Preparing for Rehab: Here’s What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

You’ve decided to check into rehab. That’s wonderful news. It’s going to be tough, but the only thing waiting for you is the best version of yourself possible. Only, you don’t know what to expect along the way.

Even if you haven’t decided to check into rehab, you may still be curious about what happens while there. That’s alright, not many people know what to expect during their stay. Therefore, most don’t know how to prepare themselves.

The truth is, it’s probably not exactly what you imagine. Still, there are certain things to prepare yourself for the next, most promising chapter of your life.

What is rehab?

Rehab is the treatment for dependency on psychoactive substances. Treatment varies greatly depending on the exact situation.

For example, someone struggling with alcohol addiction may not receive the exact same medical treatment as someone dealing with cocaine or heroin addiction.

Keep in mind that you likely will not be in an institution that’s dedicated solely to one substance or another.

That also means you won’t be alone at rehab. You will be with others who are undergoing similar processes to achieve the same goal, which can ultimately help you along the way. Still, it’s worth mentioning that you will have plenty of one-on-one sessions to ensure you get the care you deserve.

What should you expect from rehab?

While the goal of rehab is simple, a definition doesn’t exactly explain what you’ll experience. Unfortunately, one person’s stay will vary from another’s based on how severe their addiction is and what substances have been used.

However, there is a clear schedule while in rehab. One of the things rehabilitation thrives on is adding structure to your life.

Upon arrival, you will speak with a counselor to help you set up the exact treatment plan you will undergo.

Each day will be planned out, from dawn till dusk, with different medical checkups, therapy, and recreational sessions throughout the day.

The idea is not simply to detox you and send you out the door. Instead, it’s to get to the root of the issue to help you find clarity while ensuring you get the attention and care you need to reach recovery.

What should you do at rehab?

Rehab is an intimidating thing to take on, but you can do it. Many others have, and you will meet plenty of wonderful people who serve as examples of what you can achieve if you do things the right way.

At rehab, the first thing you should do is learn to be open and honest. Be truthful about your experiences with others. This will help you open up about what you’re going through and receive helpful advice from your peers and counselors.

Be respectful of what others have to say. Sometimes, it can be hard to hear the truth, but it will ultimately help you get where you need to be.

You also need to participate in activities outside of therapy and medical treatment. Art, exercise, games, and many of the other recreational ways to spend your time can ultimately help you find the inner peace you need now more than ever.

The most important thing is to be positive. A positive mindset can be hard to establish in the initial stages. You might feel as though you can never get better, and hurdles along the way can bring those feelings back.

However, a positive mindset brought you to rehab in the first place and will carry you through to the better version of yourself that you’re after.

What shouldn’t you do at rehab?

One of the first things to keep in mind at rehab is that you need to be clear with yourself and others. Don’t try to go into this understating the severity of your situation. Nobody is there to judge you, and understating your case can make it all that much harder to achieve recovery.

Don’t develop a habit of pitying yourself or placing blame on others. You’re the person who is struggling with addiction, and you need to find it in yourself to not cloud your mind with negative thoughts that may keep you from finding the source of your problems and properly correcting them.

It’s also important not to be impatient with the process. Don’t go into this thinking that change will happen overnight.

Rehabilitation can take a long time, which is why some stays can last well beyond 90 days. Be patient and take your road to recovery one step at a time.

The last thing you shouldn’t do is put anything before your recovery. Don’t allow work or other routine responsibilities to keep you from checking in. Your work life will improve when you return, bills can be paid beforehand or automatic payments can be set up, and there are plenty of financial plans to help you through these trying times. Remember, your well-being comes first. Nothing else can exist without it.

Everyone’s stay at rehab will vary, but the end goal will always be the same. You’re checking into a community that is ready to help you work toward recovery and a better state of well-being.

It’s alright if you still have questions on the treatment center you’re considering or what treatments you, specifically, can expect. That’s what counselors are there for. They will give you insight into exactly what you need when you reach out.

Don’t wait. Your future self is counting on it.