Going to Rehab

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, during 2013, around 2.5 million people received addiction treatment in the United States. Getting into a rehab center may seem like a tough choice. One of the things that helps many addicts make this choice is by learning more about the addiction rehab process. While this could vary from one patient to another, there are some general pieces of information you should about going to rehab.

The First Step of Going to Rehab

If you have an addiction to alcohol or drugs, you don’t have to wait until you have hit rock bottom. You can decide to enter into rehab right now. If you have decided it is time for you to enter an addiction rehab facility, the first step is to call the rehab and speak with someone. You will be asked questions about your addiction, addictive behaviors, mental health issues, and some other things. The staff wants to understand how to best meet your needs.

After you have talked with a staff member at the rehab center, they can help you figure out which program will best fit your needs. After picking the right program, the staff will talk to you about when you will begin the program, what to bring, what not to bring, and more. Rehab is a safe place to overcome an addiction. Hopefully, you can become more comfortable with the decision of going to a rehab center after finding out more about the process.

What to Bring to Rehab

One concern many people have about going to rehab is what they can or should bring. Following through with the guide on what to bring can help to make your program more successful. Some of the items you might want to bring to rehab include:

• Favorite and comfortable clothing items. You want to be as comfortable as possible. Appropriate clothing should be brought. Additionally, comfortable clothing will help you feel more relaxed throughout the program.
• Toiletries. You will want to bring shampoo and conditioner, comb, brush, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. If you want, you may bring a hair dryer as well. Toiletries such as mouthwash and perfume generally aren’t allowed. These might have alcohol in them.
• Documents. You will need prescription cards, insurance cards, I.D., credit or debit card, checkbook, or cash.
• Phone numbers. You will want a list for phone numbers, so you can speak to your loved ones. In most rehab centers, you can’t bring your cell phone.
• Medications. If you take medication, bring them when you show up to rehab. Staff members will put them under lock and key. You will get them at the prescribed times.
• Something to occupy your time. While you will be busy with the rehab center program, you can bring a journal, book, word search puzzle, or some other safe items that calm you.

These are the primary items you will want when going to a rehab center. There are some things you can’t or shouldn’t bring too.

What Happens First When I’m in Rehab

Many people who suffer from an addiction want to know what the first thing is that will happen when they are going to rehab. When you first start the rehab center process, you will attend an intake meeting. The team at the rehab center, including the counselors, will talk with you. They want you to feel comfortable attending the rehab center program. The staff will let you know who you can speak to when you need or want something.

At the intake meeting, you will fill out your paperwork. You will take a lifestyle assessment. This helps the rehab center staff to figure out what needs you have, so you can be placed in the proper treatment program. You will be asked about any medical issues you have, so they can make sure to take care of those issues while you are going to rehab. Some rehab centers will also have you partake in a physical exam too.

Remember, everything you talk about during the intake process is used to help you have a successful rehab treatment stay. Be open and honest with the rehab staff members.

What Happens in Rehab

When going to rehab, you should know about what happens in rehab. After you finish with the intake process, there will be a rehab tour and you will head to your room. The staff will let you know the schedule and daily activities you will be involved in. This might include downtime, group therapy, individual therapy, meals, bedtime, recovery activities, and more.

During your rehab stay, you will work through triggers that lead you to drink or use drugs. You will attend therapy sessions where you work on developing healthier tools for your recovering lifestyle. When you are in a rehab center program, you will learn coping tools, life skills, communication skills, and so much more. Some addiction rehab centers offer aftercare planning as well. This is where you will have a plan for when you leave the rehab center. It may include continued therapy, AA or NA meetings, recovery events, and more.

The idea of going to rehab might be scary, but it may be the best way for you to overcome your addiction. You will be in a safe environment. The staff understands what you are going through and is there to help you recover. You will come to rely on them during your rehab stay. During the rehab center program, you might also make some great friends. The other recovering addicts who are attending the program understand what you have gone through. They can be your accountability partner for maneuvering through the recovering program. You can be their support as well.

Choosing to attend a rehab center program can help you to make your life less chaotic, more serene, and allow you to be more in control over your life as well. Make the call to start your rehab and recovery journey today. You can turn your life around and make healthier choices from here on out.