When you’ve made the decision to get treatment for an addiction, it can be scary and difficult, but it is a step toward recovery. To set yourself up for success in treatment, you should take some steps to prepare for entry into rehab. Probably the one most important thing is that you are honest with yourself about why you are going into rehab. Drop the excuses and get focused on recovery. Here are seven other things you can do to help you focus on your treatment and wellbeing, which helps you focus on staying sober or clean when you get out of rehab.
1. Reconnect with your support network
When you make a decision to get treatment, your family will likely be very supportive. Spend time with those who are encouraging you to take the step into an inpatient rehab program. This will minimize the anxiety and fear you feel while you’re getting your life back in order. You are probably going to have to cut off friends and acquaintances who are substance users, and you will want to have the support of your family who want to see you sober.
2. Consider what to bring with you
You may be in a rehab for many days or weeks. It’s understandable that you want to bring reminders of your home and work to the new facility, but you will want to carefully choose the items you bring. You do not want to take away the focus of getting healthy, but you also want to balance that with the motivation you need. Check with Serenity Recovery Center to know what items are allowed and which aren’t.
3. Wrap up projects and loose ends before entering treatment
You will need to take care of work and financial obligations before entering treatment. If you have obligations that are looming over you, it will be difficult to maintain your focus on your health. It may be a tall order to completely tie up loose ends, but doing what you can before you go into treatment will help you return to less stressful situation when you are through with treatment.
4. Be patient with yourself and others
You did not get this way overnight, and you probably have hurt more people than you realize with your addiction. It will take time to make things right. Mindfulness meditation is one important aspect in being positive in recovery. Stay in the present to keep from getting impatient.
5. Be ready to speak up in therapy
Many people who deal with addiction have a low self-esteem. It’s hard to be truthful and authentic with people. Whether you’re in a group or with your therapist one-on-one, you need to be honest and speak up about the issues you want to deal with. It will take courage to discuss your struggles, but it will help you find recovery and help others be brave about sharing, too.
6. Keep an open mind when going into rehab
You should and will have expectations of what you need to get out of treatment. However, don’t become so focused on your preconceived ideas that you lose sight of the bigger picture. Your counselors might offer better solutions than you can ever think of. Be open and surrender to the treatment program.
7. Plan to form recovery friendships
As you cut out friendships that encouraged you to use your drug of choice, you need to fill the void in your life with those who can support you. If you have alienated your family and friends, you can find many people in recovery who understand. This is additional support for when you complete treatment.
