Going to Treatment is a Life-Changing Moment and Being Physically and Mentally Prepared can Make all the Difference
If you are battling with drug addiction and abuse, entering a drug treatment facility in California could be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Gaining control over your addiction will allow you to regain control of your life. In fact, there’s a very good chance that years after you have completed your treatment, you will look back and realize that your decision to enter an inpatient treatment center was a truly defining moment in your life; one that dramatically changed your life for the better.
Ocean Hills Recovery, our drug treatment center in Dana Point, California offers all the tools that you need to attain sobriety; however, to take advantage of all that we have to offer, you have to prepare yourself for your stay at our inpatient facility. By preparing in advance of your stay, you will be able to fully commit yourself and truly focus on your recovery.
Here’s a look at 11 things we suggest you do to prepare yourself for entering a drug treatment facility in California.
- Let Your Loved Ones Know About Your Decision
Depending on the severity of your addiction, there’s a chance that your loved ones may already be aware of your decision to enter a drug treatment facility in California. In fact, they may have helped you make the arrangements. However, if they aren’t aware of your decision, you definitely want to let them know.
It’s important to let your loved ones know about your decision so that they will know where you are and what you are doing. Also, letting them know will allow them to offer you invaluable support.
- Contact Work
Though it might be difficult, it’s very important to let work know that you are going to be attending a drug treatment center. Your livelihood is one of your top priorities. Your employers may be very understanding and offer to hold your position so that it will be available to you when you return. However, if you have to leave your job, you want to make sure that you do so gracefully and provide them with a two week notice.
- Handle Your Finances
Finances can be extremely stressful to deal with, especially when you are trying to attain sobriety. Make sure that you attend to your finances before you enter a drug treatment center in California. Pay your monthly bills in advance of your departure, or set up automatic payments so that you don’t have to deal with financial stress during your treatment.
- Take Care of Your Home
You also want to make sure that you make arrangements to have your home taken care of while you are in treatment. Ask friends, family members or neighbors to keep an eye on your house. Ask if someone can visit a few times a week to check on things, water plants and make sure that everything is in order.
- Arrange for Pet Care
If you have pets, you definitely want to make sure that you arrange for their care before you leave for treatment. A friend or family member may be willing to welcome your pet into his or her home while you are away. If not, you will want to set up boarding for your animal well in advance of leaving for treatment.
- Pack Appropriately
Packing for a drug treatment center in California is different than packing for a vacation. Most treatment centers have strict rules in terms of what they allow their patients to bring with them. Contact the treatment center prior to your departure to find out their rules and make sure you keep them in mind while you are packing. Your bags will be checked upon your arrival and you will not be allowed to bring in items that are not permitted.
- Mentally Prepare Yourself
You will be spending a lot of time getting to know yourself and your addiction during your treatment. Your drug use may have impeded your ability to focus on yourself mentally. Make some mental preparations before you enter the facility; try practicing yoga, meditating or just sitting and quietly reflecting.
- Physically Prepare Yourself
Your physical health can impact your treatment, so try to spend some time focusing on your physical health prior to entering rehab. Start eating a healthy diet and implementing a workout routine; the better your physical health is, the better your mental health will be, and the greater your chances of success will be.
- Consider a 12-Step Program
A 12-step program can help to prepare you for your entrance into rehab. It can give you an idea of what to expect as you seek sobriety. It can also allow you to develop relationships with people who have been through a similar experience.
- Seek Support
Support is one of the biggest keys to sobriety. If you can, look to your loved ones for support. If your relationships have been estranged, consider finding a sponsor. He or she will be able to provide you with guidance and offer you valuable support before, during and after rehab.
- Don’t Stress
Entering rehab can be stressful on its own, so you want to try and avoid any additional stress as much as possible. Try to let go of things that may be causing stress in your life. Doing so can have a huge impact on your sobriety.
If you have any questions about preparing for your entrance into a drug treatment facility in California, please contact us today. We will be happy to provide you with all of the guidance you need to ensure you are well prepared for your stay with us.
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