4 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Rehab

Making the decision to check yourself into a rehabilitation facility is never an easy one, but for many people, it can be the start of giving themselves and their loved ones a better life. Getting help with a personal issue is a huge step in a positive direction, and now that you’ve got that behind you, you can begin to look forward to how great things will be on the other side.

Many people have gone through this same walk of life and have long, happy, fulfilled lives to show for it, as well as plenty of battle scars from the troubles they have been through. While no one goes through life completely unscathed, preparing yourself to go on this step of your journey can help you get the most out of your healing time and make the best of your life moving forward.

First, try to keep from stressing too much about your stay! Undue stress about an upcoming event can hinder your progress, and force anxiety into a situation that is already difficult. Stay as upbeat as you can, and remember that nothing lasts forever – while it may seem terrible now, you will make it to the other side. No one is alone in this journey, or has to be. Rehabilitation centers are there to help people, and the people who work there have your best interests in mind. Let them help you, but make sure you get your money’s worth by making the most of your stay.

Know Where You’re Going, and What You Can Bring

If you are a person who likes a lot of information, learning about the facility you’ll be going to can be calming. You can understand what your surroundings will be like, how a daily schedule might go, and what you can expect from those first few days. It’s also important to understand that there are many items that are not allowed to be present in a rehabilitation facility. A list of these items may be provided to you, and while some of them may not make sense, rest assured that the restriction of these items is for the good of the patients and can contribute to their healing process (and yours).

You may want to take along some items that help with being comfortable. If you have a favorite pillow, or certain photos or mementos of your loved ones (or your pets, or your favorite houseplant) it is worth it to ask if the facility will allow these items. Sometimes having something that reminds you of happy times in your life can make all of the difference when you are struggling to maintain perspective. For specific addictions related to electronics, you may not be allowed to have a cell phone or laptop with you. For example, understanding rehab for pornography addiction is not knowing how to use computers and phones for this sort of thing, but rather learning how to control the triggers that lead to consumption. This is why it's important to discuss with the facility beforehand what items are allowed and what items are not.

Don’t Skip the Toiletries

While some toiletries may be provided to you at the facility, it is more likely that you will have to provide your own. In this case, make sure you are well-stocked with quality items if possible. While this may seem silly to some, practicing good hygiene while working through breaking an addiction has helped many people gain confidence and feel better about themselves throughout their journey. Focusing on these tiny rituals of self-care can be important for struggling minds.

Understand That These Things Take Time, But You Have Help

When someone is on a weight loss journey, it is unrealistic for them to expect that they will lose all of their extra pounds by changing their habits for one day or one week. The same can be said about recovering from an addiction. You didn’t become an addict overnight, and going into a treatment program will not heal you overnight. 

Oftentimes those who struggle with addiction have a mental health issue that exacerbates their addiction issues. While this isn’t always the case, one thing that you can be certain of is that recovering from an addiction takes work and determination, just like other good things in life. Entering a rehabilitation program gives a person a leg up as well, as they do not have to struggle through recovery on their own, and have people available to guide them when they wander off track.

One of the benefits of checking yourself into a treatment facility instead of trying to fight addiction on your own is the professionals you will have surrounding you. If your addiction struggles tie in with depression or PTSD, for example, you will have mental health professionals available to help you handle both issues and keep them from affecting each other.

Maintain a Positive Outlook

This may be an obvious fact, but a lot of negativity can surround the patients at a rehabilitation facility. Some people are not there according to their own will and desire to get healthy. Addiction can be bred from feelings of negativity and anger, becoming a large vicious cycle that continues with substance abuse that leads to withdrawals and more negativity which leads to substance abuse. While breaking this cycle will be easier with the help of the trained professionals at a rehab facility, there will inevitably be negativity that creeps into your mind from yourself and others.

It is important while on this journey to celebrate yourself, while not comparing your process to others. No one is going to go through treatment and rehabilitation the same. Your path is your own, and your accomplishments should be celebrated, no matter how big or how small. You also may be able to help others exponentially by trying to stay positive instead of buying into the negativity.

What you’re doing is no small feat, and admitting to yourself that you need help – as well as reaching out for that help – is a monumental accomplishment. No matter what your story, your background, or your situation, help is available and it can assist in turning your life around. Whether you are a veteran struggling with trauma from active duty, a teacher from NY using NYSHIP for alcohol treatment, or a factory worker from California learning to live without amphetamines, choosing to get yourself help is the best thing possible.

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