How to Prepare for Your Stay in a Rehab Facility

Once you’ve made the decision to participate in an in-patient rehab program, you might be wondering what your future is going to look like. Spending extended periods of time away from home can be stressful in general – when you combine that with the detoxing experience and unfamiliar surroundings, the feelings may be overwhelming. One of the best ways to relieve stress about the unknown is to learn everything that you can about the experience so that you can be prepared to deal with it.

The exact process that you will undergo will depend on the facility that you’re visiting – each one has their own specific process for their patients. That being said, this is generally what you can expect when you enter into a rehab facility:

• Admissions and Intake

In the beginning, the facility will mainly be focused on making sure that they have all of the necessary information from their patient. There will likely be screenings for physical and mental health, as well as a period of time where doctors and therapists will assess the patient’s drug and medical histories.

Once this process has been completed, the facility can focus on creating and implementing a personalized treatment plan.

• Medically-Supervised Detox

The detox process must be done under careful medical supervision. Depending on the substance and frequency of abuse, withdrawal symptoms have the potential to be life-threatening. Each detox program will be tailored to each specific individual depending on their needs.

• Counseling and Therapy

After detox, patients will begin participating in group and one-on-one therapy sessions. These are intended to help patients work through the issues that may have led them to substance abuse as well as the things that have come as a result.

• Aftercare

The best rehab facilities will not let their patients leave without having a plan for their future in place. Some may offer out-patient services such as regular therapy session, while others may help their patients get set up with work and/or education. Here at Intrepid Recovery, we will help you find the best outpatient plan whether you are continuing treatment in the area or moving to another state. Your success is our top priority.

It’s crucial to make sure all of your affairs are in order before you enter an in-patient rehab program. All of your obligations should be taken care of and you should have a plan for what will be done with things that need constant attention like work, school, pets and children.

You will need to make sure that you have set up childcare, informed your employer or school that you will be absent for a period of time, and have payments set up for any bills that will need to be paid during the time that you’re away.

If the thought of telling important people in your life that you’re going to creates some anxiety, that is completely understandable. It’s important to remember that everyone you inform – from your family to your employer – wants you to be healthy and happy! Establishing an open and honest line of communication is one of the very first steps toward recovery.

As in-patient rehab is a temporary stay, it’s best for patients to pack lightly – only the essentials and a few items that bring comfort and entertainment. Make note that most treatment facilities do not allow cell phones, cameras, or laptops!

Use this checklist as a guide for your packing:

1. Any current prescription medications and insurance cards
2. Government issues ID
3. In case of emergency contacts
4. Toiletries
5. Comfy clothing
6. Debit card/credit card/cash
7. Books
8. A journal
9. Photos of loved ones

The most important thing to remember when backing a bag for rehab is to only bring things that are going to help in your recovery process – leave behind things that may be too distracting. The key focus is on your health and recovery so all of your energy should be focused on that. Everything that you miss about being at home will be waiting for you when you return.

In between treatments in rehab, you might find that you have a lot of time to yourself. During this time, it’s important to reflect on your time in rehab and think about what you are getting out of the experience so that you can take everything you’re learning and apply it to your new and sober lifestyle.

1. Journaling. Journaling is proven to be an excellent stress reliever and a great tool for working through thoughts and emotions. Don’t worry about the way that you’re writing – you don’t have to tell a story or even have it make sense to anyone but you! Journaling is something that it meant for you and your healing process; to help you understand what you’re going through and cope with the emotions that you might be feeling.
2. Writing letters. If there are loved ones back home that you want to speak to but can’t, writing them a letter can be a great way to get your feelings off of your chest. You don’t necessarily have to send the letter, but just getting all of your thoughts out of your head and onto a piece of paper might be a cathartic experience.
3. Reading. Reading can be just the escape that you need after a long day of treatment in rehab. Bring books with you that inspire you or transport you to another world. If you’d like, you could even use this time to learn something new with an educational book or a biography on one of your heroes.

Knowing what you’re heading into before you check into rehab can alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty that comes with your new (but temporary) living arrangements. All of the preparation will only help you get the most out of your time spent in treatment so that you can blaze forward on your trail to recovery!

Treatment at Intrepid Recovery

Here are Intrepid Recovery, we offer around the clock medical care, flexible hours for group and individual therapies, family therapy sessions, and a safe and secure place for our patients to get healthy. Upon graduation from our facility, we make sure that every person knows that they are welcome to come back any time for continued out-patient treatment and support. Our helpline is always open if you are looking to get answers or just need someone to lend an ear.