Content reviewed by Nicholas G. Glines

Preparation is essential in making the most of your residential treatment. Treatment centers with qualified and compassionate staff can help you prepare mentally and physically. When you have the right motivation and support, it improves your chances of sustaining sobriety. You don’t have to prepare alone. Read on for more information on preparation for recovery.

Don’t Give Up On Treatment

Overcoming your substance use is challenging. As many as 88 percent of individuals relapse within the first 12-36 months following detox. Still, residential treatment is among the most effective ways to help educate you about managing your addiction. These first-step measures often require detox. To avoid relapse, they also require long-term thinking.

Following detox, some patients experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS can last 2-3 weeks following detox and is a primary contributor to relapse. When entering treatment, reinforce your decisions by remembering all you have to gain by becoming sober.

Adjusting your outlook upon entering treatment plants the seeds for building on optimistic thoughts because it supports the thought that quitting is not an option. It also helps you explore and plan for aftercare options.

Don’t Become Too Confident in Recovery Too Early

PAWS is one facet of the experiences you may feel after completing detox. The others are denial and fear. Some individuals become disillusioned with their therapies upon finishing detox. Since you have reduced cravings, you might convince yourself that you are ready to get back to your everyday life. While this thought can feel exciting and motivating, you put yourself in danger of relapse if you neglect to continue therapy.

You may also find yourself envious of your peers for progressing faster than you. Remember, recovery is your journey; you need to do what works for you, not someone else. Be realistic about where you are and the goals you set during your time in residential treatment. Work with peers and professionals to create a plan when you finish treatment.

An after-treatment plan should be maintainable in recovery. This can look like:

  • Aftercare programs such as transitional living
  • 12-step programs
  • Community activities such as volunteer opportunities
  • Regular check-ins with a sponsor

Commit to Your Care

If you know you need help, commit to that help. For severe substance use disorders, residential treatment is the best option. Residential care can help you overcome your addiction with the help of 24-hour on-site nursing and without the distractions of daily obligations such as work and home life. Two things you can do to help you commit to care include:

  • Take Care of Your Family: Before entering rehab, preparing your family is a good idea. Reach out to trusted friends and relatives to look after your children. Ask your care facility about visiting hours and when you can see family. Knowing that your family is taken care of will ease your mind and be one less thing to worry about while tending to your health needs. Talking honestly with loved ones will also help educate them on what you are going through and your expectations before and after treatment. Expressing this with loved ones will keep you accountable during your time in residential treatment.
  • Know Your Rights: You may talk with your employer about what options they provide for your leave. The Americans with Disabilities Act prevents most employers from discriminating against individuals who need help with substance use. Knowing your rights will go a long way to protect your employment.

What to Bring to a Residential Treatment Center

While different places will provide you with different resources, there are also common things that you will want to bring during your stay. They include:

  • Comfortable clothing such as sweatpants and shirts
  • Workout clothing
  • Books to read
  • Pictures of family or friends
  • Any personal items such as specific toiletries
  • Backpacks, sunglasses for outdoor activities

Finding a place that provides a myriad of activities and treatment options is important. You may even find therapeutic approaches that take place outdoors, giving you a strong connection to nature so as to heal your mind, body and soul. Others may provide classes, learning activities, animal therapy, and more. Taking the time to look at facilities that speak to you is important as you choose your treatment facility.

Don’t Binge

Before entering residential treatment, some individuals binge on their substance of choice or medication in an attempt to have one final drunk or high. Taking substances in anticipation could worsen your detox experience or lead to a fatal overdose.

If you require medication, healthcare professionals at the facility will be able to regulate your doses in a way that will not shock your body.

At New Hope Ranch, we work to rehabilitate you and get you to a place where you can manage your substance use disorder in your everyday life. Our residential treatment programs offer 24-hour care to ensure that you have support during detox. We also provide aftercare options such as transitional living, access to 12-step programs and a wealth of knowledge and support from peers that share similar experiences. Our goal is to connect you to the recovery community so you can continue to flourish in your sobriety and eventually help others just embarking on their journey. Of course, we remain a point of contact should you or a loved one need help to manage a mental health or substance use disorder. To find out more information about our programs, reach out to us today and call (737) 600-8565.