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Have a question?

There’s a lot to know about addiction, behavioral health and recovery. We’ve done our best to anticipate any questions you might have about any aspect of seeking treatment at Travco Behavioral Health and First Step Recovery.

What is your compliance / privacy policy? What do I do if I think there has been a breach of my privacy?

First Step Recovery is committed to providing the utmost privacy to all of our clients. If you believe there has been a breach of your privacy or suspect wrongdoing, please inform us immediately. Our team will investigate and rectify the situation as quickly as possible. Inquiries are sent directly to our Compliance Office and someone will reach out to you soon.

How do I know that my treatment will be kept confidential?

Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we value it before, during and after your stay with us. All information you provide us is confidential and qualifies as private, health-related information protected by law. We take our pledge to honor your privacy very seriously.

What happens if I relapse?

Relapse should not be viewed as a failure but as an obstacle to overcome on one’s lifelong journey to sobriety. It provides an opportunity to reassess your path and get back into a program that offers support for your long-term success. You will not be judged in any way.

Are there items that I’m NOT permitted to bring to detox?

The following items are not permitted:

  • Aerosol sprays of any kind: hair spray, mouthwash, perfume, cologne, aftershave, nail polish or nail polish remover
  • Alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beer or wine, or any substances that cause an intoxicating effect
  • Appliances (irons, blenders)
  • Bathing suits or short-shorts
  • Clothing with profanity, triggers or representation of an addiction lifestyle (beer advertisements, nudity)
  • Bedding (pillows, blankets, sheets)
  • Bleach
  • Purses or wallets
  • Cameras and video cameras
  • Cash, credit cards or valuables
  • Cell phones, pagers and beepers
  • Computers, MP3 players, iPods, tablets, laptops
  • Disabling substances such as tear gas, mace, pepper sprays or stun guns
  • Electronic cigarettes, vapor devices
  • Exercise equipment
  • Fireworks
  • Food, including snacks, drinks, gum or candy
  • Glue or white out
  • Hair dye hair color, color rinse or hair spray containing alcohol
  • Incense, candles, scented oils, potpourri
  • Lighter fluid
  • Scissors, hair clippers, nail clippers, toothpicks, straight razors, rug cutters, box cutters or letter openers
  • Illegal drugs of any kind or drug paraphernalia
  • Monitoring devices (police scanners, CBs)
  • Mouthwash and hand sanitizer containing alcohol
  • Perfume, cologne, aftershave
  • Pornographic materials

If any of these items are found at the time of admission or during a luggage search, they will be confiscated and disposed of or stored until the patient is discharged. If they are found in a patient’s room, car or clothing after admission, the individual may be subject to discharge.

What items should I pack (for myself or a loved one) for inpatient detox?

Please pack the following:

  • Photo ID and insurance card
  • Minimal clothing (T-shirt, underwear, sweatshirt/jacket, etc.). Patients will wear the same pair of shoes you are wearing for admission. Patients will be provided with scrubs to wear during detox.
  • One small bag of prescription medications (must be in correct bottles or admission can be denied). Cigarettes (sealed packs only) and lighter. Any prescribed or over-the-counter medication will be evaluated by the medical director for possible disposal.
  • One small bag of toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. in unopened containers). Soap and shampoo will be provided. One small bag of makeup, if desired. 

Please note: Please keep it simple. All patient belongings will be searched. Patients are responsible for the safety and care of all their belongings. Following detox, individuals in supportive housing are responsible for their own toiletries.

How do I know if my insurance will cover treatment?

We know it can be a daunting task trying to determine what type of coverage your insurance plan will provide. We can help answer any questions you might have to determine if your or your loved one’s insurance policy covers substance abuse or mental health treatment. We will be happy to verify your coverage.

What forms of payment does First Step Recovery accept?

We accept private insurance, Medicaid and self-payment.

Will I have opportunities to talk about what’s going on with me?

Absolutely. Through individualized counseling and group therapy with licensed counselors, you’ll be able to explore the thoughts, behaviors and motivations behind your addiction. When appropriate, you can also participate in family counseling and gender-specific group therapy.

Do you offer a 12-step program as part of treatment?

Yes. 12-step meetings are an integral part of our extended care and aftercare programs. Counselors from Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous host meetings right at our facilities.

