How to Prepare for Rehab

How to Prepare for Rehab

• Mandy Sandhu
• 19 Sep 2024

Whether you’re considering going to rehab or already preparing, this first step in addiction recovery can be overwhelming. This is a big decision that needs careful preparation. 

There will be many changes in your routine, location, expectations, and more, and you might need a helping hand to guide you through the early stages of the addiction recovery process.

We’ve prepared this guide detailing what you need to know before entering a rehab facility. Keep reading for our advice to help ease your transition and make your stay as smooth as possible.

What to Do Before Going to Rehab 

Before checking into a rehab facility, taking a few proactive steps can set you up for the best chance at success. For many people with a substance use disorder, life in a rehab centre will be different from what you’re used to. Here’s what we suggest you or a family member do before entering treatment.

Research Rehab Programs and Treatment Facilities 

There are many rehabilitation centres to choose from, but not all have the same background, expertise, and proven methods. When making your choice, here’s what to look for in a rehab centre:

• Exemplary Standing Accreditation: This stamp of approval from Accreditation Canada certifies a treatment facility has the expertise and patient service quality for excellent care.
• Concurrent Treatment Programs: These programs address mental health concerns alongside addiction. Substance abuse disorders and mental health issues are often interconnected, so it’s best to find a rehab program that offers holistic programming. 
• Personalized and Specialized Treatments: Every person is different. A specialized treatment plan aligns with a person’s background, substance use habits, mental health, and more for the most effective treatment.
• Timeliness of Care: A rehab centre that offers immediate care is important when you’re going through withdrawal symptoms. Government rehabilitation centers often have long waitlists. Pick a facility with round-the-clock admittance to get the help you need when you need it.
• Aftercare Program: Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care and strategy to manage symptoms and prevent relapse. As such, treatment is not a “cure,” and continued education and support are necessary even after rehabilitation.

Set Expectations 

The next step when preparing for rehab is to set your expectations. With realistic expectations, you’ll be more comfortable and prepared for the journey. 

Get to know how different treatments and programs work. Look into the medical detox process and familiarize yourself with withdrawal symptoms and what you might experience, depending on your individual drug or alcohol addiction.

Review individual counseling options as well as group counseling options. Consider which forms of therapy you might respond best to, and understand how different modalities might help people recover in various ways.

Know that the length of stay in a rehabilitation centre varies from person to person. You might feel motivated by having a goal in mind, but prepare for that to change. Some people find they stay in programs and treatments longer than expected, while others don’t feel prepared to leave when originally planned. Think less about the timeline and more about a safe and lasting recovery.

Use a Support System 

Try building a support system for yourself before facing the upcoming challenges. While these challenges contribute toward a long-term good, they can be difficult to face alone. Family members and friends are a great source of motivation and support when things are hard. They can be the people you look to when you need to remember your goals or refocus. 

At Freedom From Addiction, we encourage family members to join family therapy sessions and be part of a patient’s recovery process. They can participate in our Family Program, not only to help themselves, but also to further understand substance abuse and its impact on everyday life.

Preparing a Loved One for Drug and Alcohol Rehab 

In many cases, a person going to rehab is influenced by a loved one hoping to help them recover. If you’re helping someone else prepare for rehab, it’s important to be communicative, open, and judgment-free. Take them through these initial steps to get them ready and connect them with the resources they need to understand what awaits them. 

There are cases where addiction has taken over a person’s life, making them incapable of making sound decisions. Whenever possible, direct them to a mental health professional who can help them take their next steps. 

Image Source: Unsplash

Going to Rehab: What to Bring 

Once you’ve gone through the initial steps of preparing for rehab, use this packing checklist to ensure you’re bringing what you need and leaving behind what you don’t.

Things to Bring	Things to Leave Behind
✓ Medical history ✓ Current medication list ✓ Valid health card ✓ Drug benefits if available ✓ Toothbrush and toothpaste ✓ Shampoo and conditioner ✓ Bodywash ✓ Deodorant ✓ Other toiletries you might need ✓ Towel ✓ Seasonally appropriate clothing ✓ Activewear for the gym ✓ Casual footwear ✓ Cigarettes if applicable	✘ Cell phones or electronic devices that can access Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or have a camera ✘ Clothing with alcohol or drug-related advertising ✘ Sexually suggestive clothing ✘ Short skirts, shorts, or dresses (these must be mid-thigh) ✘ Expensive or valuable jewelry ✘ Anything opened that isn’t sealed ✘ Medications (unless in blister packs) ✘ Deck of cards or dice

These dos and don’ts are intended to reduce unnecessary triggers and temptations, so you and those around you can be as safe and comfortable as possible during the treatment process. The goal is to be present and focused on recovery, so avoid items with connections to drugs or alcohol.

Image Source: Unsplash

Take the Next Step to Recovery 

At Freedom From Addiction, we understand that going to rehab can be a big decision, one that’s daunting for many people. The good news is you’re already on the way by considering treatment and reading this blog on preparing for rehab. 

If you need further information or encouragement, our treatment consultants are available 24/7 with compassionate support. Get in touch with us today for more information about our rehab programs, treatment facilities, or the recovery process. Take the first step toward your recovery and well-being.