How to prepare for a stay in rehab for alcohol?

When you have decided to commit to a stay in an alcohol treatment center, it’s perfectly normal to worry about what will happen next. You should realize that it is okay to feel a little stressed out about this brave new step. After all, you’ll be leaving a huge part of your life behind as you begin a new one without alcohol! As long as you take some time to properly prepare yourself for a stay in an alcohol rehab, the process will be much simpler.

The hard part is over- you’ve secured your place in a local rehab. Now what? You’ll want to take care of business before you head off to the facility so that your mind is at ease while you are there. Read on for some important steps you can follow to prepare yourself for the transition.

Finalize Work Concerns

It likely won’t be easy talking to your employer about rehab. However, most employers will be happy to learn that you are planning on taking care of yourself in this way. Talk to your HR department or boss as soon as you have a date set for rehab. The Family and Medical Leave Act states that employers can have 12 weeks off for medical leave, so make sure your employer understands that your job must still be there when you get back. If you have insurance through your employer, your HR director can help you with the paperwork.

Take Care of Family Obligations

It isn’t easy leaving for rehab when you are a caregiver to children or other family members, but you have to set aside time to get clean. Set up a caregiving plan for your children or any family members you may be looking after. If you have pets, make sure they will be properly taken care of while you are gone. Set up transportation for your kids to and from school, sports, doctors, and friends. Make sure you leave your loved ones with someone you fully trust.

Keep Your Bills Paid

If you aren’t doing it already, set up and pay as many bills as you can with automatic payments. When this isn’t a possibility, have someone you trust make sure that all of your bills are being paid on time while you are in rehab. You do not want to come back to overdue bills or utilities that have been turned off. You’ll also want to ask someone to pick up your mail for you, or you can ask the post office to hold your mail until you come back.

Keep Your Loved Ones in the Loop

It may be tempting to just up and vanish when you want to start over. But the last thing you want to do is to disappear on your loved ones, even if your relationships have been tense due to alcohol use. Let them know where you will be during your time in rehab in the event of an emergency. They may also want to visit you when the center allows it. Since you will also have to designate an emergency contact while you are in rehab, pick someone close to you for the job and let them know what is going on.

Pack the Essentials

The rehab center you choose will give you a list of everything you can bring when you arrive. It will be tempting to bring as many items as possible, but it will be easier if you pack light. You will also adhere to the center’s rules if you follow their personal list. Remember, this is the start of a “new you”. Leave your old belongings in the past and work on yourself without the distractions.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

One of the biggest challenges in rehab will be your mental health. You’ll be relearning how to function without alcohol in your life every single day after you arrive at the center. Prepare for the change in the weeks leading up to rehab. Spend as much time with family and friends as you can before the big day. Allow them to be a source of comfort for you. Read stories from others who are in recovery for inspiration. Learn more about your disease and how it will be treated when you are in rehab. The more prepared you are mentally for the big day, the easier it will be when it comes.

Now that you have made the decision to go through alcohol detox and rehab, let us help. Give us a call today at 833-820-2922.