The holidays are a time for people to come together and be joyful. Unfortunately, not everyone experiences joy at this time of year, especially if they are coping with a substance use disorder. It’s no secret that addiction is often difficult to overcome, but it seems to become even more challenging to manage around the holidays. With extra time, money, and emotional commitments, the holiday season can quickly become overwhelming for anyone, but is especially so for those need addiction help. If you are struggling and have made the decision to get help, you might be wondering how to prepare for rehab.
How to Recognize That You Need Help
It is common for those to addicted to drugs or alcohol to think that there isn’t a “real” problem. Denial is often a common byproduct of the disease of addiction, which perpetuates the cycle and prevents people from getting the help they need. If you are struggling with substance abuse but are not sure if you need help, ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I able to stop using on my own?
- Do I experience withdrawal symptoms when unable to use?
- Have I made efforts to stop using before but have been unable to do so?
- Do I continue to use despite the negative consequences it causes me or those around me?
- Do I feel as though I cannot function without drugs or alcohol?
If you answer “yes” to any one of these questions, chances are you need professional help. So, how do you ask for it?
How to Ask for Help
For some, asking for help for a substance use disorder is as easy as saying “I need help” to their closest loved one. However, for most others, admitting the need for help can be the most difficult aspect of this process. If you need help, there are a few ways that you can ask.
One of the first people you can go to when you decide it’s time to get help is a healthcare provider. Whether it be your primary care physician, your therapist, or even both, reaching out to someone who can provide referrals can be immensely beneficial. They may be able to refer you to a specific treatment program so you can get started on your recovery.
If you do not have a primary care physician that you see regularly, or don’t feel comfortable discussing your issues with, consider talking with loved ones about what you need. Ask for their help in finding an appropriate treatment center for you. Family and friends generally want what’s best for you, and they will want to help you get better.
There are times when you might not feel comfortable reaching out to family, friends, or healthcare providers for help. Depending on the severity of your substance use disorder, you can take these steps on your own. Call a local treatment facility and begin asking questions. Go online and look into other facilities in the area (or even out-of-state) that you think may benefit you.
How to Prepare for Rehab
Knowing that you are entering into a rehab program can be nerve-wracking at any time of the year, never mind at the holidays. You may think that it is impossible to get quality care at this time of year, but rest assured that addiction treatment centers usually run 24/7 regardless of the holiday. Therefore, you can still go to rehab during the holidays without any hangups.
Preparing for rehab can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are at your own personal rock bottom. If you are not able to prepare well on your own, consider asking a loved one to help. You will want to learn how to prepare for rehab so that when you get there, you have an idea of what to expect. If you are asking yourself how to prepare for rehab, consider doing the following if able:
- Make payments to any outstanding or near-due bills
- Make arrangements for someone to watch any pets you may have
- If you have children, work with their other parent or your loved ones to ensure they are being properly cared for in your absence
- If employed, notify your employer that you need to take a leave of absence (don’t stress about the details)
- Have someone remove any and all drugs or alcohol from your home, as well as any related paraphernalia
- Notify the individuals of your choosing of your admittance to rehab
How to prepare for rehab is something that can be different for everyone. However, it is always a good idea to ensure that all loose ends are tied up prior to admittance to enable you to focus on your recovery, without worrying about your life back home.
What Can You Bring to Rehab?
When you go to rehab, even over the holidays, you can expect to open up a whole new world of opportunity. There will be many things that you are not used to, but there may be many things that you immediately feel comfortable doing. You can expect to participate in daily therapy sessions, potentially go through a detox period if necessary, and begin looking introspectively at yourself to identify and address the issues related to your substance use disorder.
If you are enrolling in rehab, it is important that you not only prepare yourself mentally, but also physically, too. Some things that you should bring along with you to rehab can include: a week’s worth of outfits, toiletries such as toothpaste, a comb, body wash, etc., personal items such as photos of loved ones, and your insurance information. You will not be permitted to bring alcohol, drugs, razors, or aerosol sprays (such as hairspray).
It can be hard trying to figure out how to prepare for rehab; however, it does not take too much (especially considering the potential benefit of going). If you need help ensuring that you are prepared for rehab, consider asking a loved one for help.
Addiction Treatment in Orange County, CA
Now that you know how to prepare for rehab, you can get a better handle on what your next steps are. There is no more perfect time than now to reach out for the help you deserve.
If you are ready to get professional help to address your substance use disorder, reach out to our team at Pacific Sands Recovery today. We are here to help you make an easy, streamlined transition into rehab so that you can start living your life once again.
Do not wait any longer. Call us right now at (949) 426-7962 to get started on a brighter tomorrow.
