If you have made the important decision to enter a drug treatment program, understanding what to expect and how to prepare for treatment is important and can help reduce concerns or anxiety as the time for treatment approaches.
Friends and Family
Telling your friends and family you need to go to rehab is another difficult discussion. However, it’s important to remember that addiction can and frequently does harm relationships. In other words, while it’s difficult in the short-term, going to residential rehab will help protect your most important relationships in the long-run.
Here are some tips to help you tell others:
- Be honest. Long-term sobriety is built on a foundation of honesty. Being honest strengthens your support system.
- Decide what to say ahead of time. Have a practice conversation with a trusted individual before you tell others. This will help you prepare for questions or feedback, which helps reduce your anxiety.
- Ask for support. Don’t be too proud to say you need their help. Knowing that your family and friends are behind you in your decision can make entering rehab less daunting and will make it more likely you will stay clean after treatment.
Finances and Legal Issues
If you are aware of upcoming or ongoing bills that will need to be paid during your time away, arrange to have those taken care of. Whether it’s setting up automatic payments or having someone you trust handle them, make sure your finances are in order before you enter rehab!
If you are dealing with legal issues, make sure to speak with your attorney, probation officer and/or any point of contact that is assisting you through this process. It may be necessary to notify the courts if you are expected to appear in court.
Packing
When it comes to packing, it can be tempting to bring everything that reminds you of home, but it’s important to understand that treatment centers have their own guidelines for what you can and cannot bring.
Most treatment centers encourage you to bring:
- Photo ID
- Medical history records
- Insurance cards
- Medications
- Primary physician contact information
- Comfortable clothing
- Non-alcohol or aerosol based toiletries
- A journal or notebook
- Pictures of loved ones to keep in your room or wallet
Keep in mind that many drug treatment centers do not allow clients to bring:
- Video games
- Playing cards
- Candles
- Toiletries that contain alcohol
- Drugs and alcohol (of course!)
Every treatment center is different, so make you have a clear idea about you can and cannot bring with you before you enter rehab.
Being Prepared Is Key
As with most things, preparing yourself for rehab is key to success. Understanding what to plan for beforehand can reduce anxiety and helps keep you focused on getting healthy again.
If you are looking for additional information on how to prepare for drug rehab, call The Raleigh House today at 720.891.4657.
