What to Do Before Going into Rehab

Preparing for substance abuse treatment can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do before going into rehab can make the transition smoother and set you up for success. From packing the proper essentials to understanding the requirements of a treatment program, taking the time to prepare can help ease any uncertainties. Whether you’re considering inpatient or outpatient care, being informed and ready can make all the difference in your recovery journey.

What Do You Pack to Go to Rehab?

Packing can be a crucial step in getting ready for rehab that will help set you up for success and make the process feel a little less scary. Since most facilities provide basic necessities like soaps, shampoos, towels, and other toiletries for hygiene, the focus should be on personal items that will comfort you during the process. Here are some of the top items to bring with you when you begin treatment:

• Clothing: Pack a variety of comfortable clothing, including options for exercise or other group activities that might involve movement!
• Journal: Having a space to write down your thoughts, document your progress, or even doodle when you’re overwhelmed can help ground many people during treatment.
• Insurance Information: If you are paying for treatment through your health coverage plan, you should bring any documentation along that displays your policy number and provider so medical teams can relieve you of worrying about the financial aspect and let you focus on recovery.
• Medications: If you’re on any type of medication, like mental health drugs or prescriptions for chronic illnesses, you’ll want to bring those with you so medical staff can keep you on your current regimen.
• Personal Mementos: Having reminders of home, like letters from loved ones, pictures, or stuffed animals from childhood, can boost morale for individuals when the process gets tough.

Knowing what to do before going into rehab means paying close attention to what you’re not allowed to do or bring with you. Remember to check with the treatment center you’ll be attending for a list of prohibited items so you can thoughtfully prepare your belongings and ensure you have all you need for a smooth transition into treatment.

Do You Have to Be Clean Before Going to Rehab?

Rehab is a place for individuals to take back control of their lives from the clutches of the addiction cycle. As such, it’s not required to be clean before entering a program. Many medical professionals actually advise against trying to get clean on your own before going to rehab, as specific withdrawal symptoms can be severe enough to cause death.

Medically detoxing under the watchful eyes of healthcare providers can be the safer route when taking the first steps on the journey to recovery. Patients are monitored constantly, and medical staff can provide medications to make them feel comfortable. The detox process can last anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on how severe the addiction is.

It’s essential to keep in mind that while you don’t need to be clean before starting, knowing how rehab works involves being honest with yourself about the state of your addiction. Trying to downplay symptoms or make it seem like the problem is smaller than it really is will only hinder your progress and could harm your health.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information states, “Understanding the extent and nature of substance use disorder and its interaction with other life areas is essential for careful diagnosis, appropriate case management, and successful treatment.” Most facilities have incoming patients undergo an assessment to determine the correct treatment plan and ensure their needs are met as they transition into the program, so being upfront about your substance abuse is crucial for getting appropriate care.

The key to long-term recovery, of course, is your commitment to the program. Even if you’re still actively using drugs or alcohol, the desire to get help is an excellent sign of willingness to get clean, which is the most important factor for success. Rehab programs are built to support individuals no matter what stage of addiction they’re in, whether they’re already clean or struggling to quit.

What Are the Requirements for Rehab?

Each treatment center has different requirements for entering a program, but there are a few common factors across most rehabs. The first step is typically an intake evaluation, where a team of professionals assesses some key traits about the patient, including:

• Commitment Level: Is the patient willing to begin treatment and make their best efforts in the process of recovery? Rehab is voluntary, and the outcome of participation in a program depends greatly on the patient’s motivation for getting clean. Do they actually want to be there, or is it forced upon them? Preparing for rehab is not nearly as important as wanting to be there and see it through to the end.
• Addiction Severity: Choosing the right treatment plan is heavily dependent on knowing just how strong the substance abuse disorder is. According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients may be able to undergo treatment through an outpatient program, which can help them attend drug rehab and continue working. However, really severe cases may require medically supervised detoxification. The medical staff will determine the history of abuse, how long it’s been occurring, the frequency of use, and any previous attempts at recovery to suss out the right next steps.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Since some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, healthcare providers need to know about any preexisting health conditions or family medical histories to ensure none of the treatment modalities are dangerous for the patient. In some cases, rehabs may require a referral from a primary care physician.

Once the assessment is complete and medical staff begins drafting a custom treatment plan, new patients must follow behavioral guidelines associated with the rehab center they’re working with. Following these protocols is key. These protocols might include restrictions on bringing specific items, rules about not using substances, or requirements to participate in group or individual therapy sessions.

Can You Stay Overnight in Rehab?

Most treatment centers offer residential stays, depending on the type of program offered. An outpatient-only rehab would most likely not have accommodations for patients to sleep there; however, inpatient programs provide an immersive and structured environment where individuals live for the duration of their treatment. Knowing how to prepare for rehab might vary depending on the type of program you choose.

For some individuals, intensive care might not be necessary for recovery. In these cases, an outpatient option might be the better choice. These programs provide therapy and other treatment during the day while allowing patients to return to the comfort of their own homes to sleep. Outpatient treatment is also usually more affordable than the inpatient variety. However, not everyone will benefit from this much freedom during the beginning stages of the recovery process.

Individuals who are struggling with moderate to severe addictions will find outpatient services to be lacking for their needs. Inpatient programs allow patients to live at the facility 24/7 for anywhere between 30 and 90 days. This means that participants can focus entirely on their progress without outside distractions or temptations.

Additionally, many individuals find that their home lives exacerbate their addiction cycles, especially if they’re incredibly toxic. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “trauma can cause genetic changes that are passed down through generations and may contribute to the development of a mental disorder or a substance use disorder.” This means that families at home can be triggering for drug abuse. As such, being able to stay away from unsafe living conditions might be best for long-term recovery.

Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health to Discover What to Do Before Going into Rehab

Starting drug rehab is a big step toward reclaiming your life, and knowing what to do before going into rehab helps ensure you’re fully prepared. Whether you need medical detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, Resurgence Behavioral Health offers compassionate, evidence-based support to help you through every stage of recovery. Our team is here to provide personalized treatment that meets your unique needs. Call 855-458-0050 today to take the first step toward lasting recovery.

External Source

• National Library of Medicine: Transitioning from Detoxification to Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Facilitators and Barriers
• Mayo Clinic: Drug addiction (substance use disorder)
• National Institute of Mental Health: Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial