How Do I Prepare For Rehab?

Rehab is the Right Choice

If you have committed to going to rehab, you may be asking yourself a lot of questions like “For rehab do you need to prepare ahead of time?” or “What can I expect?”. Going to rehab can feel intimidating. However, you can also feel proud of your decision to face your addiction and get help.

If you are entering rehab for the first time, you may not know what to expect. Whether you are most concerned about family obligations, a job, paying your bills, or other things in your life that need to be put “on hold,” it is important to remember that it is natural to feel stressed in your situation.

By taking a little time to mentally prepare, you can feel calmer as you approach your rehab journey.

Steps of Preparing For Rehab

Work Obligations

You shouldn’t plan to focus on your job while you are in rehab. Although you may be hesitant to relay this information to your employer, legally you cannot be fired for going to rehab. You are entitled to 12 weeks of medical leave.

Additionally, if your employer appreciates you as an employee, then they will support your decision to get healthy. The sooner you can tell your employer your plans, the easier it will be to accommodate and plan for your absence.

Handle Your Financials

Before going to rehab, do you need to take care of your bills for while you’re away? If you haven’t already, sign up for automatic payments whenever possible. You can also choose to enlist someone you trust in paying your bills. You may want to make out checks in advance for certain known expenses. No matter your plan, you want to minimize future financial stress when you leave rehab.

If you are dealing with any legal problems, it is essential that you keep your attorney in the loop. You may need to have your attorney handle any necessary correspondence. Make sure you get a legal document confirming that your attorney and/or the court system is involved, are aware of your rehab.

Bring Only Essentials

You might want to bring a pack a suitcase with many different items, but you will only need a few things. Choose to bring less rather than more. Your rehab center will provide you with a list of allowed items. Bringing only essentials will help you avoid outside distractions.

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Although you may feel pressured to complete a huge checklist before going to rehab, it is important to spend time with your loved ones. Try to avoid spending time with any friends who use drugs or alcohol. If you are not in regular contact with those who you care about, possibly due to your drug use, then you might try to reach out.

Tell them you are going to rehab and your hopes for your recovery. You can ask them what they expect from you after rehab. Let them know that you hope they will help you stay accountable once you complete it.

Write Yourself a Letter

You can either write a journal or write yourself a letter to read once you get out of rehab. Write about the goals you want to accomplish after rehab, or just write whatever comes to mind. If you decide to keep a journal, ask your rehab facility if you can bring it with you to the program. Many people find it helpful to and continue writing throughout treatment.

Relaxation in Rehab

Before going to rehab, try to meditate or rest in a calm environment. Rehab will be mentally and physically stimulating. If you are able to relax beforehand, it can give you a head start. Listen to soothing music, light a candle, take a bath. Calming down will help you prepare for the next, sober, chapter of your life. Remember it is normal to feel nervous. Try to stay calm and welcome your departure.

Things You Can Bring to Rehab

You may be wondering in rehab do you bring anything. Well, yes, packing is another very important part of rehab. This is something you might want to begin about one week before you leave so you can avoid forgetting anything or feeling rushed or stressed. When you are packing, make sure you bring anything that will bring you comfort but leave anything that might negatively affect your treatment.

You may want to bring:

• ID, passport, or driver’s license
• Insurance paperwork or card
• A small amount of spending money, up to $200. This will be held by the staff
• Mouth hygiene items (mouthwash must be alcohol-free)
• Deodorant
• Body wash or soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Any other haircare items
• One week’s worth of clothes. They should be casual and comfortable
• Laundry detergent
• Bathing suit
• Workout apparel
• Device to listen to music
• Bring your phone, but it will only be allowed at certain times
• Book or journal

Prohibited Items typically include:

• Clothes with drug or alcohol logos
• E-cigarettes
• Knives
• Straight razors
• Firearms
• Any products containing alcohol
• Movies
• Unapproved supplements
• Pornography
• Cameras
• Pump hairspray or aerosol cans

In Rehab Do You Work With Mental Illness?

You may be suffering from a mental illness as well as a substance use disorder – in what is called a dual diagnosis. So, what type of treatment in rehab do you get if you do have a dual diagnosis? The good news is that treatment will address all of your needs in a coherent and complete manner.

During treatment, you will likely participate in cognitive behavioral therapy, known as CBT. This form of therapy has been proven to help those with mental illness as well as drug addiction.

Free Insurance Verification for Rehab.

Get Help Today

It is time to mentally prepare yourself and get ready for your rehab journey. You have already made the decision to get help; now remind yourself that you need to stick to the plan. You have made this decision to get healthy and change your life.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we work with you to develop a rehab plan that works for your unique needs. Not only do we offer free insurance verification for treatment, but we offer various different options that can be tailored to your situation. Contact Resurgence today to learn more about our programs, or ask any questions that you might have.

Calls are confidential. We are only a phone call away.

Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.

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