Going to rehab is a terrifying, but necessary step in the right direction. But it’s not as simple as just dropping everything and going one day. It can certainly take a toll on you both mentally and physically, you’ll lose your daily routines and your life will basically flip overnight. This can make a lot of people shy away from the idea of rehab, but going there is the only thing that can actually help with finally beating the problem.
This is far from easy, but there are ways to help with the process. Here’s how to mentally prepare yourself for rehab:
Be positive
As cliche, as it may sound, being positive, can actually help with battling stress and accepting things as they are. Many people hate this saying, as it means nothing, but when you actually think about it – you have nothing to lose when being positive, just think about the best possible outcome, all the suffering and hardships will seem easy once you start thinking about the bright side of things. Experts at CoastlineBehavioralHealth.com state that a positive mindset is the first step in getting better. Rehab is not easy, getting over an addiction is not easy, but once you put it in perspective and see that the end result is getting better and transforming your life for the better, it’s all worth it.
Learn how to relax
Many addicts can suffer both physically and mentally, especially in the stage when they accept the fact that they need help – a lot of emotions and pain can manifest easily, and especially when it’s time to go to rehab, things start to feel real and overwhelming for them. Realizing you have a problem is hard enough, but you also need to deal with the stress that comes with it, one of the ways you can battle this is by learning how to meditate daily. This will help with calming and clearing your mind before going to rehab, and it will certainly be useful once you are already there.
Spend quality time with loved ones
You might feel isolated from your loved ones even before seeking help, and now that you want to get better you’ll be away from your loved ones – this can hurt quite a bit, but you need to remember that you are doing this for yourself but also for them, and at the end of the day after you finish your rehab and treatments, you’ll get to be with your loved ones again. So before you actually go, why not spend some quality time with your family and friends, bond, and make memories. This will also help with the initial saying goodbye, but it will also remind you that there are people who love you and who will wait for you to get out!
Educate yourself about rehab first
People are scared of the unknown, especially those who are going through a lot – even a slight change can upset them. The same goes for people who are going to rehab for the first time, it’s almost like going to the dentist – you know it’s good for you but at the same time, you are afraid! But this fact shouldn’t discourage and scare away people from going to rehab, it’s absolutely necessary, but instead, it should motivate people to learn about it more before they actually go. There are a lot of books, texts, videos, and other media portraying how life at a rehab looks like – but your best bet would be talking to an employee and asking how it is or reading about your desired rehab on their website.
Patience is key
Don’t expect your feelings to settle at once, it takes time, so try to be patient and mindful about these things. You are not a robot and it’s perfectly fine to panic or to feel a certain way before going to the rehab, but once you are there it will all be worth it. Wanting to go and get it over with is not the best mindset, but postponing it is also bad – you need to take your time with this one, let your mind get used to all the changes that you’ll experience, and don’t expect a miracle overnight. Just trust the process, you will be in good hands!
Takeaway
Going to rehab is a big step forward in your recovery journey, but preparing to take that step is also a big part of it. So make sure you are going into it with a positive, open mind and also feel free to talk to people – and make the best out of the little time you have before you actually go.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
