Steps to Prepare for Rehabilitation

Many people find it daunting to decide to seek treatment for a drug use problem, particularly if it’s their first time in treatment. It can be terrifying to have so many unknowns, which is why some people decide not to receive treatment at all. In actuality, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration from 2021, 94% of addicts who required care did not receive it.

That being said, if you are battling addiction, you don’t have to let your uncertainty prevent you from receiving the help you require. There are really a lot of things you can do to help yourself prepare for rehab in order to help you emotionally and psychologically prepare for treatment and allow you to focus on your recovery while there.

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1. Meet Your Work and Family obligations

Many patients continue to have responsibilities to their families and jobs while in rehab, so it’s not the end of the world. You can focus on your recovery process if you prioritize your rehabilitation by taking care of your family and work duties before attending rehab.

Talking with Family and Friends

Generally speaking, telling the truth is the best policy when it comes to friends and family. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable discussing your problems with your loved ones, but therapy may go more smoothly if you have a strong support network to help you through it. Tell them about your treatment plans and ask for their support and encouragement while you’re away.

Speaking with Your Business

It’s also normal to worry about informing your employer that you require time off for medical care. Nonetheless, the Family and Medical Leave Act often shields you from being fired for seeking medical attention (FMLA). Under the FMLA, many workers are entitled to three months of unpaid leave to treat drug use issues.2. There are a few more conditions to be aware of, so it’s advised to check with your HR department to see if you qualify for FMLA leave.

Requesting time off work for medical treatment may be challenging. However, therapy is crucial for your whole health—physical, mental, and emotional. Moreover, a firm that truly cares about the wellbeing of its employees is generally going to be willing to work with you on your rehabilitation. After all, you’ll undoubtedly be a far better employee if you abstain from drug abuse rather than remain clean.

How to Deal with Pets, Children, and Older Relatives

In addition to their work, many individuals have other major responsibilities, such caring for pets, elderly family members, childcare, and/or going to school. Before starting therapy, you must decide who will handle your tasks.

There are times when you can temporarily assign some of your responsibilities to a friend or family member. There are still options you may think about if you don’t have assistance at home, such taking a leave of absence from work, hiring in-home caregivers, or hiring long-term pet sitters. Additionally, although rare, certain parent-focused or family-based therapy programs are offered by specialized rehab facilities. During the parent’s therapy, these programs often provide on-site or nearby childcare facilities.

Making decisions before you go to treatment, regardless of your approach, will calm your anxiety and allow you to focus on taking care of yourself once you’re there.

2. Check the Coverage of Your Policy.

If your health insurance is covering all or a portion of the cost of your treatment, it’s a good idea to find out exactly what is covered and to make sure all the necessary steps have been performed before you go to the treatment facility. It’s helpful to be aware of your insurance’s coverage limitations as well as your co-pays and deductibles. Reviewing this statistics in detail can ensure that you won’t be unprepared for treatment-related expenses or worry about money while receiving it.

If you’re having trouble understanding insurance coverage and co-pays, our helpful navigators are here to help. Give them a call at

3. Attend to Any Outstanding Legal Issues

Prioritizing your financial and legal obligations is crucial while you prepare for your recuperation. You will still be in charge of paying your rent, mortgage, utilities, and tuition during your stay in treatment, which might run a range of durations.

To ensure that your bills are paid while you’re receiving treatment, think about setting up automated payments, paying your bills ahead of time, or assigning a loved one to handle this task.

If your treatment plan involves any legal requirements, including court dates, parole hearings, or probation appointments, you must immediately inform the relevant authorities. Tell the appropriate authorities, such as your parole officer, that you will be attending a rehabilitation program. To prevent any misunderstandings or mistakes, kindly inform them as soon as you can, and if at all possible, put this in writing.

4. Recall to Pack the Essentials

Packing could seem like a smaller priority than other pre-rehab preparations, or at least less significant. But going to therapy requires you to enter an unfamiliar place at a vulnerable time. Choosing your packing list for drug and alcohol rehab will assist ensure that you arrive to treatment prepared and that your stay is as comfortable as possible.

As most treatment facilities include a packing list, you should make sure you have one with you when you pack. Items to bring: Bring anything you want to leave at home. Still, most universities have packing lists that include a few essentials.

insurance cards.

a way to be acknowledged.

a little quantity of cash.

A credit card, debit card, or checkbook.

prescription medications, if any, in their original bottles.

hygiene products and toiletries sans alcohol.

clothes that are comfortable.

Walking shoes and workout clothes.

Pyjamas or sleepwear.

5. Preparing Family and Friends

It may be easier for you to accomplish your recovery goals if your friends and family are behind you. If you have loved ones who are ready to travel with you, make the most of all the encouragement and support you can receive. Moreover, family therapy is offered by many treatment facilities, which may benefit the entire family rather than just the drug-abusing member.

If you have a facility at home, find out what the rules are about visiting and communicating with friends and family. There can be times when you can’t use your phone or when visitors aren’t allowed. It is essential that you gather and share this information with your loved ones so that everyone is aware of the situation and that someone can aid when required.

6. Write a letter or keep a journal.

Journaling may be a helpful tool for documenting your recovery progress and expressing your thoughts and feelings before, during, and after treatment. Actually, past entries usually demonstrate your progress.

Writing letters (or emails) to loved ones before beginning treatment is a great way to express your sentiments, especially because it can be hard to say everything you want to someone face-to-face. You may think through what you want to say and communicate your feelings in a clear and succinct way when you write a letter.

Emails and letters can also be a helpful way to remain in contact with loved ones throughout treatment. You may not be able to see or talk to every member of your family while undergoing treatment. To keep in touch with them, nevertheless, you can write to them.