Drug Rehabilitation: 5 Tips for Preparing for Rehab
Making the decision to seek treatment is a courageous first step in living a life of sobriety. While you may not be sure what to expect on your journey, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you enter drug rehabilitation.
#1 Leave out any expectations you have about treatment
You have have seen something on television or heard someone share their experience regarding entering drug rehabilitation, but it is important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. People process emotions differently and may need more or less time to scale the mountains you may encounter, but be gentle with yourself if you seem to have more troubles than others.
#2 Be okay with leaving behind what you know
Treatment is all about becoming a new person, often leaving your old lifestyle and habits behind. Much of what brought you to your current addiction has to do with the life you lead and the people you associate with. Do not worry, though. You will learn to build new, healthy relationships that will help you progress in your new mindset.
#3 Don’t be afraid to open up
Though you will meet with many mental health professionals during your time in treatment, you will also come across many more people who are on their journey to sobriety with you. Sharing your story and getting to understand how others have come to be in the same place as you can help you get a better understanding of what changes you both can implement in your lives from that moment on.
#4 Find a supportive friend before you leave treatment
When you reach the aftercare portion of your treatment, you will learn all about having a support system once you leave. This is what is known as a sponsor. This person does not have to be a professional; actually they are usually quite the opposite. A sponsor can be anyone from a friend or family member back home or even someone you connected with during treatment for substance abuse. Make sure that this person is reliable and will be able to help you maintain your sobriety.
#5 Rehab is not the end all be all
Living with substance abuse is not an easy matter. You may have come into treatment to help you get rid of your previous habits, but it is a lifelong journey. It is important to refer back to the things you were taught to not slip back into old lifestyle choices. Reaching out to your sponsor regularly and attending meetings is a great way to stay on track of all the progress you’ve made. You should strive to maintain a clean future and with good reason; you worked hard for it.
There is no way to tell what your drug rehabilitation experience will be like, but following these tips can help to make the best out of your time in treatment.
