Wisconsin Patient Handbook 2023 - 20

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
Hazelden Betty Ford 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.
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
To enhance your comfort, peace and focus on your
health and recovery, you are expected to wear clothing
that is comfortable, respectful and appropriate for group
participation.
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 being used by others.
Relapse
If a relapse in drug/alcohol use occurs while
participating in the program, you are expected to report
this immediately to your counselor. Keeping relapse a
secret effectively stops progress and growth in recovery
and keeps the addiction active. Talking to people takes
the power away from the disease and helps you get back
on track with recovery.
If you report that you've relapsed, your counselor or a
member of the treatment team will meet with you to
discuss your individual situation and assess your needs.
A recommendation for further care will be made and
may include any of the following:
* An adjustment to your treatment plan
* Extension of your outpatient program
* Discharge with a referral to a higher level of care
* Transfer to a higher level of care
Early Discharge or Transfer
You may be discharged early if you have a pattern of
consistently not meeting treatment expectations. This
includes recommendations that the treatment team
thinks are necessary for your health, such as taking
prescribed medication and meeting with mental health
or medical professionals. Those who are discharged
from Hazelden Betty Ford and wish to be readmitted
need to follow the regular admission process. In some
cases, readmission may not be authorized. If you have
questions, please do not hesitate to ask your counselor.
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Wisconsin Patient Handbook 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Wisconsin Patient Handbook 2023
