What Should I Expect When a Family Member Goes to Treatment

Alcohol and drug addictions have big effects on everyone, not just the individual abusing a substance. Emotions can run wild when you think about your loved one going to treatment for 90, 60, or even 30 days. On the one hand, you’re happy that they’re getting the help that they need. On the other hand, you may be afraid that treatment may not “work” for them. And if so, where does that leave your loved one?

With Oxford Treatment Center, you can rest assured that your loved one will be taken care of. Our professional medical staff provides a supportive environment with the proper medical care from detox, through treatment, and aftercare planning. Located in the state of Mississippi, Oxford is one of the American Addiction Centers’ facilities, a nationwide leader in addiction treatment.

So, what does a day in the life of a patient who attends Oxford look like?

Before that question is answered, it’s good to know what’s required first. Within the first three days of treatment (72 hours), there is no communication between the patients and their families. This period is referred to as a 72-hour blackout. This allows patients to get acclimated to the environment and working with the medical and clinical staff. This creates a strong foundation for their treatment experience in which to build upon. Furthermore, individuals begin working on their aftercare planning with their treatment team during this time.

Since there aren’t any phone calls (incoming or outgoing) during this period, this may be a little unsettling for you. Because we want you to have the peace of mind that your loved one is okay, you can reach out to Oxford at any time, and we’ll be happy to pass along a message on your behalf. Additionally, if your family member consents, our therapists will keep you updated on their progress regularly.

Treatment itself consists of individual therapy for a minimum of one-hour a week, as well as daily recreational, group, and experiential therapies. Medications (including those that are prescribed) are provided as needed before bed and after each meal.

Your loved one will learn:

• How to avoid relapsing/getting back on track if relapse does occur.
• How to handle stress without alcohol or drugs.
• The reason behind why they haven’t been able to overcome their addiction by themselves.
• How to find the joy in life.
• How to pull on strength from a supportive community and be able to have strength for themselves.

Oxford provides family visitation every Sunday afternoon between 1-4 p.m., as long as your loved one is out of the 72-hour blackout period. In addition to these Sunday afternoons, Oxford provides a two-day intensive family therapy program. This isn’t available to everyone and is contingent on what your loved one wants and what their therapist feel is best. The program consists of various lecture series.

At the end of the day, you want what’s best for your loved one and so does Oxford. And to increase the possibility of reaching long-term sobriety, research has shown that a minimum of a 90-day treatment program is the most effective. American Addiction Centers’ Oxford Treatment Center even stands behind this research with our 90-Day Brand Promise, which states if your loved one completes a 90-day treatment program and relapses, they may return for an additional 30 days with no charge. That’s how much we care.

Our mutual goal is for your loved one to experience long-term sobriety and to live a healthy and productive life. Oxford Treatment Center is a great place to begin that journey.