Am I able to have visitors while in detox?

No. Patients in detox are not permitted to have visitors or make phone calls.

I’m a smoker. Will I be allowed to smoke tobacco on the grounds?

While smoking is not permitted inside the facility, a designated smoking area is located outdoors on the First Step Recovery campus.

Do you treat patients with co-occurring diagnoses?

Yes. First Step Recovery has Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors on staff to counsel patients with mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. This treatment takes place through our on-campus Travco Behavioral Health.

What is the difference between inpatient detox, residential services, and extended care?

Medically Monitored Inpatient Withdrawal Management (Detox) provides 24-hour medical, nursing and clinical observation and evaluation under a set of physician approved protocols and procedures to assist you with your withdrawal symptoms. This phase of treatment lasts until withdrawal signs and symptoms sufficiently resolve. Residential and Extended Care offer a range of treatment intensities based on your strengths and weaknesses. Both are considered inpatient and focus heavily on therapeutic interventions and readiness to change but may differ in intensity level. This duration of this treatment will depend on severity of illness and individual response to treatment.

How can I convince someone to go into treatment?

Most people seek treatment after having honest conversations with the people who love them. Approach your loved one or friend without judgment. You probably have more leverage than you think to persuade them to make the right choice.

What warning signs of addiction should I look for in my loved one?

Changes in behavior or personality, sleep patterns; decrease in appetite or weight; wanting to be isolated; extreme mood changes, loss of relationships, legal or financial troubles, changes in appearance, loss of interest in hobbies, depression, and or frequent job changes.

I’m worried about my family or losing my job while I’m in treatment. So how can I commit to it?

Think of it this way: If you’re preoccupied with your next fix or you’re too sick or high to show up for work, you’re no “there” for your family or job anyway. Your loved ones are all better off with you sober. If you have a job, it’s likely protected by law. We’ll help you with the paperwork and remain discrete.

I’ve heard that detox is pretty rough. What can I expect?

We promise you’ll be comfortable and monitored the entire time. As needed, your detox can include medications for withdrawal relief. These are gently tapered daily to support your symptoms. And don’t worry: our techniques are safe, medically accredited and evidence-based. Click here to learn more about Medication-Assisted Treatment.

I don’t have a car. How can I get to your facility?

Most insurances will provide transportation with a 24-48 hour notice. Many clients have family or friends transport them.

How quickly can I get admitted into your detox program?

Although admission is based on bed availability, we do our best to get you in within a few days.

What types of substance abuse do you treat?

First Step Recovery treats the abuse of and dependence on all mood-altering substances, including heroin and other opioids, alcohol, cannabis and marajuana, cocaine, benzodiazepines and amphetamines.

What is the general process I will go through when first seeking treatment?

Once you are here as a client, you’ll meet with a licensed nurse and licensed counselor. They will get to know you and how we can best help. From there, we’ll create a treatment plan for your unique situation. 

How do I know if I really need treatment for addication?

Like any addiction or disease, the earlier you address it, the better. Telling yourself that “things aren’t that bad” or “I can handle it” is probably your denial and fear talking. If you even suspect you might have a problem, take the next step. To learn more about the symptoms of addiction, click here.

What falls under the umbrella of substance abuse?

The term covers a wide variety of substances. Abused substances can be legally purchased, such as alcohol or prescription drugs. They can also be illegal street drugs like cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl.

What is the admissions process?

Admission to First Step Recovery is voluntary. Patients must be 18 years or older and meet the criteria for detoxification. A potential patient can be assessed at First Step Recovery via a self-referral, a referral by a friend or family member or by a professional (i.e., physician, counselor, psychologist, probation officer, judge, employer, etc.).

What types of behavioral health issues do you treat?

We work with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, bipolar disorders, PTSD, excessive anger, grief, OCD, eating disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, and others.

What ages do you serve?

Travco’s evidence-based behavioral health services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of adults, children and adolescents.

What types of treatments do you offer?

Our licensed practitioners and board-certified psychiatrist will work closely with you to personalize a treatment plan for you or your loved one—from private therapy, group therapy and psychiatric services to medication management, Medication-Assisted Treatment, relapse prevention and case management. Programs for children and teens include play therapy and art therapy.

What is the admissions process?

