What Really Goes on in Drug Rehabilitation Center in Denver?

I have had both the privilege and the misfortune of being on both ends of the psychological spectrum. I have suffered from Dysthymic depression all of my life and, though I have never needed to be institutionalized for my disorder, I have heard stories both good and bad from those who have. To go along with these stories, I have had my own personal experience working at a psychiatric hospital that specialized in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. When I first began working on the Spruce unit of Exempla West Pines Psychiatric Hospital in Denver, I was skeptical about the sort of staff I would meet. I knew that in order to work with those who have a chemical dependence, a person must maintain a level of compassion and patience; Again, I was skeptical about meeting such people. 

Throughout my training at West Pines in Denver, much of my cynicism was assuaged and my skepticism allowed to rest. For the first time in my life, I was able to see the nightmare that defined a visit to rehab. From addictions to prescription medications to extreme heroin withdrawal, I have witnessed quite possibly the worst moments in those peoples lives. So of course I wanted to help, however I was new and untrained - I needed guidance. 

Guidance is what I received. The Spruce unit always had a psychiatrist on staff and at least three nurses and two mental health counselors were readily available. I was astounded to hear that there were room and patient checks every fifteen minutes, around the clock, by a trained professional skilled in art of caring for the sick. These checks proved to be an essential aspect of safety for the patients due to the unfortunate incline of withdrawal-provoked suicide.