Before Checking Into Rehab: What to Tell Your Loved Ones
One of the most difficult things about entering treatment is the idea of leaving family, friends, pets, or anyone you care about at home and beginning something unfamiliar in a new environment. There are many things that you can do to make the process, as well as, your stay at the rehab centre easier on yourself and your loved ones. It is important to note, that the staff at the centre care about you and your wellbeing; therefore, they will make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Talk About Your Addiction
It is likely that your close family and friends are aware of your addiction; therefore, it is important that these individuals understand that you are going away for a little while to get help, but you will return. This is especially important to explain to children in the most ‘child-friendly’ way. Explain to your loved ones that you are leaving to get medical treatment and that it will help you to feel better.
Talk About the Rehab
Your loved ones may have just as many questions about the centre as you, maybe more! So sit down and explain to them what will take place during your stay at the centre. Talk about the schedule, what kind of facilities are available, rules, or anything that they want to know about. Children may want to see a picture of where you will sleep or eat; showing them can ease their mind and allow them to know that you are safe.
Discuss Communication
One of the biggest concerns that your loved ones may have is when and how they will communicate with you. Because many centres place restrictions on phone calls or visiting, it is important to talk to the centre about their own policies. Once you find out, talk about them with your family. If you know when you are allowed to make phone calls or have visits (certain days etc…) write them on a calendar and hang it up on the fridge.
This can be very beneficial to both children and adults.
Discuss Family Therapy as an Option
Some rehab centres will include family therapy within the programmes, others may feel that family therapy should begin only after you have begun to help yourself and therefore will help to organise it once you have left. Talk about the idea of attending family therapy with your loved ones. These sessions will help you to work on communication skills, any open issues, and ultimately will allow you to rebuild your relationship with them.
Talk About Your Goals
One of the most important things to talk about with your loved ones before you check into rehab is the goals that you would like to make. For example, you may want to tell them how you want things to be different once you get home or you want to focus more on your children’s education or afterschool activates (etc…). Focusing on these goals can help you to make the positive steps in the right direction and help you throughout the programme.
Choosing to go for treatment at a rehab is a life changing decision that can greatly improve your life and your loved ones. With strength and determination throughout the programme you can return home with a big smile and a sober mind allowing you begin a new beginning with those that you care about.
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