How to Prepare for a Stay at a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center in South Florida
Going to rehab is one of the best and most important choices you’ll ever make. Getting help to overcome drug and alcohol addiction can mean the chance to start fresh and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle without substance abuse.
Many people feel anxious or overwhelmed by the idea of going to inpatient rehab. Feeling unsure about what to expect is natural. Learning more about what to expect may make you feel more confident about starting an addiction treatment program.
Steps to Take When Preparing for Rehab
You must take several steps while preparing for rehab that may help you transition into treatment more smoothly. Investing a little more time and effort in how to prepare for rehab can mean that you maximize your time in treatment and get the most out of your program.
1. Do your research
Before starting treatment, you’ll need to find a rehab facility that offers the type and level of care you require. The first step toward getting help for addiction is having an evaluation to determine what kind of treatment program you need. Once your doctor or addiction specialist has recommended a course of treatment, you can research treatment facilities that provide this care.
Your treatment center should offer care that helps you meet your goals and deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment. Some other factors to consider include:
- The location of the center
- The rehab facility’s amenities
- Accreditation
- Areas of specialty, such as gender-specific care, dual-diagnosis treatment, or programs that incorporate specific spiritual beliefs
Discuss your treatment options with your medical or mental health providers. Read about addiction recovery and aftercare so that you know what to expect during treatment and afterward.
Finally, verify the details of your insurance plan to find out what type of treatment is covered. Before starting a rehab program, make sure you know what services and programs are covered and how much you may be expected to pay out-of-pocket.
2. Communicate
Addiction doesn’t just affect the people living with it–it also impacts their families, friends, and communities. Communication is essential as you all navigate recovery together.
Telling your friends and family
Your loved ones have their own experiences and feelings about your addiction. Telling them your plans to go to rehab is essential, and keeping the lines of communication open can help you all move forward in recovery.
Support from loved ones is vital in a person’s recovery journey. Tell your friends and family that you’re going to get help, and give as many details about your program as possible. They’ll have the information they need to support you as you work to overcome your addiction.
Telling your employer and coworkers
You will likely need to take a leave of absence from work to go to rehab. Tell your employer about your plans. Speak to your Human Resources (HR) representative to discuss using FMLA to protect your job while you get the help you need. If you’re able, pass along details about any unfinished work to your manager or coworkers.
Telling your children
Talking to your children about going to rehab can seem overwhelming. Keep the information short and age-appropriate. Tell your children you need help from doctors to get better and that you will talk to them as often as possible. Avoid making promises you may not be able to keep.
3. Get organized
Preparing for rehab means taking care of some things you’ll be too busy to think about while receiving treatment. This includes:
Childcare
If you have children, your priority must be to ensure your children are cared for while you’re in rehab. Find safe, stable supervision for your children. This could include asking grandparents, other relatives, or close friends for help. Make sure the people caring for your children have any necessary supplies and contact information they might need while you’re in rehab.
Finances
Taking care of your financial obligations before beginning treatment can help you free your mind to focus on recovery. Pay outstanding bills, cancel unnecessary paid memberships or subscriptions, and ask a trusted loved one to pay your bills and manage your finances while you’re in rehab.
Pack
Every rehab facility has guidelines and rules about what you can and cannot bring to rehab. Generally, all treatment centers allow you to bring essentials, including:
- Clothing that follows the rehab facility’s dress code. If you’re going to rehab in Florida, consider the hot and humid environment. Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing. Pack no more than 5-7 days worth of clothing. Laundry will be available.
- Personal hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and makeup. Do not bring any aerosols or items that contain alcohol, such as mouthwash.
- Recovery-related literature that you’d like to read
- Admission documents
- Your insurance card
- Current prescription medications
- Cash
- Contact information for loved ones
- Photos and other personal items
Many rehab centers have rules about personal electronics, including cell phones and laptops. Be sure you understand all rules about personal belongings before beginning to pack to avoid stress later.
Remember that it’s likely you’ll be sharing a living space, so avoid bringing a lot of personal items or things that have value to you. Ask your treatment facility staff if you have questions about packing specific items.
Start Your Recovery Today
The more you know about how to prepare for rehab, the better your transition into treatment will likely be. Preparing for rehab can help you get the most out of your time in treatment.
Don’t live the life addiction chooses–make the choice to get the treatment you need to overcome it and move forward into a healthier future. To learn more about our treatment programs or get the answers to any questions you may have, please contact our team at Mandala Healing Center today.