Taking the first step towards tackling an addiction can give rise to doubts, fear and uncertainty. The person affected may not know whether they really need treatment, whilst their family often wonders how to respond, what information they should provide and whether it will be necessary to be admitted to a clinic.
The first visit to an addiction centre serves precisely to clarify these issues. It is neither an examination nor an interrogation. It is an initial, confidential assessment designed to understand the person’s situation, evaluate their needs and guide them towards the most appropriate treatment.
During this initial consultation, the professional team analyses the type of addiction, the frequency and duration of use, the physical and psychological consequences, the family environment and the person’s ability to maintain abstinence outside a protected setting.
Based on this information, outpatient treatment, a residential programme or another approach tailored to the patient’s circumstances may be recommended.
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What happens during the first visit to an addiction treatment centre?
The first visit usually begins with a conversation in a private, non-judgemental setting. The aim is to find out what is going on, address the most pressing concerns and determine what level of care the person may need.
During this initial consultation, the patient is not expected to have all the answers or to be able to explain their situation perfectly. Many people arrive feeling confused, worried, tired or under pressure due to the consequences of their substance use.
The professional conducting the assessment may ask:
- Which substance or behaviour is causing the problem.
- How long has the substance use or addictive behaviour been going on?
- How often does it occur?
- Approximately how much is consumed?
- Whether there have been previous attempts to stop.
- What happens when the person tries to stop.
- Whether there are any medical or psychological problems.
- Whether any medication is being taken.
- How the situation is affecting family life, work or studies.
- Whether there are any debts, legal problems or personal conflicts.
- What family and social support the person has.
- Whether they are willing to start treatment.
This information helps to provide an initial assessment of the severity of the problem. Care for drug dependence includes, amongst other interventions, screening, assessment, diagnosis and the planning of a comprehensive therapeutic approach.
Who carries out the initial assessment?
The assessment must be carried out by professionals with training and experience in addiction. Depending on the centre and the patient’s situation, professionals from different disciplines may be involved.
The team may consist of:
- Medical staff.
- Psychologists.
- Psychiatrists.
- Nurses.
- Social workers or social educators.
The involvement of people from different backgrounds allows the situation to be assessed from a broader perspective. Addiction does not only affect substance use: it can also impact physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, finances, work and everyday life.
CC Adicciones has a specialised team of professionals and offers both residential and outpatient programmes, sothat the support provided can be tailored to the needs identified during the assessment.
Meet the professional team at CC Adicciones.
What information is asked about substance use?
A significant part of the initial consultation involves understanding the individual’s relationship with the addictive substance or behaviour.
It is not simply a matter of asking how much they use. It is also necessary to understand in which situations the use occurs, what role it plays and what consequences it is causing.
Type of substance or behaviour
Se debe identificar si el problema está relacionado con:
- Alcohol.
- Cocaine.
- Cannabis.
- Benzodiazepines or other medicines.
- Opiates.
- Ketamine or other drugs.
- Gambling.
- Sex or pornography.
- Compulsive shopping.
- Screens, video games or social media.
- Other substances or behaviours.
It is also important to establish whether poly-substance use is taking place, that is, whether several substances are being combined.
Frequency and quantity
The professional will ask how often the substance is used, what quantities are consumed, and whether these have increased over time.
The need to consume larger amounts, a loss of control or difficulty going for certain periods without using may indicate that the problem is getting worse.
Previous attempts to stop
Having tried to stop using without success provides important information. The professional may ask:
- How long the period of abstinence lasted.
- What helped during that period.
- What triggered the relapse.
- Whether there were any physical or psychological symptoms.
- Whether professional help was sought.
- What treatment was previously followed.
A relapse does not mean that recovery is impossible. It may indicate that it is necessary to review the approach, increase support or use a more intensive form of treatment.
Consequences of substance use
We also analyse how the addiction is affecting different areas:
- Physical health.
- Anxiety, depression or emotional changes.
- Sleep and diet.
- Family and relationship issues.
- Work or studies.
- Financial situation.
- Risky behaviour.
- Legal problems.
- Social isolation.
