How Women Can Prepare for Rehab?

Sometimes we find that we are struggling with alcohol or drugs. In such cases we might consider rehab. While we may know the benefits of attending rehab, we might have a few questions about the process. We might be curious about what rehab entails and how to prepare for rehab. We might also want to know how to set up our rehab time so that we have the greatest chance of success. If we are committing to rehab, it is because we know a substance issue is keeping us from the life we want to live.

What is Rehab Anyway?

Rehab is short for drug rehabilitation. This is the process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatments for dependence on substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or amphetamines. An estimated 70 percent of alcohol rehab patients who successfully complete treatment report still being sober after nine months. Between 85 percent and 95 percent of all people who successfully complete drug rehab report still being free from drugs nine months after discharge. Roughly 80 percent of patients report improved quality of life and health after undergoing drug and alcohol rehab.

When Might Rehab Be Helpful?

If we have tried to stop using drugs or alcohol and failed, this is a sign we may need rehab. Rehab can provide the safety, structure, medical attention, therapy, and stability needed to manage and treat our addiction. In addition, women only drug rehab focuses on women’s unique challenges. Finding a rehab that we feel comfortable in can make all the difference in our success. So, what should we consider when preparing for rehab?

Telling Our Loved Ones

Telling our loved ones that we’re checking into rehab can be difficult, but they will likely be proud of our decision and support us. During our time in rehab, it is likely that we will be able to keep in touch with our family and friends through phone calls and video chats. Some centers even offer visiting hours, which can be especially helpful for those of us who are mothers and have children upset about our time away from home.

Taking Care of Our Obligations

Taking care of any obligations to our family, our friends, or our jobs before entering rehab is very important. We should always let our employers know we need time off. Fortunately, Americans are entitled to 12 weeks of medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. It is also critical to have all our financial obligations taken care of before entering rehab. This includes putting our bills on autopay or asking a trusted friend or relative to pay them for us while we are away.

Spending Time with Our Friends and Ourselves

Memories of time spent with our family can ease the homesickness that comes with us being in an unfamiliar place. Before checking into rehab, it makes sense to write a letter to ourselves to remind us of how far we’ve come. Additionally, we might find that making a list of things we want to accomplish after rehab can encourage us. Lastly, we should dispose of any substances before entering rehab. This sets us up for success once we return home.

How Can We Get the Most Out of Our Rehab Stay?

The most critical thing is for us to be willing to put in the work and keep an open mind when in rehab. Recovery takes time, but it is worth it. Those of us who understand this and have an effective support system can overcome the challenges we face in life. The rehab facility staff are there to support us, but in the end, we need to do the work. We need to keep an open mind and explore different healing techniques. We also should be willing to ask questions when we aren’t sure about something.

We all should take advantage of opportunities to relax and reduce stress while in rehab. These might include exercise, art and music therapy, meditation, relaxation and stress management techniques, and yoga. For women, it is critical to take advantage of these services while we are at the treatment facility as they won’t be available 24/7 once we are at home trying to juggle our personal and professional lives.