Taking that first step to drug addiction recovery can be quite challenging, and individuals may not know how to prepare for medical detox. There may be fear and uncertainty, and they may worry about their jobs, bills, or family obligations while they’re away. To learn the steps on preparing for addiction recovery, keep reading.
Steps to Preparing for Medical Detox
The following steps outline what you can do to be prepared to enter drug rehab. Remember, the goal is to maintain sobriety, so simplifying the process is a must.
Step One: Take care of work and family obligations. Before entering into a drug rehab program, it’s imperative to discuss what’s going on with your employer. If they care, they will want the best for you. According to the Family and Medical Leave Act, you are entitled to upwards of 12 weeks of medical leave, so you won’t need to worry about losing your job while in recovery.
Step Two: Tie up any loose ends, both financial and legal. Rent, utility bills, etc. need to be taken care of while you’re away, so sign up for automatic payments or talk with someone you trust that can help you. Ensure the courts know you are entering a rehab facility, so they are aware of what’s going on. Get it in writing for any potential legal issues.
Step Three: Ensure you have the essentials, but that’s it. Although tempting to bring things that remind you of home, it’s important to adhere to your recovery center’s allowed list. This prevents or at least reduces distractions that can compromise your sobriety. Focus on yourself and leave everything else behind.
Step Four: Enjoy your family while you can. It’s important to spend time with your friends and family before entering rehab. Let them know you love them and are grateful for their support. If other loved ones don’t know, tell them you are entering a recovery center and the changes they can expect while you’re gone. This helps you stay accountable to sobriety once you return.
Step Five: Keep a journal or write letters. Check in with yourself and stay occupied by writing a letter to either yourself or a loved one. Write what’s on your mind and list any goals you want to achieve in rehab to things you want to check off when you get back. Write down any feelings or emotions you have about going to rehab and document any issues you have.
Step Six: Mentally prepare. Before you head to rehab, do things that mentally relax you, whether exercising, yoga, meditation, or binge-watching your favorite series. You want to be in the right frame of mind for this new chapter in your life. It’s normal to feel some stress about detoxing, and addiction recovery, but allowing yourself to feel calm will help.
Contact Ardu Recovery Center for Medical Detox
Drug addiction can seem overwhelming and stressful but is necessary for people to get past their addiction and live a sober life. For help in medical detox, we invite you to contact Ardu Recovery Center. Our staff is well-trained and experienced in the care and support of those going through addiction recovery and help you reclaim your life.
