The First Call: What Happens When You Reach Out for Help

Reaching out for help for an addiction or mental health issue can be an incredibly daunting experience, whether it’s your first, second, or even third time, making that first call is never an easy thing to do.

But it’s also a profoundly courageous first step. So, if you’ve made it this far, you deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Making that first initial call can often feel intimidating and overwhelming for many, but by doing so, you’ve taken a significant leap toward improving your health and well-being.

At Centres for Health and Healing, we understand that picking up the phone can make things feel more real, and admitting that you need help can evoke a range of emotions.

However, it often marks the beginning of a life-changing journey.

So, if you are wondering what happens when you go to make that first call, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will explore what really happens when you reach out for help, and why it’s not as scary as it might seem.

In the meantime, if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, it’s essential to know you are not alone.

Our professional and compassionate team is always here to lend a listening ear and provide the information and support you may need to begin the recovery process. 

We understand that recovery is unique for each individual, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Please speak to a specialist at our addiction treatment centre in Canada today, who will be happy to provide confidential help and support.

Remember, you do not have to face these struggles alone. Our team is here to support you throughout each stage of recovery and beyond.

Making the first call

As already mentioned, making the first call for addiction or mental health support can stir up a wide range of emotions, such as shame, anxiety, and uncertainty, to name just a few.

This is all normal and to be expected, regardless of how many times you’ve gone through the process of seeking help before.

That said, it can be helpful to know what you can expect when you first pick up the phone and make that initial call.

So, here’s what happens when you reach out for help and support at our rehab centre in Canada:

You’ll speak to a compassionate, trained professional

Having a soothing, empathetic voice at the other end of the phone can really help alleviate some of the anxiety and uncertainty many people feel about seeking help for the first time.

When you reach out to our team, you won’t be judged or pressured into anything that doesn’t feel safe, supportive, or aligned with your preferences and treatment goals.

You’ll speak with a member of our admissions team, someone who understands what you’re going through and how challenging it can be to reach out for this type of support.

Whether you’re calling for a loved one, yourself, or you have questions, our team will listen attentively, ensuring you feel seen, heard, and respected at all times.

We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, situation, history, and lived experience, as well as any concerns you may have, before discussing treatment options.

There is no right or wrong here, and you don’t need to have the right words; you don’t even need to be sure that you even want treatment yet. 

The first discussion is simply about having your feelings heard and respected.

We’ll learn about your needs – and what’s been happening

At our rehab centre in Canada, we understand that each recovery journey is unique to the individual.

We take the time to get to know you, your history, and what’s important to you in terms of your treatment expectations and needs.

During the first call, we’ll likely ask you some gentle questions around:

• What behaviours or substances have been challenging for you, such as opioids, alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, etc.
• How long you have been struggling with substance use.
• What kinds of physical or emotional symptoms you’ve noticed.
• Your trauma and/or mental health history.
• What type of support system you currently have.
• What your values, goals, and preferences might be for recovery.

These questions can help us get to know you better and understand the next best step in terms of treatment, whether it’s detoxification, inpatient treatment, trauma-informed therapy, or outpatient support.

Again, each individual will have different needs depending on their personal circumstances and many other factors.

You’ll receive clear information about treatment options

It’s an unfortunate, albeit all too common, reality that a vast majority of people hesitate to reach out for fear of the unknown.

In addition, many people worry about being ‘’pushed into treatment’’ before they’re ready. Rest assured, that’s not how we do things here at Centres for Health and Healing.

Our team understands that people cannot be pushed or coaxed into recovery – it’s their decision and theirs alone. Trying to ‘’fix’’ or force the issue can actually have the opposite effect, making things worse for the individual and their loved ones.

We understand the value of transparency and having your questions or concerns answered clearly and without any grey areas.

Our clinical team will clearly explain the various options available to you at our inpatient treatment centre, which may include a combination of the following approaches:

• Medical detoxification helps rid the body of substances or toxins.
• Inpatient treatment, where you stay at our facility for an agreed length of time, depending on your symptoms, needs, and other factors.
• Trauma-informed therapy and co-occurring disorder treatment. These approaches allow individuals to explore and address any underlying mental health issues that may cause or worsen substance use, such as unresolved trauma, anxiety, or depression.
• Aftercare and relapse prevention planning. Our aftercare and support program enables individuals to receive ongoing care, counselling (if needed), peer support, and other supportive services, such as relapse prevention planning, to help them maintain sobriety upon returning home.

Our team will also address any questions you may have regarding insurance coverage, treatment fees, and travel so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment with clarity and confidence.

We’ll work with you to plan the next steps

Once you have all your questions and concerns addressed and feel that you’ve been heard and listened to by our treatment team, we will guide you through each step of the admissions process.

This may include a personalized medical assessment, travel coordination, and helping you understand the arrivals process that takes place at our treatment centre.

If you don’t feel ready yet – that’s perfectly okay.

Our team will provide helpful resources and check-in options, which, when the time feels right, can help you determine the best course of action for your treatment journey.

From that first-ever call, you’re no longer alone 

Making that first-ever call doesn’t just mark the beginning of a life-changing treatment experience – it also marks the start of a connection, the moment you begin feeling heard and understood, which can be profoundly transformative for clients.

For many, that first conversation can be the turning point, where life transitions from” surviving” to “beginning recovery” and eventually to “thriving.”

We believe that if addiction develops in isolation, then recovery happens in connection. 

At Centres for Health and Healing, that’s one of the first things clients can expect when they arrive at our centre: a warm welcome by staff who truly care and who understand how challenging it can be to take those initial first steps.

How we can help: Mental health and addiction treatment in Canada

We know that each individual brings their own unique life experiences to our door.

Because of this, we work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms, history, and lived experience, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

At Centres for Health and Healing, we offer evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment to clients in Canada and worldwide.

Our addiction treatment programs include:

• Medical detox.
• One-on-one therapy.
• Group therapy and peer support.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy.
• Trauma-informed treatment.
• Mindfulness-based therapy.
• Relapse prevention planning and aftercare support.

No matter where you are in your journey right now, recovery begins with one conversation.

Our professional and compassionate team is here to listen and guide you in a way that feels supportive, safe, and aligned with your treatment goals and preferences, allowing you to create a healthy, joyful, substance-free life. 

Contact our team in Canada today for further support and information. Remember, we are in this together.