An inpatient rehabilitation facility is one of the options available to treat somebody who suffers from drug or alcohol addiction. Here, a patient is away from familiar people and situations, allowing them to focus on their recovery while avoiding potential triggers and stresses that might have caused them to want to abuse substances in the first place. Being in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center makes it easier for a patient to institute changes to his routine. It will help him learn healthier habits, particularly the ones about making good life choices. Let us not forget that it is no small task to beat habits and change routines and personal points of view. Thus, inpatient rehabs might limit or discourage – in the early stages of the treatment program – visits and contact with friends and family.  However, the rules vary according to the drug and alcohol treatment center.

Rehab Visitation Rules

Getting you or a loved one checked into a rehab facility can be one of the hardest, yet best decisions you can ever make. For one, it is considered a submission to authority – that you can’t fight the big fight without someone to help you.

Regardless of the root of addiction – drugs, alcohol, pornography, or something else – seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, the fact that you agreed to seek professional treatment to do something about your addiction is one of the best things you can do in your life.

It is also important to know that you are not alone on this journey. In fact, people in rehab have the same goals as you have – to get away from the shackles of addiction and start your life anew. Likewise, some rehab centers allow inpatient visits so that your loved ones outside the facility can provide further support while you are on your way to recovery.

Inpatient Drug Rehab Rules on Visitation

Following strict rules are one of the key factors in a successful drug addiction recovery. That is why it is expected among rehab patients to strictly follow rules when inside the facility. Likewise, rehab visitors are also expected to follow the facility’s rules during visitation hours. Some of the examples are:

• Visit as much as you can: Regardless of the frequency of your visitation, every visit will be greatly treasured and appreciated by the patient. That simple effort of visitation can mean a lot for the one in rehab.
•  Avoid triggering the patient’s past: As much as possible, avoid talking about the patient’s tumultuous past. In the first place, this is why the patient is undergoing rehab — to remove the thought of substance or alcohol abuse from his or her mind. Instead, try making the mood lighter — talk about the weather, upcoming movies, or any kind of small talk.
• Encourage them more: Let the patient feel they are not alone and you support their journey all the way. You can ask them how they are doing while in the treatment program and give them praise for any effort or progress they have made.
• Get to know the staff, too: Get to know the people who are helping your loved one recover from their addiction.
• Follow the facility rules: Strictly follow the rehab rules, no questions asked. This is to avoid hassles on your part and also help you understand the process that will help your loved one recover from addiction.

Are Visitors Allowed in Rehab?

Rehab visitation rules may vary depending on the facility and the patient’s length of stay inside the facility. The patient and his or her loved ones are informed of the facility’s visitation rules prior to admission.

Patients who are in the early stages of rehabilitation are generally not allowed to accept visitors. However, this does not mean the patient cannot have visitors throughout his or her stay inside the rehab facility. Rather, restrictions on visitation aim to help patients focus on healing and encouraging interaction with the other patients and the specialists.

Once the patient displays signs of trustworthiness and other positive improvements during his stay, he or she can have the chance to spend time with loved ones in specified areas. As he or she continues to improve, he or she will be allowed to go outside the facility along with approved visitors.

What to Expect Before Visiting Someone in Rehab

Before visiting someone inside an inpatient rehab facility, it is important to know the rehab facility’s visitation policies. These rules are made with the patients in mind – and aim for long-term treatment and recovery. These rules are also made to help former rehab patients develop healthier habits and encourage them to make better life choices.

You will be subjected to screening before you can enter and visit someone from the facility. This strict implementation of inspection prevents possible smuggling of illegal substances inside the facility. This will also protect the patient and others inside the facility against illegal possession of these substances. Also, the facility can impose “no visitors allowed” if there is a suspicion of someone smuggling of illegal substances or if that someone is deemed a bad influence on the patient.

When Families are Allowed inside Rehab

Some rehab centers invite the patient’s family members inside for family therapy sessions, with the patient’s consent. Such group therapy sessions are a great opportunity to spend time with the patient under the supervision of a family therapist. These kinds of therapy are also structured to help families support their loved ones admitted inside the facility and restore a loving relationship with one another.

The Step You Can Take Today

Rules are made to be followed and are made for everyone’s own good. This also applies visitors inside the rehab centers. Most centers allow visitors but with specific limitations, especially when it involves the safety and sobriety of the patients inside. Nonetheless, having visitors can provide emotional support for the patients. That is why it is also important for the family members to know the rules and regulations of any facility to avoid delays and have a peaceful, quality, and worthwhile time with your loved one.

If you find yourself asking more questions about addiction rehab when it comes to the paying for addiction rehab, how long rehab takes to complete, how to convince someone to attend addiction rehab, what makes a quality addiction rehab or some of the most frequently asked questions about rehab we’re here to help!