Enrolling in drug rehabilitation is one of the best choices you will ever make, but it can still be a little scary to head into the unknown. You may have fears about the physical aspect of withdrawal symptoms during detox or larger concerns about what will be involved in changing your life. Here are a few drug rehabilitation tips to help you get ready for what’s ahead and prepare yourself for success.
1. Don’t Binge
For many, the first inclination when they have an enrollment date for drug rehab is to go on a bender or a binge. Don’t do it! You significantly increase your chance of drug overdose when you overindulge. You also increase the chances of life-threatening accidents that not only are a danger to you but to those around you. Even if you escape all that, you are only going to make it harder for yourself to detox because there will be that much more in your system.
2. Don’t Make Changes to Your Regular Dosing Schedule
Just as you shouldn’t binge before going to drug rehab, you also shouldn’t stop using your drug of choice too early. One of the benefits of a drug rehabilitation program is the medical supervision you will receive during detox.[1] Allow yourself to take advantage of those services and don’t risk unnecessary medical complications by trying to start on your own unless you’ve been told to follow a certain dosing schedule by your doctor or your counselor.
3. Rest
Take care of yourself before you go to drug and alcohol rehab. Get some rest, and try to eat right. You’ll get more of this when you go to drug rehab, but the initial detox period can be physically taxing so it doesn’t hurt to start out with a full tank.
4. Prepare Yourself Physically
When you are accepted into a drug rehab, you will likely be given a packet of information to help you prepare. Included in this will be a packing list. Make sure that you pack a bag that is in accordance with this list. Don’t bring anything that is forbidden, and do take advantage of packing any personal items that remind you of happy times with friends and family.
5. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Even through the fear, if you can focus on the positive aspects of getting clean and sober, you will do yourself a huge service.
Worry and negativity manifest themselves physically, and when you already have to deal with physical withdrawal symptoms, adding to it with anxiety won’t help. Distance yourself from naysayers and those who continue to use, and surround yourself with supportive people who want you to succeed. Come up with a positive mantra to repeat to yourself, and keep your focus and your spirits uplifted. If you need to, call the drug rehab counselors or a drug and alcohol hotline to get the support you need if you feel like you’re starting to waver.
Drug Rehabilitation at Michael’s House
Michael’s House offers a complete, holistic drug rehabilitation program geared toward helping you at every phase of your recovery.[2] Contact us today toll-free anytime of day at 760.548.4032 for more information about our innovative drug rehab programs. We want to help you get connected to the best treatment programs available and be ready for success and a life apart from drugs and alcohol. Please call today.
Sources
[1] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
[2] https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-3rdEd-508.pdf