Did you know that an estimated one out of three people are living with a condition that would benefit from rehab?
Seeking help from a rehab center can be intimidating, but it’s more commonly needed than you might think. When you do decide to take that step, it can be hard to figure out preparation. Luckily, though, we’re here to help you through it all.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about preparing for a stay in rehab centers.
Ask Plenty of Questions
The most important thing you can do is learn as much about the facility as possible. It’s important to feel comfortable while you’re in treatment, and getting to know where you’re going is a great way to do exactly that. Here are a few things you can ask about:
- Treatments offered
- The typical length of stay
- Any amenities available
- The overall culture
- Relevant policies and procedures
Get Your Affairs in Order
You might not want to, but it’s important to let people know that you’re going to be gone for a long period of time. Most stays are anywhere from 28 to 90 days long, so it’s essential to make sure you have things getting taken care of at home.
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employers are to allow you up to 12 weeks of medical leave for this time period. If you’re in school, you might even consider taking a semester off. Either way, you’re putting your life on pause, but it’s worth it to do so for your mental and physical well-being.
You’ll also need to ensure your financial loose ends are all tied up. Bills that need can’t wait for you to be back should be set to autopay, or the responsibility should be given to a spouse or your family. Either way, making these arrangements as early as you can is going to help save a lot of headaches later down the line.
Have a Support System
Support is the best possible thing you can bring to rehab. When you’re in treatment, the stability that your loved ones can provide is a great way to get yourself through a difficult time.
That stability can also help fend off feelings of loneliness. It’s a great reminder that you’re loved, and it can keep you on solid ground when you want to waver.
It’s important to know why you’re going through this process before you get there. Then you’ll have something to turn to whenever things get difficult.
Know What to Pack
Once you have all your arrangements in place, it’s time to get packing. Here are a few things you’ll need to bring:
- Medical records
- List of current medications
- Primary doctor contact information
- Photo identification
- Clothes
- Non-aerosol and non-alcohol-based toiletries
Depending on where you stay and what you’re seeking treatment for, you’ll be allowed certain amenities. Be sure to ask about what you should or should not bring based on these things.
Keep an Open Mind
Finally, it’s important to keep an open mind throughout the entire process. You might have certain images that come to mind when you think of rehab, but it’s important to remember that they’re not all necessarily going to be true.
Each facility will be different, and your mindset is likely to shape your experience there.
Remember, when you have an open mind while going into the process, you’re likely to find that things are a lot easier to deal with. You’ll be more willing to adapt to difficult scenarios, but you’ll also be more willing to accept the help that you’re seeking.
Prepare for Alone Time
With that mindset shift should come a preparation for alone time. In between your treatments, you’re likely to have a lot of time to yourself, so having things on hand to help entertain and distract you can make a big difference.
There are a few different things you can do while you’re spending time alone.
1. Journaling
Journaling is a tactic that can carry you well beyond rehab.
It’s proven to be a great stress reliever, and it’s an excellent tool for exploring your emotions and thoughts. It sounds cheesy, but writing out the things you feel can help you piece together a lot of unprocessed emotions.
The important thing to remember is that you don’t need to focus on what you’re writing. It’s meant to be for your eyes only, and it doesn’t need to look or sound a certain way.
2. Reading
If you like stories, reading can help you escape after a long day of treatments or after particularly difficult sessions. If you have them, bring along a few of your favorite books. If you’d like, you can even bring new books to learn things or to read about people you find particularly inspiring.
3. Writing Letters or Drawings
If you’d like to stay in touch with your loved ones, letters are a great way to do this. If you’d like to say something but can’t, drawing is also a great place to turn to. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to send these things.
Getting thoughts and feelings off your chest can be a particularly cathartic experience, and it’s a great way to help yourself reach clarity when things are difficult. On the other hand, having a creative outlet is also important.
Not All Rehab Centers in Tennessee Are the Same
When it comes to rehab centers in Tennessee, it’s easy to see why you might be hesitant. Starting any rehab program is a big decision, and it’s definitely life-altering. The important thing to remember, though, is that this change is for the best. Once you’re ready to make it, it can leave a lasting impact on you, your relationships, and your life as a whole.
At Apex Recovery Rehab, we’re here to help you through every step of the process. Contact us today to take that first step.