- Loss of activities and interests.
The assessment is not limited to identifying substance use. It must examine the severity of the addictive behaviour, the individual’s psychological state and the possible presence of other mental health problems.
Medical, psychological and family assessment
A comprehensive assessment must take into account various aspects of the person’s life. This enables a personalised plan to be drawn up, rather than applying the same solution to all patients.
Medical assessment
The medical assessment may include questions about:
- Current or previous illnesses.
- Prescribed medication.
- History of poisoning.
- Withdrawal symptoms.
- Seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Cardiovascular, liver or respiratory problems.
- Pain or other persistent symptoms.
- Pregnancy, where applicable.
- History of hospital admissions.
Depending on the individual case, the team may consider it necessary to carry out examinations, tests or medical referrals.
Not all substances should be stopped abruptly without supervision. In some situations, particularly where there has been prolonged or heavy use, withdrawal may require medical supervision.
Psychological assessment
The psychological assessment aims to understand how the person is coping and what factors are linked to their addiction.
The following may be examined:
- Mood.
- Anxiety.
- Impulsivity.
- Motivation to change.
- Self-esteem.
- Ability to control impulses.
- Situations that trigger substance use.
- Coping strategies.
- History of trauma.
- Presence of self-harming thoughts.
- Possible associated psychological disorders.
The professional’s approach should foster a climate of trust. Empathy and the avoidance of unnecessary confrontation are particularly important when the person shows hesitation or little motivation to change.
Family and social assessment
Addiction often affects those close to the person as well. For this reason, it may be necessary to find out:
- Who the patient lives with.
- What their living arrangements are like.
- Who can support them.
- Whether there are any conflicts or instances of violence.
- Whether the family unwittingly facilitates their substance use.
- Whether any minors or dependants are affected.
- What their employment and financial situation is like.
- What activities they engage in during the day.
- What relationships they have outside the context of their substance use.
A multidimensional assessment may take into account health, consumption habits, family circumstances, social relationships, work and leisure.
CC Adicciones offers specific guidance and support for family members, as well as family and couples’ therapy as part of its holistic approach.
How is the decision made between admission and outpatient treatment?
One of the main concerns during the first appointment is whether admission to a clinic will be necessary.
The answer depends on the professional assessment. Not everyone needs the same level of care, and the decision should not be based solely on convenience, cost or family preferences.
When admission may be recommended
Residential admission may be considered when:
- There is a significant loss of control.
- The person is unable to stop using drugs in their everyday environment.
- There is a risk of withdrawal symptoms.
- Their usual environment facilitates drug use.
- There are frequent relapses.
- There is physical or psychological deterioration.
- Family life has become untenable.
- The person needs intensive supervision and support.
- Previous treatments have not been sufficient.
- The patient needs to be temporarily removed from the stimuli associated with substance use.
When outpatient treatment may be appropriate
Outpatient treatment allows patients to attend consultations and therapy sessions without being admitted to the centre.
It may be considered when:
- The patient’s clinical condition allows them to remain at home.
- They are motivated and committed to their treatment.
- The person has a stable environment.
- They have family or social support.
- They are able to attend sessions regularly.
- There is no immediate risk requiring residential supervision.
- It is possible to fulfil family, work or academic responsibilities without compromising recovery.
At CC Adicciones, the outpatient programme offers psychological and therapeutic support without the need for hospitalisation, provided the patient’s condition allows it.
What can the family do before the first appointment?
The family can play an important role, but should not take sole responsibility for the treatment.
Before the appointment, it may be helpful to prepare information on:
- Substances or behaviours identified.
- Recent changes in behaviour.
- Episodes of loss of control.
- Previous attempts to stop using substances.
- Known medical conditions.
- Regular medication.
- Previous hospital admissions or visits to A&E.
- Financial, work-related or family-related consequences.
- High-risk situations.
- Details of healthcare professionals who have previously treated the patient.
It is advisable to present the facts clearly, avoiding insults, threats or arguments during the consultation.
The family should also explain how they are coping with the situation. Treatment is not solely about getting the person to stop using drugs. In many cases, it is also necessary to work on communication, boundaries and family dynamics.