Admission to Travco is voluntary. Patients come to us via a self-referral, a referral by a friend or family member, or by a professional (i.e., physician, counselor, psychologist, probation officer, judge, employer, etc.).

How long does behvioral health treatment take?

How do I know if I really need treatment or that I have a mental disorder?

Symptoms of mental illness can be different from everyone. You may start to notice a shift in your level of functioning and how you experience your day-to-day life. We will help you look at how your symptoms are impacting your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, as well as how they may be impacting your relationships, home life, work, school, and social experiences. To learn more, click here.

I’m worried about the stigma of having a mental illness.

We understand all too well, and work hard every day to stop the stigma. Please know that when you enter our doors, any stigma or shame is left outside, and you’ll be embraced as one of our own.

I feel like I’m all along in my struggle. Am I?

Not at all. In fact, mental illnesses are common in the United States. Nearly one in five adults lives with a mental illness, from mild to moderate to severe.

How can I convince someone to seek help for a mental health issue?

Most people seek treatment after having honest conversations with the people who love them. Approach your loved one or friend without judgment. You probably have more leverage than you think to persuade them to make the right choice.

I’ve heard that you offer Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT. What can I expect with that?

MAT can be especially helpful for those dealing with an opiate or alcohol addiction. These FDA-approved medications work best when managed within a structured level of care treatment program that includes group and individual counseling. MAT is an option for individuals who are leaving medically assisted inpatient detox programs and need to continue to receive support via outpatient channels. It’s also an option for those who start with outpatient addiction treatment.


As needed, your recovery from addiction and depression can include safe, evidence-based medications, such as Spravato, Suboxone and Vivitrol. These medicines reduce the cravings associated with addiction, make it harder for you to abuse alcohol or opiates or both (and easier to say no to them). We will instruct you on exactly how to self-administer them.

Am I able to do the Residential and Extended Care program at First Step Recovery (where I can live as an outpatient resident) if I’m taking Suboxone?

No, this isn't possible.

Do you treat patients with co-occurring diagnoses?

Yes. Travco has Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors on staff to counsel patients with both substance addiction and mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc. Inpatient detox is available through our on-campus First Step Recovery.

What forms of payment does Travco accept?

We accept most private insurances, Medicaid and Medicare.

How do I know if my insurance will cover treatment?

We know it can be a daunting task trying to determine what type of coverage your insurance plan will provide. We can help answer any questions you might have to determine if you or your loved one’s insurance policy covers substance abuse or mental health treatment. We will be happy to verify your coverage.

What is your compliance / privacy policy? What do I do if I think there has been a breach of my privacy?

Travco Behavioral Health is committed to providing the utmost privacy to all of our clients. If you believe there has been a breach of your privacy or suspect wrongdoing, please inform us immediately. Our team will investigate and rectify the situation as quickly as possible. Inquiries are sent directly to our Compliance Office and someone will reach out to you soon.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.

How does TMS work?

TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.

How long is TMS treatment?

A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.

Is TMS Therapy covered by my insurance?

A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans.

Is TMS Therapy like other alternative therapies that use magnets to treat some illnesses?

No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells is a key part of why TMS is so effective.

How is NeuroStar treatment different than medications?

NeuroStar treats the source of the problem – the underactive cells in your brain. Medications affect your entire body which is why they often have systemic side effects.

The most common side effect of NeuroStar is discomfort at the treatment site, and many patients find this lessens after the first week of treatment. The chances you will achieve remission with another antidepressant after 3 medication failures is less than 7%.3 In a NeuroStar study 33% of patients achieved remission, and 62% had a positive response.

Who is NeuroStar® Therapy indicated for?

• Adult

• Major Depressive Disorder diagnosis without psychotic features

• Unsatisfactory benefit from anti-depressant medication trial

Is TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications?

TMS does not circulate in the blood throughout the body, so it does not have side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort —generally mild to moderate—occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.

Recovery from addiction and managing behavioral health has a language all its own. The following terms may be helpful to know as you step through your process of abstinence and self-discovery.

Acute Care

Immediate, short-term medically managed or monitored care, lasting up to 31 days in length. Since substance use disorder is considered to be a chronic illness, recovery may require ongoing continuing care beyond acute treatment.

Addiction

A chronic condition experienced by a person who ingests a substance for pleasure, despite long-term outcomes that are destructive to self and others.

