Entering an addiction recovery program is a huge decision, and it is important to approach it in the right way. It’s a life change that will make you happier, healthier, and more free if the experience is successful. Read on with Avenues Recovery to find out what you need to know about how to prepare for rehab.
How to Prepare for Rehab Mentally
The key to success in drug rehab is to approach it laser-focused on your goal, and do everything you can to prevent getting side-tracked. Having a positive outlook on rehab is critical in order to succeed, as that will increase your motivation. These five tips will help you to establish the right approach and give rehab your all:
1. Focus On Yourself
Recovery is a full-time job, and requires you to focus on yourself. Don’t worry about everyone else. Working toward recovery takes all of your energy and effort, and you don’t have the capacity to worry about how anyone else is doing. Arrange alternative care for family who you are responsible for, and notify friends that you will be preoccupied for the duration of treatment. Of course you can speak to friends and family, but the burden of responsibility should be lifted so that you can channel your energy towards recovery. That may sound selfish, but it’s not. Family and friends want the best for you and they will understand that focusing on your recovery is the best thing you can do - for them and for you.
2. Arrange Leave From Employment
Your case manager or counselor can help you to apply for family leave from work [1].
You may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave from employment, and your counselor should be able to guide you through the process of applying. If you’re eligible, taking approved family leave is a great way to leave work behind without worrying what you’re going to do after treatment. It also gives you one less thing to worry about during your program.
3. Don’t Worry About Lengthy Rehab Programs
Truthfully, in terms of your health and recovery, the longer you’re away from “normal life” and in a residential treatment program, the better. You’ll build deeper relationships with doctors, mentors, and new peers; you’ll learn new habits and skills; and you’ll be in a much better position when you leave your program.
A change as big as recovery takes time and if you’re ready to put addiction behind you, the longer you’re in a program, the better. Being away from home may be hard, but it will be worth it. The amount of time you’ll be away is something to acknowledge as you make a decision to work toward recovery, but is not an issue to fixate on.
4. View Rehab as a Beginning
Recovery is a big life change, and it might seem like the end of life as you know it. That’s understandable; you’ll have to leave some things behind, like possessions, relationships, or maybe a whole lifestyle. It’s important to recognize and mourn that if you need to. But an important part of emotionally preparing for rehab is realizing that recovery is a beginning—a start of a whole world of freedom and opportunities.