If the person affected refuses to attend, family members can seek professional guidance on how to proceed and how to broach the subject of the need for treatment.
What documents should you bring?
The centre may specify which documents are required. Generally speaking, it may be useful to bring:
- Identity document.
- Recent medical reports.
- Available laboratory test results.
- Psychological or psychiatric reports.
- List of medicines and dosages.
- Information on allergies.
- Details of previous treatments.
- Reports on A&E visits or hospital admissions.
Not having all these documents should not prevent you from making initial contact. The initial assessment also helps to determine what further information will be required.
Do you have to make a decision during the first visit?
The initial consultation should help the patient make an informed decision. The patient and their family should be able to find out:
- What problem has been initially identified.
- What type of treatment is recommended.
- Why is this type of treatment being proposed?
- Which professionals will be involved.
- What are the next steps.
- What role will the family play.
- What availability is there.
- What is the estimated duration.
- How much does the treatment cost.
- What rules and conditions need to be known.
At CC Adicciones, the admission process begins with an initial contact and an introductory session. The addiction, medical condition, willingness to participate in treatment and the most suitable programme are then assessed.
When it is not advisable to wait for a scheduled initial consultation
An initial assessment at an addiction treatment centre is not a substitute for A&E services.
You should seek urgent care when there is a situation that may pose an immediate risk to the person or those around them.
Among other situations, urgent action should be taken when there is:
- Loss of consciousness.
- Severe difficulty breathing.
- Seizures.
- Severe chest pain.
- Extreme confusion.
- Uncontrollable agitation or aggression.
- Suspected poisoning or overdose.
- Suicidal thoughts or risk of self-harm.
- Risk of violence towards others.
In the event of a loss of consciousness linked to a possible overdose, the National Drugs Plan recommends calling 112 immediately.
What happens after the assessment?
Following the initial consultation, the team may suggest:
- Extending the medical or psychological assessment.
- Requesting further documentation or tests.
- Starting outpatient treatment.
- Arranging residential care.
- Referring the patient to a more suitable service.
- Providing guidance to the family whilst the treatment is being prepared.
- Drawing up an initial intervention plan.
The recommendation must be tailored to the patient’s actual situation. A comprehensive assessment enables us to design a personalised treatment plan, set goals and subsequently review progress.
The initial consultation does not mean that the entire process has to be finalised. Its purpose is to turn uncertainty into a concrete and reliable plan.
You do not have to face this situation alone.
If you or a family member are struggling with an addiction, the team at CC Adicciones can listen to your situation, address your initial concerns and advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions about your first visit to an addiction treatment centre
Is the first consultation confidential?
Yes. Health and personal information must be treated as confidential. CC Adicciones describes its admissions process as private and confidential.
Can a family member come along first, without the patient?
Yes. When the person affected does not recognise the problem or refuses to ask for help, the family can seek professional guidance to learn how to deal with the situation.
Is it compulsory to be admitted following the assessment?
No. Admission is recommended only when the patient’s condition requires it. In other cases, outpatient treatment or another form of care may be suggested.
How long does the initial assessment take?
The duration may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the information available and the number of professionals involved. The important thing is to allow sufficient time to understand the situation and address the main concerns.
What happens if the person has relapsed following another course of treatment?
A relapse should be analysed to identify the factors that caused it. It may be necessary to amend the plan, step up monitoring or consider a different form of treatment.
Is the family involved in the treatment?
You may get involved where appropriate and with the patient’s consent, whilst respecting the patient’s confidentiality. Counselling and family therapy can help to improve communication, set boundaries and support the recovery process.
Is it possible to receive treatment whilst continuing to work?
In some cases, an outpatient treatment programme that is compatible with work may be recommended. However, this decision depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s circumstances and their ability to continue treatment outside a residential facility.
How do I know if I should request a valuation?
It is advisable to seek advice if you are experiencing a loss of control, unsuccessful attempts to stop using, physical or emotional consequences, family conflicts, problems at work or a growing urge to use. There is no need to wait until the situation becomes extreme before seeking guidance.
