How to Go To Rehab

Time to Quit?

Making the decision to deal with one's addictions is perhaps the hardest decision in someone's life. If you have an addiction and are considering rehab there are some things you should know.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Good health insurance or a lot of money
• Will to stop your addiction
• Suitcase

1. The first step in going to rehab is getting your house in order. Nobody likes to be whisked away and suddenly wake up sober a few days later only to realize that they have a ton of loose ends they need to take care of and cannot. So the first step so you can get the most out of rehab is make sure your life is in order.

   Do you have pets? If so see to that they have someone to take care of them immediately and for an unkown period of time. Obviously children are the same thing but I assume that would go without saying.

   Next make sure someone is able to pay your bills, that your work is aware you are leaving for medical purposes (you cannot get fired as per the persons with disability act, so disclosing this to your boss or HR is not only an option, but for your protection). Make sure anything that may need your attention while you are gone is taken care of.

2. Next is picking the rehab. If you have the luxury of choosing make a decision as to what you want. Look into the rehabs and see what they have to offer. MOST rehabs work with the so-called "Minnesota Model". The Minnesota Model is the use of AA or another appropriate 12 step program based on AA and total abstinence not only from your drug of choice (or addiction if it is sexual or gambling) but also from all substances and "cross addictive" behaviors. Personally this is not my choice of a system as it has a high failure rate and more and more rehabs are starting to recognize that and use alternate methods. One rehab in Florida actually uses the Sinclair Method, enabling alcoholics to abstain OR to drink in moderation by using a drug called Naltrexone. Still others use nutritional and holistic approaches to detox and rehab.

   Decide which fits you best. For example if you accidently became tolerant to your prescription medication you may not want to be told you are an addict and can never have a drink again or take any other pill. Likewise I believe alternate methods using medication and counselling works best for alcoholics also, very few stay sober via AA.

3. Once you have chosen where you are going understand you will be there for up to 4 or more weeks. You will be able to wash clothing and will likely eventually have access to internet and phone, but do check ahead of time and also check what you may and may not bring.

   Finally, pack for the weather where you are going, including fun activities which are often encouraged! For example if you are going to Florida or California pack swimwear, you will likely get to use it! Also pack for the season. Do not pack your mouthwash or other things that only will be taken away from you, but again, consult the rehab you have chosen.

   Now you just sit back and take it all in and be open and ready for the end of a harsh period and the beginning of the rest of your life!

Tips & Warnings

• Do put your house in order before leaving.

• Do expect to work hard--freedom from addiction, no matter how you do it, is not easily attained.

• Do not expect things to feel great immediately. It may take weeks or months before you really reap the benefits.

• If you go the Minnesota Model way, which is most likely, then do understand you will meet many people who have been in and out of rehab and in all likelihood you will at some point, relapse according to raw statistics. This does not mean you should not try your hardest anyway!