Admitting you have an addiction is never easy. It may seem difficult or shameful to accept help from friends or family. Once you begin your journey down the road to rehabilitation, however, you’re that much closer to a happier, healthier lifestyle. Still, that path is lined with obstacles, and you might have some questions or concerns about what to expect. Here are some things you probably didn’t know about drug rehab to help you get started.
1. The Cost of Drug Rehab
Like any illness, addiction can be expensive to treat. The exact cost of treatment varies, but it is largely dependent on the degree of addiction and where the treatment takes place. Thankfully, because rehab falls under the medical umbrella, most insurance can help pay for some or all of your treatment. Even though curing your addiction may seem pricey, it’s important to remember that the long-term costs and health effects of drug use are always more expensive.
2. The Emotions Associated with Drug Rehab
It’s normal to feel flustered when you make a mistake. Guilt comes from our past actions and choices, and thinking about what decisions you’ve made that have led to your addiction or caused pain to your friends and family can be difficult. You might feel ashamed that you are in rehab, but this should also come with a sense of pride in knowing that you’re strong enough to seek help. Many people leave rehab with newfound happiness and a regained sense of dignity, and go on to share their stories to help others still fighting addiction.
3. You May Compare Yourself to Others
The extent of your addiction may not be the same as others you will meet in rehab. By talking to people and learning their stories, you will find that some have used more or less than you. It’s important to remember that it’s not an overreaction that you have chosen rehab when you find yourself comparing your addiction to others. If drug or alcohol use has caused problems in your life and you are ready to fix them, you are exactly where you need to be.
4. You May Feel Discomfort at First
Rehab groups and conversations have their own language and terminology, and you may feel out of place at first until you learn to adapt to them. Additionally, you may have conversations or hear stories that cause you to feel distressed. Remember that everyone in rehab is there for the same reason—to combat addiction—and that anything you hear or say will only help you down the road to recovery.
5. You Can Be Challenged
There will, of course, be bumps along the way. At times, you may want to give up, or the prospect of sobriety may seem completely out of reach. It’s important to remember that everyone in rehab, including your counselors and groups, are there to help you. Do not deceive yourself or others in rehab, as many people will easily recognize falsehoods as lies they themselves have told in the past. Be ready to hear and come to terms with your shortcomings, and allow others to help you move past them.
6. You Can Build Community in Drug Rehab
While in drug rehab, you will meet a multitude of amazing people who, just like you, have made mistakes in their lives. Don’t be afraid to make friends and keep in contact with them, as you can act as pillars of support for each other long after your treatment has ended. Unfortunately, it is a fact that nearly half of all addicts relapse after participating in rehab. While it may be tempting to focus on helping other people with their addictions, don’t forget that your own journey to sobriety and recovery comes first.
7. You Can Transform Your Life in Drug Rehab
When you come out of drug rehab, you will have changed for the better. You may find yourself enjoying things you never expected yourself to, or trying new activities you never would have dreamed of. Rehab teaches you to be more open with those around you, as well as how to deal with your emotions in more healthy ways than addiction. Rehab is there to help you become someone that you, yourself, can be proud of.
If you or a loved one are ready to transform your life by getting treatment for drugs or alcohol, New Hope Ranch is here to support you through this process. Services are provided on our beautiful 49-acre ranch just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. For more information on New Hope Ranch, contact us today.
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