Anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed can happen to anyone preparing for rehab. Going on a trip makes it sound like a vacation, which is in a way. It is a vacation away from the life that once was, that was being built on shaky ground. In preparation for rehab, there are three things a person can do that may be helpful in preparing the mind, body, and spirit for what they are about to experience.
Work and Employment
It is hard to tell a boss or employer that you are leaving for rehab. Medical issues should be covered and allowed by insurance at your company. However, this is not always the case. In any event, there is usually Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) that provides 12 weeks of medical leave from work to deal with addiction issues. An employer can work with you to help determine what to do while you are away. This may be the most complicated part of the journey to rehab but it is necessary to sort out what will happen before you take leave.
Support System
Whatever it looks like, you will have to leave some people behind whom you care about and have supported you to this point. It may include minor children, elderly parents, or a spouse. Leaving life for a period of time feels shocking at first, but it will help you hone in and focus your recovery in the best way possible. It helps to set up a plan so you know how to connect with them while you are away and include them in family therapy sessions as much as possible. If you are about treatment, make sure to talk about how bills will get paid and how things will be done so you feel confident when you leave things are handled.
Manage Expectations
You may think there are certain things that will happen in rehab. Even if you’ve been there before, it is not necessarily the case you will experience the same thing you always do. Treatment is about healing and discovering your best self on the other side of addiction. If you focus on your health and well-being now, you are better off down the road. Expectations are tricky because they set you up for potential failure. You don’t have to compromise your values. You can set yourself up to be successful so you can save your life from addiction. Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out going in. focus on what you need to do for you and move the ball forward one day at a time. Family, friends, and loved ones are going to be key to your journey of healing. When you leave for rehab and return home, they will be the best network of support to surround you. If you can focus on what you need to do, for now, the season will come when you are healthier and stronger and will be able to focus your attention back on them and be together in recovery, walking into your future sober and clean.
Oceanfront has trained therapists and support professionals who offer help to you with individualized plans for your journey. We will help you navigate recovery with the and resources you need to feel successful after treatment. Call us if you are ready to get started: 888-981-4295
