Choosing to enter an addiction treatment can be overwhelming and frightening. Preparation is an essential first step that can help you put your everyday obligations on hold and get ready for what you’re about to do.
When substance abuse becomes part of your daily routine, it’s difficult to think of a world without drinking or using. Recovery is your solution. Choosing rehabilitation is a life-saving decision. Before heading off to rehab, however, it’s important to be prepared. Planning ahead sets you up for a successful treatment stay so that you can get the most out of your treatment experience.
Planning for Addiction Treatment
Here are some tips on what you can do in the days leading up to your treatment. These steps will help you get yourself in the right frame of mind so that your only concern can be on your Recovery process, and they’ll also give you peace of mind while you’re taking time for yourself.
Tie up Loose Ends
Responsibilities are a part of life. Jobs, pets, bills, family — addressing these elements of your life ahead of time will ease your mind while you’re in treatment. Here are some suggestions you may need to take care of:
- Bills: Sign up for automatic payments or ask friend to pay your bills for you while you’re away.
- Finding a caregiver for loved ones: If you have kids, elderly parents or even pets that depend on you, be sure to find a caregiver before entering rehab. Ask family or friends to look after your loved ones while you’re away so that you can rest assured knowing they’re in good hands.
- Work: Many people believe they need to hide that they struggle with addiction from their employer. The reality is that most supervisors wish to see employees at their best, even if that means taking some time off to seek treatment. In fact, the Family and Medical Leave Act protects your job for up to 12 weeks while you’re in rehabilitation.
Relax and Enjoy the Company of Loved Ones
You may feel like there are a million things to do before entering rehab. During this busy time, don’t neglect yourself and those you love. Your time in treatment is meant to set you on the path to taking better care of yourself, but you don’t have to wait for that. Start by taking time to relax.
You’ll also want to spend time with positive people in your life. The encouragement of your family and friends will keep you going during the Recovery process when things get tough.
Bring Only the Essentials
As you prepare, take time to consider what you wish to bring with you during your treatment. Be selective. You may be tempted to bring lots of sentimental items to remind you of home, but it’s important to keep all outside distractions to a minimum. Rehab is about focusing on yourself and getting healthy as you integrate all seven dimensions of wellness — physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, environmental and occupational. Your home and those you love will be waiting for you once your time in rehab is complete.
Keep an Open Mind
Chances are, you’ll have a lot of preconceived notions before heading to 7 Summit Pathways. It’s not easy to go into something without expectations, but try to keep an open mind. The more you open yourself up to the process, the more you’ll benefit from it. There will be challenges, but the team at 7 Summit Pathways is there to walk you through these hard times and give you all the help you need to overcome your addiction.
Start Preparing for Addiction Recovery Today
Choosing treatment for your substance use addiction is a monumental step that will improve your life and the lives of those you love. 7 Summit Pathways is a treatment center located in Tampa and dedicated to offering individuals support during their Recovery journey. Using personalized and innovative techniques, we’re here to give you the tools you need to stay healthy, promoting long-term Recovery. Lastly, relax relax relax, you are about to start on a lifelong journey that will change your life forever.
If you or someone you know needs help preparing for rehab, we invite you to contact us today.