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How to Prepare for Inpatient Rehabilitation

Thinking about or getting ready to enter inpatient drug or alcohol rehab? Learn what inpatient rehab offers & how you can prepare for an inpatient rehab stay.

Dealing with the realities of addiction can be an exhausting task. From the physical impact of ingesting dangerous narcotics to the emotional drain long-term substance abuse can have on the mind and body, the process of addiction is a constant barrage on the individual living with the disease.

If you contend with an alcohol or drug addiction of any magnitude, admitting that the problem actually exists is the first step toward a healthier life and a more hopeful tomorrow. By facing a substance disorder head on, you can begin to improve your health and confidence while addressing maladaptive behavioral patterns and toxic social relationships.

As important as admitting that the problem exists, though, finding the most appropriate treatment facility to begin your journey back to sobriety is just as essential.

You know yourself better than anyone. Take time to understand your options and truly evaluate which inpatient rehab center will work best for you and tailor to your unique needs, personal situation, and severity of substance use disorder.

Keep reading to learn how an inpatient rehabilitation program can help you achieve life-long sobriety and discover three ways you can prepare for an inpatient rehab stay.

What Inpatient Rehab Centers Offer

For most dealing with long-standing addiction issues, inpatient rehabilitation is a necessity in order to safely monitor and address the extensive damage their addiction has imposed on their mind, body, and soul.

Inpatient drug rehab is designed to be intensive and all-encompassing because it involves 24-hour support from doctors, therapists and licensed addiction experts.

Most inpatient drug rehab programs have consistent daily schedules of group and one-on-one individual therapy and counseling sessions.

  • These sessions are personalized and based on the individualized treatment plan that is developed to meet an addict’s exact needs.
  • These sessions guide an addict through every stage of the recovery process.
  • These sessions are typically based on the twelve-step approach and enact a step-down method. These techniques help recovering addicts effectively achieve sobriety and prepare them for life after treatment.
  • These sessions focus on various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health counseling, lifestyle coaching, and coping mechanisms to help recovering addicts deal with addiction triggers without resorting to drugs or alcohol.

Inpatient rehabilitation is the recommended and safest option for someone with a severe addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition. Since addiction can be painful, dangerous, and, at times, life-threatening, inpatient rehab centers are designed to provide around-the-clock attention some addicts need.

What to Look for in an Inpatient Drug or Alcohol Rehab Program

With hundreds of national and local inpatient rehabilitation programs across the country, it’s important to know that not all inpatient rehab centers are created equal. To ensure you’re selecting a credible program, make sure the inpatient facility meets these three requirements:

  • Top Licensing and Accreditation
    The most effective programs are always accredited by first-rate agencies and hold coveted licenses. To ensure the program will meet your clinical, therapeutic and spiritual needs, review the facility’s credentials and look for specific accreditations. One accreditation to look for is the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
  • Expert Treatment Team
    Because addiction recovery is demanding and complex, it’s imperative that you surround yourself with medical professionals who will provide the most compassionate, personalized care. Look for rehab centers that staff licensed clinicians who have years of experience in the substance abuse field.
  • Personalized Treatment Services & Accommodations
    Your addiction journey is incredibly personal. By entering a one-size-fits-all recovery
    program, you would be doing yourself a disservice. To achieve the best outcome that leads to life-long sobriety, be sure the inpatient rehab center delivers personalized treatment plans, individual therapy sessions, and has a low staff-to-client ratio.

Once the proper facility has been identified, making the necessary preparations prior to beginning an inpatient stay can aid in the treatment programs impact and participants level of success.

Steps to Take Prior to Entering an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

Discuss your transition with family and friends

Before entering an inpatient treatment facility, it is important to discuss your decision with
the friends and family that will help support you throughout the process.

From handling the day-to-day responsibilities, like pet maintenance and home care, to dealing with more important duties, such as paying your mortgage/rent, ensuring all your bases are covered is essential. This will enable you to transition into the rehab facility without any outside distractions, so you can fully focus on your therapeutic goals.

Inform your employer of your proactive treatment measures

While this may seem like commonsense, many people get distracted in the days and weeks
leading up to their inpatient stay, which can result in them forgetting to inform their employers
of their plans. By working with your current job and keeping them informed of your decision to
better your life through inpatient therapy, you expand your support network and protect
yourself from unnecessary job termination.

Keep in mind that substance abuse therapy is now protected by both the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), due to the debilitating nature of the disease.

By taking the time to properly inform your employer prior to your rehabilitation stay, you are ensuring that they can make the necessary adjustments in your absence and that your job will be made available upon your return to the community.

Prepare your mind for the journey ahead

Informing family and friends about your decision to enter inpatient rehab is an essential step in the process, but preparing your mind for the upcoming journey is essential to the journey’s success.

Transitioning into a therapeutic environment where accountability is dramatically increased can be a jarring experience. By taking the time to research the facility’s behavioral expectations, you can manage your assimilation into the treatment program. It also provides you the opportunity to fully understand the steps involved in the treatment program you are entering.

Life-Changing, Christ-Focused Addiction Rehab at Covenant Hills

As a renowned faith-based drug rehabilitation center in Southern California, Covenant Hills is a safe place to find peace and connection throughout the recovery journey. We deliver world-class inpatient addiction treatment with a dedicated team of medical doctors, licensed addiction therapists and counselors who will empower you to achieve your goals of lifelong sobriety.

Through our whole-person approach, we’re here to help guide you back to the person God made you to
be.

Learn about our faith-based treatment programs, or contact us for a free and confidential assessment.