How Can You Prepare for Entering Rehab?

Making the initial decision to enter rehab is courageous, but it's also natural to be nervous. It's especially natural to feel anxious about entering rehab if it's your first time doing so. However, with the right steps, individuals can feel more comfortable entering rehab, starting an addiction treatment program, and beginning this new chapter of life. 

Of course, the first step anyone must take before preparing to enter rehab is recognizing and acknowledging they have a problem. Many times, people are completely unaware of their struggle with addiction. They require intervention and the support of others to help them make that first step toward treatment. If you're afraid to enter treatment, we want you to remember that it's natural, and you're not alone. With peer and professional support at West Coast Recovery Centers, you won't have to feel alone during treatment. Continue reading to learn more about preparing for treatment and contact us to learn more about our programs today! 

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction

As mentioned, the first step toward seeking treatment and preparing for rehab is recognizing the signs of addiction within yourself. Whether you're struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) or a behavioral addiction, there are always signs to look out for. The term addiction is broad and encompasses many things. However, some general signs to look for include: 

• Risk-taking behaviors and erratic behaviors 
• Intense cravings for substances 
• Unusual sleeping patterns 
• Changes in appetite and extreme weight loss or gain 
• Mood swings and irritability 
• Problems in one's professional life and personal relationships 
• Inability to fulfill one's day-to-day responsibilities 
• Increased tolerance substances 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop substance use
• The development of other chronic physical and mental health conditions 

We encourage you to seek help if you recognize these symptoms within yourself or someone you love. Unfortunately, getting a loved one to acknowledge and accept their struggle with addiction can be challenging. That's why intervention is sometimes warranted. 

The Benefits of Intervention

In the context of addiction, intervention usually means when family and friends gather to express concern for and help a loved one seek treatment. Of course, things can go wrong during an intervention, which is why using an intervention facilitator can help. When implemented properly, an intervention can: 

• Help individuals understand the gravity of their addiction 
• Facilitate open and honest communication with loved ones 
• Allow a person to see how their struggle with addiction impacts their family 
• Provide resources and a support system to help the individual seek treatment 
• Offer someone the chance to make life-saving changes before things get worse 

Accepting Your Struggle With Addiction

Upon recognizing the signs of addiction, we must learn to accept it. Acceptance is difficult, but it's also a powerful and transformative process. Accepting guilt, past mistakes, and addiction is a key first step to entering rehab. Without it, true healing can't begin, and it will hinder the treatment process. Mindfulness, meditation, self-reflection, journaling, therapy, and other practices can help you accept your struggle with addiction and prepare for the journey ahead. 

Things to Consider Before Entering Rehab

There are things you'll want to consider before entering rehab. Firstly, remember that your journey will look different from others. You must be patient with yourself, especially early on. Additionally, leaving family and friends behind to enter rehab can be anxiety-inducing. It's critical not to manage these anxieties negatively. Before entering rehab, ensure you: 

• Avoid binge drinking or using drugs to cope with worries as it'll make detox more challenging 
• Spend time with friends, family, and loved ones, the thought of them can serve as strong motivation 
• Remove any substances or paraphernalia from your home to help with your transition back to life post-treatment 

Preparing to Enter Rehab

Along with the list above, you may need to take other logistical steps before entering rehab. That may include: 

• Researching programs and facilities to find one that fits your needs 
• Asking a healthcare provider for a referral to a rehabilitation program 
• Preparing friends and family by having an honest conversation regarding what's about to happen 
• Taking care of work, family, and legal obligations, which may include arranging childcare 
• Checking insurance coverage with a program and facility 
• Ensuring you pack everything you may need, like insurance cards, I.D., prescriptions, clothes, and toiletries

Is There Anything Else You Should Do Before Entering Rehab?

The steps listed above are logistical things to consider, but preparing yourself mentally is another ballgame. It may help to discuss worries, concerns, and fears with a therapist, family members, or trusted confidant. Consider keeping a journal to document this time and show yourself how far you've come. Set small, achievable goals for yourself throughout recovery, and find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety.

It's okay to be anxious about entering rehab, but it helps to remember that when you're done, you'll have your life back. Take the first step toward getting your life back by visiting our website, browsing our frequently asked questions, and calling West Coast Recovery Centers to start your recovery journey today.  

Entering rehab and beginning the addiction treatment journey is a process that requires mental, physical, and logistical preparation. It can be scary, anxiety-inducing, and stressful, but we promise it's worth it because, upon completion, you'll have a life free from active addiction. Of course, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for this next chapter. That includes relying on a support system, talking to a healthcare provider and therapist, researching programs, managing personal, professional, and financial obligations, and preparing your friends and family through open and honest communication. West Coast Recovery Centers can also help you prepare. Call us at (760) 492-6509 to learn more about our facility and treatment programs today.