|
I know I need treatment, what do I do first/next?
Call our 888 number (888-623-2680) and we will make the necessary arrangements. If you are in the Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach area we will pick you up and take you to either detox or directly to our treatment center in ecuador (via plane). If you live elsewhere we will guide you to detox if necessary or to our Center in Ecuador and make all necessary airplane arrangements for you.
What if I need detox before coming in for treatment?
We can help you get the detoxification you need. We are very careful to make your detox as comfortable as it can be. We do not promise you a rose garden, but will do everything in our power to make it easy for you. The real challenge comes after detox....RECOVERY! Getting the skills you need to stay drug or alcohol free. Many insurance companies will cover the detox portion of your treatment.
Do you do detox?
We will assess your needs and determine the best course of action when detox is needed. As much as we would like to accomodate every person who needs help, we only have a limited number of people we can treat. If we feel we do not have the best possible method to help you detox with the least problems, we will refer you elsewhere.
How often do 'sessions' start?
Clients may start their treatment at almost any time.
What is the average length of stay?
Most clients stay for 8 weeks. A good percentage stay for 12 weeks as well.
How do I know how long I should stay at "The Ocean"?
We will assist you in determining how long your treatment program should be by using data from your admission questionnaire as well as our assessment tools pre-admission and during your first 2 weeks here.
How many clients are there at "The Ocean"?
The number of clients will vary. Our current capacity is 6-8 on premises. The new building to be finished before December 2008 will more than double our capacity.
Is insurance accepted?
We will do our best to assist you with insurance claims, but treatment must be paid for in advance in most cases.
What if I should change my mind about treatment after I have started?
You will be given a full refund for any additional 4 week sessions you have paid for as long as it is done 2 weeks before the start date. You will not receive a refund for the current session. If there is a bonafide emergency preventing completion of the current session or the following session, the regular refund policy applies plus you will be given credit for any time missed so that you may complete your treatment at a future date dependent on availability. We will help you deal with "craving jitters" if necessary. It is extremely doubtful you will change your mind once you experience for yourself what we have to offer.
Can I have visitors?
If you arrive early, you may stay with your guests in a local hotel prior to the start of treatment. We will be glad to pick you and your guests up at the airport and help with local hotel arrangements. We will also arrange transportation to the Center from town. Your guests will need to make their way back home on their own when they are ready to leave.
As far as having visitors while in treatment, "yes" visitors are welcome but arrangements need to be made in advance so that it will not interfere with treatment. Family involvement is encouraged on many levels.
Can I arrive early?
We do not recommend any earlier than the day before unless you plan an organized tour. See above.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are 2 to a room. We will try to match people up as best we can with compatible roommates. Every room has individual A/C but due to the frequently ideal climate, it is rarely needed. We are constantly upgrading the furnishings in our rooms and use only high quality bed linens including 1000 thread count sheets. Internet is available via laptop wirelessly anywhere on the premises.
What if I should need medical care or there is a medical emergency?
Fully qualified competent doctors are available nearby. An excellent major hospital is also available nearby. A dentist is available as well but clients are urged to see their dentist prior to treatment to avoid any 'dental emergencies' that can interfere with treatment. Staff have been trained in first aid and CPR as well as recognizing and functioning in emergency situations.
Will I receive psychiatric treatment if necessary?
You will have a psychiatric evaluation and history done during your stay either in detox or during 'recovery'. We expect clients to be stable when ready for recovery so as not to interfere with their treatment or the treatment of other clients. We do therapy as part of treatment but try to avoid a psychiatric crisis.
We DO however have a psychiatrist available on call at all times. Dr. Wilson Curva is a former Minister of Health in Ecuador, speaks English, and is part of our staff.
You are expected to take enough medication with you to last for the length of your stay. Many of our clients have been diagnosed with clinical depression or bipolar disorder. We are experts in this field. We find that adjustments to clients' medications is infrequent but may be necessary at times.
Again, we are not a primarily psychiatric facility and for the sake of our other clients, if you require very frequent psychiatric care, we are not for you.
Are there any other questions that you will need to ask me prior to deciding whether I am able to be admitted?
Yes, the questionnaire in the web site is just a preliminary form and you will be contacted by phone and E-mail further for more information to assure that you will have a successful treatment. You will also be given the opportunity to ask questions of us and you may have your family contact us as well with any questions or concerns.
Are there any restricted medications? And what is your medication policy?