Aftercare

Treatment interventions that follow initial rehabilitation services. Usually involves outpatient counseling, 12-step meetings and case management services.


Assessment

A process used to determine the medical, psychological, and social needs of individuals with substance-related conditions and problems. It can take the form of biological assays (e.g., blood or urine samples), as well as clinical diagnostic interviewing. The goal is to develop a fully informed and helpful treatment and recovery plan.

Behavioral Health

The field of healthcare concerned with substance use and other mental health disorders.

Benzodiazepine

A psychopharmaceutical drug (such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium, etc.) used to treat insomnia, anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal; also used as an anesthetic before medical or dental procedures; commonly abused for its sedating effects when taken without prescription or as a "date rape" drug.

Buprenorphine

Medication used for symptom relief from opiate withdrawal.

For more info: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/buprenorphine

Case Management

The collaborative process of assessment, planning, care coordination, evaluation and advocacy for options and services to facilitate disease management.

Counseling

Meeting with trained medical professionals, either privately or in a group setting, for the purpose of achieving overall mental and emotional wellness. It is often done on an ongoing basis as part of a treatment plan. Family counseling features two components: 1) Addiction education for family members and 2) Family members and patients working together to more fully understand the dynamics of addiction recovery as it relates specifically to their situation.

Detox

Short for “detoxification”, it is the medical process focused on treating the physical effects of withdrawal from substance use and comfortably achieving metabolic stabilization; typically a precursor to longer-term treatment and recovery.

Diagnostic Assessment

Preliminary evaluation used to determine if a person meets the criteria for substance abuse, substance dependence and/or mental health disorders.

Drug Court

Problem-solving courts that operate under a specialized model in which the judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, probation, law enforcement, mental health, social service and treatment communities work together to help non-violent offenders find restoration in recovery and become productive citizens.

Drug Screen

A drug test in which blood, urine, hair or saliva is collected and analyzed to detect the presence of the chemicals and contaminants left behind in the body due to drug use.

Drug and Alcohol Detoxification

The process of monitoring and taking care of a patient as drugs or alcohol leave the body.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Voluntary work-based intervention programs offered by employers to support employees in managing issues affecting mental and emotional wellbeing, including substance use and psychological disorders.

Extended Stay Housing

An extended residential program for patients facing a high risk of relapse.

Fentanyl

A powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. In 2017, 59 percent of opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl compared to 14.3 percent in 2010.

For more info: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl

Gender-Specific Treatment

Research-based drug and alcohol treatment provided to those experiencing substance abuse issues related to their gender or sexual preference.

Genetic Testing

A medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Genetic testing for addiction identifies certain genes and their variations that may predict who's at greatest risk of developing substance use disorders. If you have been diagnosed with depression and failed at least one medication, consider talking to your doctor about genetic psychotropic testing; it is a pharmacogenomic test that analyzes clinically important genetic variations in your DNA. The results of the test can inform your doctor about genes that may impact how you metabolize or respond to certain medications.

For more info: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/testing/genetictesting

Group Counseling

Treatment moderated by a counseling professional in which patients get to experience support and feedback from peers who are also undergoing drug and alcohol treatment.

HIPAA and Release of Information

The HIPAA Privacy Rule ensures that the privacy of patients is protected while allowing their health data to flow freely between authorized healthcare providers, plans and facilities. A HIPAA release form must be written in plain language and a copy of the signed form should be provided to the patient.

For more info: https://www.hipaajournal.com/hipaa-release-form/

Individualized Counseling

Treatment that provides the patient with one-on-one therapeutic attention from a personal counselor.

Intensive Counseling

Counseling that is provided on a daily basis to individuals and groups.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

A treatment programs used to address addictions, depression and other dependencies that do not require detox or round-the-clock supervision. Patients are able to continue their normal lives in a way that residential treatment programs do not. Clients in IOP live at home. IOP can be used in conjunction with inpatient programs as a way of helping clients to more smoothly and seamlessly adapt back into their families and communities.

Medication Assisted Detox

Detoxification in a medical setting, often with use of medications to support initial withdrawal and stabilization following cessation of alcohol or other drugs.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.

