9 Things You Need To Know Before Entering Rehab For Substance Use
This is a contributed post.
Rehab is hard, that’s a fact. But it’s not possible either. Whether you are dealing with a substance addiction or any other type of addiction, rehab centers can provide a good environment that supports your improvement and return to normalcy.
But a lot of people have a difficult time adjusting to the rehab facilities because they’re unprepared. So you should arm yourself with as much information before diving in. Here’s 10 important things that you should remember before starting your rehab journey. Let’s go through them together!
You’re Not Alone
First of all, you must know that you’re not alone. Addiction can feel very lonely. You find yourself disconnected from the world, your family, your friends, and even yourself. You struggle to keep yourself together, let alone keep up with other relationships.
But rehab provides a place where you fit in. You’re going to encounter a lot of people who are all doing the same thing. Rehab helps you forge a support system through group therapies, one-on-one sessions and family sessions. So, you’ll have company where you feel you belong.
1. Detox is Often The First Step
For most rehab-goers, detoxification is the initial step of treatment. Detox is a necessary process where your body cleanses itself of the drugs it has become addicted.
While a detox is necessary for some, it can also be physically and emotionally depleting. However, you should rest assured that soon after it’s over, you’ll start feeling much better than you might have in ages.
2. Only Commitment Leads to Successful Results
You could be feeling better in a matter of weeks, months, or even years, depending on how your body and mind react to the treatment. As long as you can hang in there, you’ll recover and get back to your life for sure.
Rehab is typically divided between inpatient programs and outpatient care, and both have their own set of challenges. But you have to complete the duration of treatment, no matter how long it takes, if you want long-term recovery.
3. Different Types of Rehab Facilities Exist
There are different types of addiction, and consequently, rehab centers also differ based on the type of treatment that they offer. Inpatient rehab centers give you a more structured care as you move into the facility and spend a set amount of time there; outpatient programs are more flexible and have you going home after each therapy session.
Before enrolling in a rehab program, you will need to find out which center is the best option for you. If you’re in California, you can contact Rehab Seekers California, who’ll help you find the best rehab facility for your condition, depending on your location.
4. Expect Therapy and Counseling
The goal of substance therapy is never limited to physical recovery, but rather mental and emotional aspects are also considered. In rehab, you’ll have access to several types of therapy and counseling that will assist you in pinpointing what’s causing your addiction.
If therapy is recommended, you might receive Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy and so on. And, when done right, these therapeutic approaches enable you to deal with your addiction and navigate triggers that will help prevent relapse.
5. First Few Days Will Be Difficult
When you first walk into the rehab, you’ll feel anxious, nervous, resistant, or even afraid to think what lies ahead. It’s completely normal. The first few days, especially if detoxing, you can be physically and emotionally exhausted. You might get more severe withdrawals than you ever experienced before. But keep in mind it’s all just part of the process, and this stage will not last long. You will soon begin to feel the pain and sense of loss lessen, and you will regain a bit more control over yourself.
6. Environment is Designed for Healing
Rehabilitation centers are special facilities where you can stop and focus on your recovery. The whole vibe of the rehab center is designed for healing and recovery purposes.
Some facilities also provide physical treatments like yoga, meditation, and art therapy to promote emotional health even further. Your stay there will be one where time slows down, and you start feeling better with each passing day.
7. You’ll Learn New Coping Skills
The whole point of rehab is learning how to manage life without substances. And once you begin to do better, you’ll feel like something’s missing and there’s this large void that feels inadequate, and you need to fill it. But with ongoing therapy, you will learn how to fill that gap with other healthier things instead of drugs or alcohol.
You will learn new, healthier coping skills for handling feelings, managing stress and staying away from the situations or people who will lead to a relapse. You’ll also work toward creating the solid support system you’ll need to lean on after finishing rehab.
8. You’ll Face Challenges Even After Rehab
Rehab is only the beginning. You’re not done recovering when you leave rehab. The wide world out there is full of potential challenges, and you may find yourself feeling pulled towards turning to substance use to deal with it. To keep the urge from growing, many rehab programs offer ongoing care to help you stay sober and in control of your desires. Therefore, it’s important to keep taking therapy sessions even after leaving the rehab.
Final Thoughts
Rehab is hard, but it’s also necessary for anyone who wants a clean and sober life. What to expect, and starting rehab with a positive attitude will ensure you get the most from the process of recovering. Just remember you’re not alone, support is available, and you deserve a life of freedom, health and joy.
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