Yes. We do not allow drugs of abuse to be used at "The Ocean". This include opiates, benzo's, stimulants and soma. Exceptions are few and far between. Be sure to bring an adequate supply of any 'routine' medications with you to the Center. They will need to be pre-approved before you are accepted for admission.
What is to stop me from relapsing while I am at the "The Ocean"?
One of the reasons for coming here is to get away from outside influences that can contribute to relapses. From a physical standpoint, "The Ocean" is not a locked facility but drugs and alcohol would be difficult for someone to obtain nearby.
It is, however, only 15 minutes from downtown and the mall by car, but it is not walking distance to a local bar or any area where drugs can be obtained. The "foreign" environment also contributes to prevent relapse.
It is our goal at "The Ocean" that our clients will be motivated to abstain from these old habits and can learn new behaviors to control their cravings.
Are there any rules that I need to know about now?
There are no rules that one would consider frivolous. Obviously, there are rules.... You cannot bring illegal drugs to "The Ocean" or alcohol. We are safety conscious and there are some rules to keep everyone safe and secure. There are also some rules regarding confidentiality as well as privacy. Any blatant disregard of these rules could be grounds for discharge from the facility. However, I am sure you will find our 'rules' make sense and are not unreasonable.
Is there financial aid available?
There is a limited number of partial scholarships available based on need.
How safe is Ecuador?
Ecuador is one of the safest countries in South or Central America. Major crime is almost unheard of. Petty crime can occur just like anywhere else. In any case it is well below any typical American city. The government can be topsy turvey at times but poses no threat to it's citizens nor to us visitors or tourists. There are occasional strikes which usually consist of peaceful protesting and perhaps a road closure due to a demonstration for a day or two. As always, common sense prevails.
What is the currency of Ecuador?
Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar. Their coins however, are a mixture of U.S. and Ecuadorian mintage.
Is "The Ocean" an accredited facility?
There is no accreditation authority in Ecuador comparable to the U.S. system. Our personnel are all well trained and properly licensed (in the U.S.). The program is an excellent one based on the best of the current thinking in the addiction treatment world. There are components of the "12 step model" as well as other successful models. We are not bogged down with government regulations and are able to offer what we feel is a more client oriented treatment and holistic approach without wasting time on unnecessary paperwork.
Are you a dual diagnosis facility?
People with alcohol and drug problems by their very nature are "so called" dual diagnosis clients. Alcohol and many abused drugs are depressants and cause anxiety and depression on many levels. Even many cases of psychosis can be attributed to drug/alcohol use and abuse. Some clients will have been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition and given narcotics by their doctor to combat the condition and will develop addictions/dependency to those drugs; others will develop depression/anxiety/psychosis as a result of the drug use, possibly in an attempt to self-medicate themselves for a non diagnosed psychiatric disorder,....the end result is the same: "Dual Diagnosis", which we treat at "The Ocean" through our "dual recovery" program. However, be advised, we do not offer daily psychiatric services, and medication adjustments will be limited. If you require more frequent psychiatric care we may not be the right place for you.
What should I bring with me?
What to bring:
-A limited amount of clothing (casual/comfortable, easy care). Laundry facilities are available. Detergent, linens, soap and towels are provided.
- bathing suit and cover-up.
- comfortable shoes and workout clothes for exercise/activities.
- alcohol-free toiletries.
- sweater/sweatshirt and a small umbrella.
- sunscreen
- reading material/ writing material.
- medications- enough for your entire stay.
Optional:
- television, personal computer, cellular phone (restricted use).
- MP3 player, CD player, DVD player, tape player or radio w/ headphones/earphones, DVD's, CD's.
- Cigarettes for the length of your stay if you smoke.
Do Not bring:
- Products containing alcohol.
- valuable jewelry.
- clothing advertising drugs or alcohol products.
- any narcotic/alcohol containing medications.
What is your cigarette smoking policy?
There is no restriction on smoking while outside as long as it is not during meeting times. However, we do not allow smoking inside the buildings for the benefit of those who do not smoke. If you wish to stop smoking while you are here and need a pharmaceutical aid to help accomplish this, please make sure you bring it with you (i.e. Chantix, Nicoderm, Wellbutrin, patch, gum).
Do I need any shots to go to Ecuador?
NO! We are not located in an area that requires any innoculations.
What side of the street do they drive on in Ecuador?
The side with least pot holes! ( I couldn't resist!)
|
