Preparing for Rehab: 5 Helpful Things You Need to Know
You are here:Committing to rehab wasn’t an easy decision, but now that you’ve made the decision, you need to prepare for the experience. It’s normal to feel stressed about leaving everything on hold while you’re away. With that in mind, we’ve put together some tips for preparing for rehab so you won’t be anxious about having left something undone.
Preparing for rehab involves several steps you should take in the weeks before entering treatment. Aside from putting your obligations in order, make sure you are also mentally and physically prepared. Here are 5 suggestions you may find helpful.
1. Attend to Work and Family Obligations
If you have children or pets or care for your elderly parents, you want to ensure that they are cared for in your absence. You may need to turn to friends or family for their support and help. Other options such as professional caregivers for your family and a boarding facility for your pets can be useful. Knowing you’ve made arrangements for family obligations will help you remain focused on your treatment process.
Of course, it won’t be easy telling your employer you’ll be absent for several weeks or months. But, it’s important to be honest with them. Most employers generally want their employees to be healthy while on the job. If you’re worried about losing your job due to taking time off for rehab, the Family and Medical Leave Act protects you. According to this law, employees are entitled to at least 12 weeks of medical leave which means you won’t be fired because you attend rehab.
2. Make Arrangements for Paying Bills
Like everyone else, you have monthly bills that need to be paid. If you don’t have a trusted friend or family member who can take care of your bills, you can set your accounts up for automatic payments. Be sure to include your insurance payment in the auto drafts, especially if the insurer is covering the costs of your treatment.
3. Know What You Can Bring to Rehab
Most addiction treatment centers have a list of approved items you can bring to rehab. Understandably, you may want to bring sentimental items, so check with the facility first. By minimizing the number of items you bring, you’ll be more likely to focus on your recovery process.
4. Keep a Journal or Write Letters
The idea of stepping away from your life for weeks or months can be unsettling. But, remember, it’s for a good reason. Going to rehab will help you return to your life with a clear mind, a healthier body, and more motivation to reach your potential. So, if you’re having misgivings or doubts about rehab, start writing your feelings down. Keeping a journal or writing letters to loved ones will help you express your thoughts and feelings.
5. Find Ways to Relax
The days leading up to entering rehab will be stressful for many reasons. As your stress and doubts multiply, the risk of changing your mind increases. You know you need rehab, so don’t allow your emotions to get in the way. Find ways to relax and focus on the positive aspects of rehab. Do things that put you in a calm state of mind, such as listening to music, reading, exercising, or relaxation techniques like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.
Preparing for Rehab Is the First Step Toward a Better Future
Think of preparing for rehab as getting ready for a trip. You’re preparing to go someplace that will bring out the best of you and you’ll learn some things along the way. When you return home, you’ll be refreshed, motivated, and eager to continue reaching for your goals. Of course, rehab is not easy, but compared to the hardships of continued substance use, rehab is the right choice.
Rehab for Addiction Recovery at Design for Change
Going to rehab is a monumental step for you and your loved ones. You’re taking steps to live a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle that will also impact your family, friends, and employer. At Design for Change, you’ll receive the high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment you need and deserve.
We offer a full continuum of care that will be customized to align with your needs. Some of our program options include detox, counseling, holistic therapies, life skills training, behavioral therapies, relapse prevention techniques, aftercare services, and more. Within these broad categories, you’ll find a wide range of therapies and activities that can be personalized for your unique needs.
Reach out to us if you are ready to take the first step to leave substance use behind. If you have further questions about preparing for rehab or want to know more about our programs, contact us today. You can reach us by phone, email, or online to speak with a treatment advisor.
Sources:
webapps.dol.gov/. – Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor
