It does not need to be daunting – here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience.
As anyone addicted to drugs knows, it is not easy to give it up. After all, the body is in a dependency state, so you cannot function without the drug in your system. But, the good news is it is possible to give it up, thanks to rehab facilities.
However, getting into alcohol or drug rehab programs is not an exciting choice – you are giving up the substance that has kept you going. Even though the decision may be hectic – because you are considering different factors like the cost of the services, the items you should bring with you, or the usual schedule of every day – it is among the best decisions you can make. This is because it is the first step you are making to take charge of your life and recover from your addiction. Going in with the right mindset will help you along the recovery journey and make the best of your stay, so here are some tips.
Always remember the reason you are there.
When you are going through uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and days when you do not feel at your best on a mental or physical level, it is easy to forget why you are there. It is important to remember the reasons that led you to seek the program, which will help you not give up.
A journal is one of the most important things to pack, which will help you remember. When you are constantly documenting what is happening around you, it enables you to focus on your journey and appreciate your progress – especially in moments when you are unsure if the process is worth it.
Asking questions
Every day, your experience at rehab should be a learning process. Learning about many things is beneficial – it does not need to be about the process alone, and take the time to learn extensively about yourself.
Do not be afraid to ask questions, whether they are small or big. They will enable you to understand why you are there and what you need to do while you are there.
Set small goals, and focus on achieving them
Getting sober is overwhelming enough, and if you set huge goals for yourself, it is easy to give up when you see little or no progress. Instead, set small goals that help you stay sober – after all, you are still trying to recover, and the withdrawal phase will take a heavy toll on you.
For instance, you know you do not want to inject that heroin today, so what are some activities you can do to keep your mind occupied and stop thinking about that substance? Maybe something like rewriting a CV or reading a book, or even deciding to watch a historical documentary that teaches you something new about a historical event. The bottom line is – do not allow yourself to be idle. However, at the same time, ensure your goals are manageable and smart enough to achieve, as they will help you stay focused throughout your day.
Get the correct mindset.
Even the greatest intentions can breed resentment, and this is particularly true of rehab. Even individuals who willingly go to rehab sometimes develop toxic attitudes, especially when the going gets tough.
They might believe that their state is completely different from that of other patients, leading to the attitude that they think they do not need the counseling, therapy sessions, group sessions, or other activities that the medical staff suggests.
However, this kind of mindset always results in unsuccessful recovery. Therefore, every participant in the program must have the right attitude, as it will help them recover.
Know the pain of detox
Detoxing from drugs is a painful process, no matter what medication you are dealing with. Every patient should understand the pain before they start the process. Otherwise, it results in the patient giving up too soon.
The symptoms will depend on the severity of the addiction and the drug, such as heroin treatment. They can be intense – causing unprepared addicts to give up on the process instead of returning to the drug abuse lifestyle. Therefore, preparing yourself or your loved one for the acute post-withdrawal symptoms that may linger for some time is important.
Know your personality well
A drug rehab facility will cater to specific people, people from all walks of life. That means you will find a mix of different types – some loud, others quiet.
Patients who are more reserved and quiet may not want to talk much in group discussion sessions. However, this does not mean they should not develop a close working relationship with their supervisors or counselors. On the other hand, the more outgoing individuals should use the chance to join the group’s outings and group support.
Find a solid community to support you.
One of the most important tasks is finding a solid community that will stand by you even after you leave rehab. Clinical treatment and detox is not the only step you have to take – in the lifelong journey of recovery from addiction, it is essential to find ongoing support.
Even when you face temptations after you leave, this community can help you stay accountable. It can be some close friends, your counselors, recovered addicts, or a combination of all these. You can even attendinging to twelve-step meetings s when you are still in rehab.
Final thoughts
The choice to go to rehab is commendable, but you need all the support you can get. The journey to recovery from drug addiction is lifelong, and as long as you have the correct attitude, you can go a long way in your journey.
