatment services will come down to a few questions that only you can answer.

    1)   Do you use or drink on a daily basis?

    2)   When you stop using or drinking, do you go through withdrawal?

    3)    Is your substance use prohibiting you from living a normal day-to-day life?

    If you answered yes to any of those questions, you more than likely would need to go to an inpatient treatment program and continue your care from there.

    If no was your answer to those questions, then an outpatient program may be more suitable for your particular situation. In most cases, we suggest making a call into our admissions office at 800-481-8457. This is the best way to get the answers you’re looking for in a timely manner.

    Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, as it is commonly referred to as aftercare. Using outpatient treatment as the first line of defense is not recommended.

  • What do I need to bring?

    In order to provide an efficient and comprehensive admission process please bring the appropriate paperwork and follow the guidelines and rules provided below.

    Items permitted and suggested:

    1. Appropriate paperwork: Driver’s license or photo ID, medical insurance card, approved
    prescriptions, medication and dosage information, allergy information, medical/other
    healthcare professional’s contact information, information on ailments or conditions, emergency contacts, information for any other persons requiring contact (required), Envelope, and stamps for writing loved ones.

    2. Please bring comfortable and appropriate clothing (T-shirts, Sweatpants, jeans, pajamas, sweatshirts, shorts, dress outfit (court, job interviews, family night), undergarments) We limit the number of items to 5 tops, 5 bottoms, 1 outfit for the barn, and 2 workout outfits. Weather permitting (coat, gloves, etc). A washer and dryer are available to keep clean clothing on hand.

    3. All over-the-counter medication must be new/unopened: Ibuprofen, Imodium, Maalox, Melatonin, Milk of Magnesia, Mints, Nicotine Patches.

    4. Personal hygiene products must be new/unopened: shaving cream, mouthwash, hair products, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.

    5. Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush/comb, lotion, deodorant, feminine hygiene products.

  • What am I not allowed to bring?

    For the safety of self and others, as well as space and hygiene of self and others we do not permit the following items.

    Items not permitted:

    1. Alcohol or any drugs of any kind.

    2. Unapproved prescription medication.

    3. Sample medication.

    4. Anything that includes alcohol as an ingredient. Hair-care products and mouthwash often contain alcohol.

    5. Weapons of any kind.

    6. Pornographic material.

    7. Cologne containing alcohol, no aerosol cans.

    8. Mouthwash containing alcohol.

    9. No Ipads, tablets, iPods, MP3 players, gaming systems, cell phones, or any other electronic devices.

    10. No expensive jewelry or excessive cash.

  • What are the rules with phone calls and visitation?

    1. There are no direct incoming calls to clients. Family contact is made through staff (counselors, case managers, or resident assistants), or a message is left with our front desk for a return call, that can be completed within the appropriate rules and parameters of phone calls.

    2. Clients are allowed to make phone calls to approved family and support persons on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. They have a 5-minute limit on time.

    3. Visitation is scheduled every Sunday from 12pm-2pm (for Women) and 4:30pm-6:30pm (for
    Men), for approved persons ONLY. If someone is not on the approved list, they will be asked to
    leave. The first group of visitors can leave after the first hour and if room is available additional
    visitors may check-in and visit during the last hour. There is a 3-person maximum for each client
    each week (per hour and not to exceed 3 per hour). The first check-in begins 15 minutes prior to
    visitation.

    4. Any items (money, clothing, etc) must be processed first by the staff before given to the clients. Failure to do so could result in discharge for the client or for the loved one removed from the approved visitation list.

    5. The family night takes place once per month. This is organized by case managers. Family night allows approved family members to come into our rehab facility, meet with therapists, and work on any concerns they may have. Clients are often encouraged to have their families come in and partake in these groups. It not only will help the client grow in their recovery, but it will help the family learn how to assist them in the best ways possible.

  • Do you have gender specific programs?

    Yes, at OARC we believe in a gender-specific treatment model. We have a men’s program and a women’s program.

  • Do you accept couples?

    No, we do not accept couples. At OARC, we believe in an integrated & individualized approach to addiction treatment. With our philosophy, we believe treating couples may distract from the individuals’ treatment plans. We would be happy to provide referrals to programs that accept couples.

  • Is OARC a lockdown facility?

    No, OARC is not a lockdown facility. The only types of programs that are “lockdown” are correctional treatment centers and some psychiatric hospitals. Our program is completely voluntary.

  • Would I be able to get to my court date?

    Yes, we can provide transport to and from court or other legal matters within a reasonable distance.

  • Can you send updates to courts or probation officers?

    Yes, we provide comprehensive case management. Your case manager will be able to help you coordinate any updates needed for legal purposes.

  • Can you help with filing FMLA?

    Yes. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 is a United States labor law requiring covered employers to provide employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons. Substance abuse treatment is a qualified medical reason under FMLA. If you are worried about your job, our admissions and case management team can help you determine if you are eligible and help you file FMLA.

  • Do you treat adolescents?

    OARC is an 18+ program. We would be happy to provide referrals to other great programs that treat minors.

  • Can I bring my child?

    OARC is an 18+ facility, so we do not allow parents do bring their children while in residential treatment.

  • Do you offer transportation?

    Yes, we offer free transportation to and from treatment. Our driver can come pick you up – even if you are hours away! We want your admission with us to be as easy, safe, and stress-free as possible. Let us know if you will need some help getting to treatment.

  • Where are you located?

    OARC is located in Grove City, Ohio, a suburb 15-minutes outside of downtown Columbus.

  • Do you offer telehealth?

    At OARC, we believe inpatient treatment is far more effective than telehealth for most individuals. We are completely focused on providing the best detox and residential rehabilitation in Ohio. If you aren’t a fit for our program, we could provide some referrals that may offer telehealth. We do, however, offer addiction assessments over the phone and instant chat.

  • Resources for Family and Friends

    The Addicts Parent United Closed Page – a FaceBook page for parents that have a child with the disease of addiction or have lost a child.
    Grands United Closed Page – a Facebook page for grandparents raising grandchildren due to addiction

    Family’s fighting addiction – Jim Leezer and his wife, Sherri run a group that meets on Thursday 7 p.m at Crosslink Community Church (4747 Harrisburg Pike).

    *Jim (554-4607) Sherri (554-4610) calls for support or questions always welcome

More Questions?

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