Residential and Outpatient Handbook - Plymouth - 9

powerful feelings connected to a new relationship may
feel good but can quickly become destructive. Sexual
and/or romantic relationships during early sobriety are
distracting because more time is often spent thinking
or even obsessing about the other person rather than
focusing on health and recovery.
Your safety is also at risk if you engage in sexual
behaviors with patients in treatment. Building a healthy
and trusting relationship takes time; it does not happen
during a few short weeks in treatment. There is a risk
of contracting an infectious disease, such as HIV/
AIDS or hepatitis C. The person may be dishonest about
issues in their personal life, such as a history of sexual
abuse or violence toward others. Please refrain from
communicating with peers from other treatment units.
Unit expectations
Below are unit rules/expectations that outline acceptable
unit behaviors. Following these expectations demonstrates
your willingness to engage with the program and other
peers/staff in an appropriate way, as well as beginning to
take personal responsibility for your actions.
Not following these unit expectations is unacceptable
and will be addressed by the treatment team.
Wake up
Please consult your schedule or an Patient Care
Technician for designated " out of bed " times each day
of the week. " Out of bed " means having both feet on the
floor.
Bedtime
Please consult your schedule or an Patient Care
Technician for in-room and lights-out times at night.
If you are unable to sleep, please lie in bed and rest. If
you have a problem, see the unit technician. During
the night, Patient Care Technicians and nurses will be
making rounds and are available for you. Staff will not
knock on your door before entering rooms after " lightsout "
out of consideration for those sleeping.
Medication
If you have been prescribed any medications, it is your
responsibility to come to the nurse's desk on time for
8
dispensing of those medications.
Meals
Going to the cafeteria at mealtime is expected. Enjoy
your meal and spend at least 25 minutes eating and
visiting in the cafeteria with your peers unless there are
other circumstances recommended specifically for you.
After eating, please carry your tray to the dish return.
Special diets are typically limited to individuals with
medical, religious or vegetarian needs. Let a nurse or
primary counselor know if you need a special diet. You
may be eligible to order pizza or Chinese food on the
weekend, dependent on your satisfactory rating for the
week.
Community areas
Each unit has a lounge, or community area. Patients
are expected to use lounges for social activities. Each
individual is responsible for returning cups and glasses
to their proper places, picking up books and magazines
and keeping the community areas neat. Other areas of
the building are not community areas and should not be
entered unless you have permission. This includes the
cafeteria, unless it is mealtime.
Academic education services
While in our program, it will be important for you to
continue any required academic education services.
The need for this service will be identified at the time
of admission, and the program will utilize a teacher
licensed in Minnesota to provide any needed education.
If you have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), it will be
reviewed by the teacher. Disciplinary recommendations
within the IEP (if any) will be communicated to
treatment team and incorporated into your care.
Medical services
If you are ill, report to the nurse for your unit. You may
be asked to try alternative methods of treatment (as
opposed to taking medication) for certain physical
complaints such as headaches, backaches, nasal
congestion, menstrual cramps and nausea. You must get
permission from a nurse to remain in bed during the day.
The nurse will assess your complaint and determine
whether you need to be seen by the attending physician.
Residential and Outpatient Handbook - Plymouth

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Residential and Outpatient Handbook - Plymouth
