For those of you seeking recovery from addiction, or who have been struggling with addiction for a long time, it may become necessary to check into a rehabilitation facility. These facilities provide an in-patient setting where patients will be able to focus on their recovery without worry about the temptation of drugs and alcohol. However, not all rehab centers are created equal – choosing the right one can make all the difference in someone’s ability to get clean and stay clean.
What to ask when you face an addiction problem
Isolation from family, friends and co-workers can become a powerful barrier to recovery. Many people with an addiction find that they feel better about themselves and their lives after a first encounter with treatment and support programs. Jason Shiers from Wide World Coaching says “ The chance to re-establish relationships and a life of happiness is never wasted. In fact, people who find themselves in such a situation usually recognize how important it is to ask for help and repair the damages caused by addiction.”
What to take to rehab
Your best bet is to take as little as you can – usually clothing, toiletries, and a credit card or debit card. You do not want to lug around a bunch of unnecessary stuff, especially if you are still using substances of any kind.
What NOT to take to rehab
Just because it is a requirement that all patients be screened for diseases before getting in, it does not mean that there are no check-ups on the facility itself. If you take anything to rehab that you do not want screened for, it might be confiscated. Generally, this means you should avoid bringing over-the-counter medications and prescription medications – they will be given to you in the hospital and will be too late if they are found in your system when you leave rehab.
What to expect at rehab
Most facilities have a launch day or day one of their process. It is a day meant to make sure that everyone is on the same page and knows what their next steps will be. They will probably go over the rules of the facility, but it is also a good idea to arrive prepared for the next steps in your rehab. At Ledgehill for Men Treatment Center, they will provide you with male-only quarters for a safer environment to begin your recovery journey. They also offer a separate location for women’s facilities.
What NOT to expect at rehab
It may be easy for someone just needing help with drugs or alcohol to believe they are going to get clean right away, but that is only one step of many needed towards recovery. Most facilities will stress that rehab is a process, not a destination – avoid the temptation to expect it is going to be easy.
What to expect post-rehab
It is likely that you will feel the effects of rehab for years, if not your whole life. When you leave rehab, your old triggers might be waiting for you in the parking lot or at home. Be ready to make a plan to stay on track and know that there will be moments when you want to quit or go back.
What are the advantages of rehab over other programs?
There are many reasons why you should choose a rehabilitation center as your destination for treating your addiction. It is the ultimate first step on your road to recovery.
What are the disadvantages of rehab?
At some point, you will need to confront the personal demons that are making you cling to the booze or drugs. You will have to address your impulses and cravings as well as your fears. The help of rehabilitation workers is invaluable when it comes to coping with these issues and learning how to live life without alcohol or drugs.
What are the side effects of rehab?
There are few side effects to psychological and physical dependency on drugs or alcohol. Physical dependency means that your body has developed a tolerance to the substance you have become dependent on, meaning that it requires more amounts to get the same effect. Psychological dependence is when you have come to depend (though not physiologically) on a substance in order to cope with life.
Rehabilitation is not complete without providing extensive aftercare support for patients.
