How To Prepare For Drug Rehab?

When you are ready to get on and stay on the road to recovery, getting into a drug rehab center will be the most important step you will take. Of course, there are still a few things you will have to do before your first day in rehab. Many patients who are going into rehab for the first time experience some confusion and doubt. They don’t know how to prepare for their time in the center. It’s very normal and expected to feel stressed about this big change, so it is important to prepare for your drug rehab stay as much as you can. When you want to know how to prepare for drug rehab, keep reading to learn more.

Taking care of all obligations

Before you go into rehab, you’ll want to make sure all of your obligations are taken care of to the best of your ability. You won’t want to worry about anything while you are trying your best to get clean and sober. These obligations will include work, family, pet care, and anything else that you deal with on a daily basis. Read on to learn what you need to do before rehab.

Work- Talk to your employer about your upcoming rehab stay. Depending on your situation, you may or may not need to disclose the reason you are leaving. Of course, you will likely have to tell them what is happening if you are entering into a program that lasts for weeks or months. In some cases, your employer may be able to provide you with time off due to FLMA, or the Family Leave and Medical Act. If you have been with them for more than a year, talk to your HR department about your options. Give your employer a clear timeframe to expect you back. While it can be hard to talk to your boss about rehab, others need to understand your current condition and the help you plan on receiving.

Family- When you take care of children every day, you’ll need to set up the appropriate care for them while you are in rehab. If you take care of an elderly parent or are a caregiver for someone close to you, make sure they have the appropriate care they need when you are gone as well.

Bills- Your financial responsibilities won’t stop when you go into a rehab program. If you have bills that you are responsible for, make sure they are taken care of during the time you are gone. Set up auto-pay services with the companies if you can, or appoint a trusted friend or family member to pay your bills for you. Make sure there is enough money to cover your bills while you are gone.

Pets- Just like children, your pets will need someone to look after them while you are in rehab. A friend or family member may be your best choice for your pets, or you may want to look into boarding options while you are gone. You’ll want to make sure you leave the person with enough money to take care of them if you do go the friend or family route.

Home- If you live alone, it is a good idea to ask a trusted friend or family member to keep an eye on your house for you while you are in rehab. This may involve picking up your mail, watering your plants, checking water pipes in the winter, and generally keeping an eye on things.

Packing for your rehab program

You’ll want to make sure you pack everything you need for the program. Most facilities will ask that you pack lightly. You may be sharing a room with another patient, so you won’t have a lot of room for your personal items. The rehab facility will give you a list of what to bring and what is prohibited. However, the following are essential items you will likely have to have with you:

  • Prescription medications
  • Identification and insurance cards
  • Contact information
  • Hygiene products
  • Appropriate clothing

You may or may not be allowed to bring your cell phone, as many centers believe that smart phones are too much of a distraction. However, some programs allow residents to bring books, writing materials, art supplies, and other items that will help pass the time in a productive way. Again, the rehab program you decide on will give you a list of what you can and cannot bring before you get there. If you have any further questions about the rehab process, give us a call at 833-820-2922.