Medication Management

Specific medications can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions. They can help suppress withdrawal symptoms during detox, as well as and re-establish normal brain function and decrease cravings. Medications are also available to treat mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may be contributing to the person’s addiction.

For more info: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction

Mindfulness Meditation

A meditation practice that develops a patient’s nonjudgmental awareness and acceptance of thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations as they arise.

Non-intensive Counseling

Counseling that is typically provided one to three times a week.

Opioid

A family of drugs used therapeutically to treat pain, that also produce a sensation of euphoria; naturally derived from the opium poppy plant (e.g., morphine and opium) or synthetically or semi-synthetically produced in a lab to act like an opiate (e.g., methadone and oxycodone). Chronic repeated use of opioids can lead to tolerance, physical dependence and addiction.

Outpatient Counseling

A non-intensive level of counseling providing ongoing support at a treatment center while the patient is living at home.

Prior Authorization (PA)

A requirement that your physician obtain approval from your health insurance plan to prescribe a specific medication for you. PA is a technique for minimizing costs, wherein benefits are only paid if the medical care has been pre-approved by the insurance company. Without PA, your insurance plan may not pay for your medication.

For more info: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/my-pharmacist-says-he-needs-prior-authorization-whats-that-all-about-040615.html

Psychiatric Evaluation

An evaluation of the causes, symptoms, course and consequences of a psychiatric disorder in order to formulate a diagnosis and a treatment plan, and to answer any questions the patient or referring specialist may have. The main components are the patient interview and observations of the patient's behaviour.

For more info: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16440620

Psychotropic Medication

A broad category of drugs that treat many different conditions, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and sleep disorders. They work by adjusting levels of brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, like dopamine, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, and serotonin to improve symptoms.

For more info: https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-psychotropic-drug#uses

Recovery

The process of improved physical, psychological and social wellbeing and health after having suffered from a substance use disorder.

Recovery Coaching

Support for individuals with addictions who are in recovery from alcohol, drugs, codependency or other addictive behaviors.

Relapse Prevention

A skills-based, cognitive-behavioral treatment approach that requires patients and their clinicians to identify situations that place the patient at risk - including social interactions and emotional triggers - for the repeat use of drugs or alcohol.

Residential Treatment

A model of care for substance use disorder that houses affected individuals with others suffering from the same conditions to provide longer-term rehabilitative therapy in a therapeutic, socially supportive setting. Also known as in-patient treatment.

Spiritual Counseling

An approach to treating the whole person - body, mind and soul - for patients who have spiritual beliefs; also may be referred to as holistic counseling.

Spravato™

An FDA-approved prescription medicine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults. It is administered in the form of a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting.

Suboxoneᴿ

An FDA-approved medication treatment, in the form of sublingual film, for opioid dependence. It contains the active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone, a mixture intended to reduce craving while preventing misuse of the medication.

For more info: https://www.suboxone.com

Substance Abuse

A patterned use of drugs or alcohol in which the user has impaired control over the consumption of a substance in amounts or by methods that are harmful to themselves or others. This umbrella term covers a wide variety of mood-altering substances. Abused substances can be legally purchased, such as alcohol or prescription drugs. They can also be illegal street drugs like cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl.

Substance Dependence

An adaptive state that develops from repeated drug or alcohol use, and that results in withdrawal when the user stops taking the substance.

Telehealth

The provision of healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology, primarily telephone or video chat. It can include remote monitoring of vital signs, remote doctor-patient consultations, health education services and more.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.

Treatment

A course of medical and psychotherapeutic treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, usually conducted at a residential facility; can take the form of medicines, procedures, counseling or psychotherapy.

Twelve-Step Program

A set of principles (sometimes accepted by members as being spiritual principles) that form a course of action for treating alcoholism, drug addiction and compulsion.

Vivitrolᴿ

A prescription injectable medicine (Naltrexone)used to treat alcohol dependence and opiate addiction.. It works by blocking opioid molecules from attaching to opioid receptors. Used in a healthcare setting under a course of treatment, it can help prevent relapses.

For more info: https://www.vivitrol.com/opioid-dependence/how-vivitrol-works

Withdrawal

Physical, cognitive and affective symptoms that occur after the chronic use of a drug is reduced abruptly or stopped among individuals who have developed a tolerance to it.

Still have questions? Contact us directly, we're here for you.