One of the best things you can do is head to a local rehabilitation center if you are having problems with drugs or alcohol. Whether you are addicted to prescription pills, illegal drugs, or hard liquor, help is close by. Checking into a rehab is likely the best choice no matter what your situation. Read on to learn more about rehab and what to expect.
Checking Into a Facility
The first step to getting clean is finding a facility that is right for you. You may think that you can just check into any type of clinic, but it simply isn’t that easy. You will need to find a rehab that checks all of the boxes concerning your personal needs and wants. For example, will you be checking into a rehab that keeps you or one that you will go to on a daily basis? The difference between an inpatient and outpatient rehab can mean getting clean or staying addicted. Depending on the situation you are in, choosing the right clinic is important.
You’ll also want to make sure that they take your insurance, if you have it. If you do not have any, look into payment plans and grants. You may be able to get help from local organizations, so speak to as many people as possible if you need help paying for rehab.
Patient Privacy Concerns
Many people wonder what they should do if they see someone that they know at a drug rehab. There may be a number of reasons as to why you are running into someone who knows you. You may be visiting a friend or loved one at a local rehab one day. When you are there, you bump into someone you know and aren’t sure what to do. You may even be employed at a local rehab when a friend or acquaintance checks in. You know you are going to see them during your shifts, so you are curious what the protocol is when you come face-to-face.
Maybe you are the patient in the rehab yourself. Once you are checked in, you see someone you know in group therapy. They could be a friend, acquaintance, or former co-worker. Whatever the case, you aren’t sure how to proceed from there. What exactly is the next step when you run into someone you know in rehab? What should you do or say in this situation?
While we can’t tell you exactly how to react, we can give you a few pointers and ideas. Read on to learn more about what to do and say:
• There is no reason to ignore the person that is in rehab, whether you are in there with them or are just visiting and happen to see them. Remember, it was a huge step for that person to check themselves into the rehab in the first place. You don’t want to pretend like you don’t see them when you do. This will only make them feel like they do not matter.
• Don’t be afraid to walk up to the person you know and talk to them. Don’t judge them, and don’t act surprised. Greet them warmly when you see them, and tell them that you are happy to see them getting professional help.
• Let them take the lead. Ask them questions about how they are without being pushy. You don’t want it to seem as if you are digging for information. Let them do most of the talking.
• Trust your gut. Do they seem eager to get away? If so, tell them it was great to see them and that you wish them the best. Then head somewhere else. Some people aren’t ready to talk to the people they know when they are in the middle of rehab.
• Respect their privacy. Again, this was a huge choice for the individual to come to rehab. Many addicts don’t want others to even know where they are, especially the friends and family who may have played a big part in their addiction. If you see someone you know at a rehab, don’t immediately gossip to other people about them.
What to do After Rehab
After rehab is over, make sure that you are set up with the proper aftercare services. Addiction is a battle that you will be fighting even after you leave rehab. Be sure to find a halfway house if you need a place to stay, and make sure that you can continue therapy services. You should also learn where and when local AA and NA services are in your area. Call one of our couselors today at 800-411-8019.