How to prepare for rehab

Preparing for rehab is essential if the individual getting treatment wants the best chance at staying sober.

Planning for addictions treatment

Once committed to going to an addiction treatment center, it’s time the individual getting treatment start thinking about the steps they should take in order to be prepared for rehab.

The individual will most likely be stressed about putting their job, bills, and family obligations on hold while they’re in rehab. It’s important they understand that all of these things can be dealt with by planning ahead.

Steps to preparing for rehab

Here are some mental and physical tips to prepare the individual getting treatment in the weeks leading up to their stay in rehab.

Take care of work and family obligations

The individual getting treatment may be hesitant to mention their stay in rehab to their employer, but anyone who appreciates them as an employee will want them to get better. The employer wants the best version of the individual getting treatment, so the sooner they tell their employer the better. The Family and Medical Leave Act will protect their job and give them up to 12 weeks of medical leave.

If they’re taking care of any children, elderly or pets, they need to make sure they are taken care of while they’re away. Family and friends will usually help take care of children and pets, or they can look into temporary care options.

Tie up any financial or legal loose ends

If they have bills that need to be paid while they’re in rehab, make sure they are signed up for automatic payments or they assign someone they trust to pay the bills. The last thing they want is more financial stress when they get out of rehab.

They only need the essentials

Rehab centers only allow certain items. Bringing just the essentials will ensure that they aren’t breaking any of the rehabs rules. Also, sticking to the essentials minimizes any distractions that may compromise their sobriety. In rehab they should mainly focus on themselves and getting the best treatment.

Remind them to enjoy their company

Making time to enjoy the positive people in their life will inspire them to make the most of treatment.

Journaling and letter writing

Journaling and writing letters to loved ones is a great way for the individual getting treatment to cope with going into rehab.

They can keep a personal journey to document how they’re feeling each day leading up to rehab.

Relax

It’s normal for the individual getting treatment to be nervous in the days leading up to rehab. Suggest they focus on something that relaxes them and once they are relaxed urge them to think about the new chapter they are about to embark on.

Start preparing for rehab today

Deciding they need help for addiction is a monumental step that will make things better for them and the people around them. Helping them be prepared for rehab is the best way to ensure that they get the most out of treatment and leave with the tools and the skills to stay sober.