Making the big decision to check into a treatment center for drugs is a huge deal no matter how you look at it. This may be a hard time of your life, but it will also be one of the best times as well. You’re taking the next step to sobriety, and that means a lot to your friends and family. However, you may be wondering one specific question before you head to rehab. Will I need to be sober before entering treatment centers for drugs? Read on to learn the answer!
Should I be sober when I come to the center?
If you are wondering if you have to be sober to enter rehab, the answer is no. You are welcome to come into the program exactly as you are. It’s a very common question, so you don’t have to feel silly asking it. Your family may be wondering the exact same thing! Luckily, rehab facilities are ready to take on any situation. They will not be disappointed or angry if you still have drugs or alcohol in your system when you arrive. They expect their patients to arrive in various stages of drug and alcohol use. You can arrive any way that you are without worry!
You’re about to go into rehab for a specific reason- drug abuse. It’s extremely hard to quit using drugs or drinking alcohol on your own. You’ll have to deal with various withdrawal side effects that can range from mild to severe. When you enter a supervised detox and rehab program, you will always be carefully monitored as you go through detox. No one expects you to try and get sober before you check into a clinic for good. The staff usually expect patients to have some type of drug in their systems.
If you try to stop using drugs or alcohol before you go into rehab, you’ll have to deal with many painful withdrawal effects. It’s important to have a support system in place when this happens as it will be much easier to give in and use if you don’t have it. The staff is not going to think any less of you if you check into rehab high or intoxicated. They understand that it is very hard to stop using on your own-that is why they offer inpatient programs in the first place.
The rehab facility will still think you are committed to your recovery even if you don’t stop using before you come in. They understand that you are headed there to receive their help. The staff understands that you need their professional help, especially through the withdrawal process. The best thing you can do is to tell them exactly what you used and how much of it you took before you came in. A clear picture of your drug or alcohol use will make it easier for them to put together a customized care plan for your stay. When you first check-in and speak to the intake specialist, make sure they know exactly what is in your system. There is no need to lie about your drug or alcohol use.
What if I binge beforehand?
Many patients believe that they may as well binge before they come into treatment. They often feel the need to have “one last hurrah” before they get clean for good. While it isn’t necessary to be clean before entering rehab, it really isn’t necessary to go on an all-out binge, either! You may be opening yourself up to some serious issues, such as:
• Drug overdose
• Alcohol poisoning
• Injuries or accidents
The worst part is that you may increase the amount of pain or discomfort you feel during the first stage of detox if you choose to binge before you come in. If you can’t stop on your own, it is better to stick to your normal schedule of alcohol or drug use in the days leading up to your stay. Remember to sleep as much as you can and hydrate well. You should also spend as much time as you can with friends and family before you check into the rehab.
This is your time to shine!
When you are ready to commit yourself to a drug and alcohol rehab program, we can help you every step of the way. Please contact us today at 833-820-2922 to see how we can help. Remember, you don’t have to be sober to get the help you need. We’ll work together to make that happen!