West Los Angeles Handbook 2023 - 17

building. E-cigarettes are not allowed at the Betty
Ford Center.
* Do not gamble. Many patients have financial
problems, some are on limited incomes and some
have a gambling problem or addiction. We don't wish
to further burden patients with loss of pocket money
or other possessions.
Group rules
As a patient, you are responsible for being respectful of
yourself and others. Peers in your treatment group are
a community, and the working relationships within this
group are beneficial to your recovery. We expect that, as
part of this peer group, you follow these rules:
* Be honest.
* Be considerate of, and respect the rights of, other
patients and staff members.
* Honor the confidentiality and privacy of other
patients.
* Try to understand your problem and take an active
part in your recovery program.
* Take an active part in group sessions and community
meetings.
* Comply with policies and expectations of the Center.
Relationships
The Betty Ford Center encourages you to develop
healthy friendships with peers in your treatment
group. Learning to trust and support each other in
treatment and recovery can help you change and
sustain long-term sobriety after treatment. It is normal
to develop strong bonds and feelings with peers as
you become more open with others in your peer
group. However, it is important to not allow these
new relationships to become romantic or sexual.
Your personal recovery should be your main focus
during treatment. Sexual and/or romantic relationships
can cause serious problems in early recovery. The
powerful feelings connected to developing a new
relationship may feel good but can quickly become
destructive. Sexual and/or romantic relationships
during your early sobriety can become distracting
because more time is spent thinking or even obsessing
about the other person than focusing on your health
and recovery.
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If you are attracted to having a romantic or sexual
relationship with a peer in your treatment group,
discuss concerns about this relationship with your
counselor. Romantic and sexual relationships with
your peers may diminish the focus on your health and
recovery and, as a result, are not permitted and may be
reason for discharge.
Dress code
Patients are expected to wear clothing that is
comfortable, respectful and appropriate for a health
care setting. Guidelines for attire include:
* Tops, bottoms and footwear are required at all times
* Hazelden Betty Ford does not permit clothing,
accessories or items that are suggestive of violence,
politics, alcohol/drug use or other inappropriate
content that may be offensive to patients, staff or
visitors
* For sites with a pool: Swim attire is only allowed
while in the pool area
* Any concerns about dress/impact of dress will be
discussed with you by a clinical team member.
Mood-altering substances
All patients have the right to an environment free of
mood-altering substances while in treatment. We expect
you to immediately notify staff if you have reason to
believe alcohol or other drugs are in the Center.
Smoking & nicotine
Visitors, staff members and those in outpatient
programming cannot use tobacco products and
e-cigarettes within 25 feet of any building entrance.
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas outdoors.
Please use the containers provided for discarding
cigarettes and matches. Tobacco products and other
nicotine products are not sold on campus. Possession of
e-cigarettes and vaping is not allowed inside the center.
Please leave any e-cigarettes or vaping devices in your
personal vehicle. Nicotine is an addictive substance.
Please talk with your counselor for resources and
support for nicotine cessation.
West Los Angeles Handbook 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of West Los Angeles Handbook 2023
