Oct 2, 2018 | By Stan Popovich
5 Things You Need To Know Before Going To Treatment
Addiction Treatment
When someone decides to enter rehab, the primary component they are looking for is to overcome their addiction. However, when making this choice, fears and anxieties can set in about the unknown. Many wonder what they should and shouldn’t do when they choose to enter into a facility, and this worry can cause distraction to focus on getting better.
Here’s a list tips on what to do when going to treatment:
Follow The Rules And Listen To The Counselors
The number one thing a person should do is to take all suggestions and follow the rules when entering treatment. Remember, that even if you don’t like suggestions, your counselors and therapists are the professionals and have dealt with many people in your situation. These professionals are experts and following their advice instead of being defiant can help speed up your recovery. You’re in treatment to get better and not see what you can get away with. Focus your energies on yourself and stay away from drama going on with other clients.
Do not take out your frustrations and fears out on the staff or on your fellow residents. A person going to rehab can get be scared and frustrated so its important to find some other ways of dealing with these issues. Blaming others for your problems is not the way to go and can interfere with your recovery. Be nice to others and in turn most people will treat you with respect.
Ask Questions And Don’t Assume Anything
Entering treatment can be a new and stressful experience. Always ask questions on anything that you are not familiar with to help make your stay more pleasant. The professionals at the treatment facility are there to answer your questions, so fire away.
Many people think they know what to expect entering treatment from what they hear from others. It is very important not to assume anything. Each situation is a new experience and don’t assume that if you’ve been to treatment before, your previous stay will be a repeat of the past. If in doubt, ask!
Go To The Programs and Meetings And Write Down Everything
Most facilities offer group therapy, individualized therapy, and support groups within their programming whether that be in the mornings, afternoons, and at night. Be sure to attend these programs, as it is the meat and potatoes of the facility. The purpose of these sessions is to help educate you in finding the right way of overcoming your fears, develop new coping mechanisms, and process current situations, as well as your past addiction. If you decide to sleep in or decide to just skip the programs all together you could miss valuable information and delay the recovery process.
When talking to the professionals it is impossible to remember the suggestions and advice given to you. Most people forget what their counselors say after a few days. Talking to these experts can provide valuable advice on how to deal with your fears and anxieties. If possible find a way to write down the advice given to you by the doctors and staff.
Learn From Your Experiences
In every anxiety-related situation you experience while you’re in treatment, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears as well as recover from your addiction. For instance, if you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a walk to help you feel better, the next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.
There are many books and information that will educate you on how to deal with fear, anxiety and your addiction. All most all treatment facilities will have literature that you can read to contribute to your sobriety. For some an educational approach can be key in finding the answers you’re looking for to further your sobriety.
Remember to always remain positive. A technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements about yourself. If you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you. Whenever you feel stressed, open up your notebook and read those statements. This can help to manage your negative thinking.
Your Goal Is To Get Better And Take It One Day At A Time
Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, focus on today. Each day in treatment is a gift and can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things. Get into the habit of focusing on one day at a time.
The important thing is to get the proper help by talking to the professionals. Avoiding your problem through the use of alcohol or other substances will do nothing in the long run in fixing your problems. It will just make things worse. By taking advantage of help offered in treatment, you will be better able to overcome life when you leave to gain a life full of sobriety.
