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Apex Recovery Blog

Alcohol Rehab Treatment Centers: What to Expect When You Check In

a sign near a mountain beach that reads "journey to recovery"

If you suffer from alcohol addiction, you are not alone. In fact, 14.5 million Americans also suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder.

The first step to recovery is recognizing that there is a problem. If you are here, you recognize that. Now it is time to look into alcohol rehab treatment centers to help you with getting clean and no longer dependent on alcohol.

But what can you expect from inpatient treatment? Are there ways to prepare? Keep reading to learn everything you should know before you go to rehab.

Preparing for Rehab

If you are thinking about going to one of the San Diego rehab centers, there are a few things you can do to prepare so that you are not shocked or intimidated when you arrive at the center.

You’ll have the right mindset and be ready for a successful recovery if you prepare accordingly.

Here’s what you need to do before arrival.

Don’t Binge

When you know you’re about to give up alcohol, you may be tempted to drink as much as you possibly can before going into inpatient treatment for medical detox.

Binging is the last thing you want to do, though, as this can make the process more difficult. It can even make it more dangerous.

Focus on Health

Even if you are drinking alcohol until the last second that you arrive at the facility, you want to make sure you are focusing on other aspects of your health.

Stay hydrated, get sleep, and make sure you eat right. This will make dealing with withdrawal symptoms easier.

Think of the Positives

Before you go into rehab, you need to think of all of the positives of the situation. Although it can be easy to think of all of the negatives surrounding the situation, the more focused you stay on positive thoughts, the better experience you will have at rehab.

Enjoy Time With Loved Ones

When you enter rehab, you may not get time with loved ones. This depends on the types of rehab centers you are looking at, but it is best to spend time with those you love before going for treatment. 

Get Everything in Order

When you are taking time out of your ‘normal’ life to go into rehab, you have to take the time to get everything in order.

That means you need to discuss everything with your boss and what work will look like now. Determine if you will work at the center or take time off. Schedule childcare and arrange who will watch your children (if you have any). The same goes for if you have a dog or other pet.

Make sure you schedule bill payments in advance so you don’t have to worry about that in recovery.

And lastly, throw out everything you will not want to see when you return.

What to Expect When You Check In

Once you prepare, you’ll still want to know what to expect when you check into a program. You’ll also want to know a bit more about the regular programming, although this looks different from program to program. 

Checking In

When you arrive, you will most likely need to take an intake interview for more information. This will determine your next course of action as well as your individualized needs for the program. 

You will see questions like:

  • In the past 30 days, how many days did you drink alcohol until you became intoxicated?
  • In the past 30 days, how stressful have things been because of your alcohol use?
  • In the past 30 days, how often did your substance use cause you to reduce or give up activities?
  • How satisfied are you with your life and with yourself?
  • Do you have a job?

These are just a few examples of the many that you may be asked upon arrival.

The more honest that you are with these questions, the better the program will be for you. This way, they can cater to your specific needs and give you the attention that you need.

Daily Routines

Here’s a typical rehab program routine that you can expect after you get started at rehab from the first day on. The length of time of the program also depends on the type you choose.

You’ll wake up in the morning, take medications that you need if anything is prescribed. You’ll then attend a session (such as group therapy). After, you’ll be told to practice what you learned through journaling or reflection. 

After lunch, you will attend another session (such as individual therapy). After, you may be offered time for different activities like going to the gym or walking outside. You may opt for an educational course as well.

Once you eat dinner, you may have another session. After that, it will be lights out for the night.

Checking In to Alcohol Rehab Treatment Centers

After reading this article, you are ready to check into one of the best alcohol rehab treatment centers in San Diego. You know how to prepare, and you also know what to expect when you check into the San Diego alcohol rehabilitation center.

As one of the best rehab centers in San Diego, Apex Recovery will help you get over alcohol dependence with the right medical care and attention.

Ready to get help and get your life back on track? Contact us at Apex Recovery today. You will be on the road to recovery in no time.

Call Our Toll-Free Hotline 24/7 at 877.881.2689