Deciding to enter drug or alcohol rehab is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in your life. It takes courage to make this huge leap, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about what to expect or how to prepare for rehab. The most successful start to entering addiction treatment involves not only taking care of the practicalities but also preparing yourself mentally, as well as those close to you.
Emotional Readiness for Rehab
It’s easy to pack a bag, but mental preparation for rehab isn’t always as simple. You’re about to commit to a major challenge and life change, and this comes with uncertainty, vulnerability, and, for many, fear. You may be wondering what to expect in rehab and what life will look like on the other side.
Knowledge is power when preparing for rehab. At this point, you should know which addiction rehab facility you plan to check in at. It’s acceptable to contact them and ask questions about the process. The more you know, the better you’ll be mentally prepared.
It’s also important to take care of yourself during this time of pre-treatment planning. Tend to your emotional and mental health by eating healthy, sleeping well, and getting mild exercise. If you’re struggling with severe addiction, even these steps can feel like too much. Just do what you can and ask for support if you need it.
This is also a good time to have conversations with your loved ones about your fears and hopes for the future and theirs. If you haven’t begun journaling, this is a great time to record your thoughts and emotions during the days leading up to rehab.
If you’d like more resources for both you and your family, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website is a valuable source of information.
As you prioritize your emotional well-being during this time, you can also begin working on the more practical aspects of getting ready for rehab.
Steps to Take Before Rehab
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed in the days or weeks before rehab. Creating a pre-rehab checklist can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that nothing is forgotten.
Know the Rehab Admission Process
Contact the rehab facility before the day of admission and ask them to explain the admission process and what to expect. If you are going into a facility first to undergo a medically supervised detox, it’s important to know what you can do to prepare ahead of time to make this process a little easier on yourself. You might also need to be aware of any medical records that the facility will need at intake.
Connect with Your Doctor
If you have a healthcare provider, schedule an appointment before admission. Your doctor can provide an initial assessment to help determine the severity of addiction and what, if any, physical health issues might be affected by the withdrawal stage.
Some rehab facilities may also require a medical referral, which your doctor can provide at this time.
Check Insurance Coverage
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance providers must include coverage for addiction treatment. This means that if you have health insurance, you have at least some level of coverage to help cover the costs of addiction treatment. Choosing an in-network addiction rehab facility with your provider will also likely result in lower overall out-of-pocket costs.
Getting Support Before Rehab
Having a support network, both in and out of rehab, is essential to long-term addiction recovery. If you haven’t yet talked to your loved ones about your plans for rehab, do so now and ask for support. Offering support might look different depending on who is offering it.
For example, someone might offer support by providing transportation. Someone else might be your listening ear or accountability person. Are you allowed to have visitors during your stay at rehab? If so, who are the most supportive people that you want there?
Take Care of Loose Ends
Now is the time to take care of details like arranging for time off from work or school, arranging for child or pet care, paying bills, rescheduling appointments, and tending to any legal matters before you go in.
What to Pack for Rehab
Packing for rehab should be simple since you don’t want to bring too much. Before packing your bag, make sure you’re aware of the rules and restrictions about what you can bring. You’ll need a few changes of clothing, but check to make sure what you bring is aligned with the facility’s dress code.
You might also bring toiletries, a few small personal items that provide comfort, contact information for your support people, and any medications you’re currently taking. Depending on the mediation, these may need to be turned in upon arrival and administered by the staff.
Think About Aftercare
Finally, don’t forget about what comes after rehab. When facing the challenge of rehab, thinking about that far into the future may feel impossible. However, now is the time to begin preparing for your future. Many addiction treatment centers in Massachusetts, including Rockland Recovery, offer aftercare programs to help you make the transition from addiction recovery to independent living.
Preparing for Rehab Begins Today
The very first step to preparing for rehab begins by reaching out for help. If you haven’t yet taken this step, let us at Rockland Recovery help. Our phones are staffed 24 hours a day, and we’re here to answer your questions and help you find the treatment you need. Contact us today at (888) 299-4833 to learn more about our comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addiction recovery and aftercare support.
