Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab

Going to rehab is one of the biggest decisions that you will ever make in your life. It is a big commitment that both you and your loved ones are making to create a better future. Given the enormity of this decision, it’s not surprising that most people have questions about rehab. 

You definitely don’t need to be scared or intimidated about rehab, it has helped millions of people before you and you’re certainly not alone. We’ve put together this handy guide of frequently asked questions to tell you what you need to know about rehab.

What is Rehab?

Short for a rehabilitation center, rehab is a treatment facility for people with addiction issues to achieve sobriety. There are many different kinds of rehabs; some cater for particular substances, others for genders or age-groups, some are based on religious treatments, some specialize in LGBTQ patients, and pretty much everything else in between. The thing that they all have in common is that rehabs are a safe and supportive place for addicts to get clean and learn how to live a life of sobriety.

How Much Does Rehab Cost?

One of the biggest factors that deter people from being admitted to rehab is the cost. The price of rehab depends completely on the facility itself. There are luxury rehab centers that cost a lot of money, but more traditional rehab centers are more affordable. Medical insurance will sometimes cover portions of a stay at rehab, but it is seldom the whole bill. The best way to find out the price of a rehab near you is simply to get in touch with them and ask about their costs and whether they are affiliated with any medical insurance.

Should I Go to Rehab?

There seems to be a misconception and stigma around rehab centers. Many people believe that people only go to rehab when they have hit rock bottom. However, you shouldn’t wait until your addiction has had negative effects on your careers, friendships, relationships, or family before seeking help.

If you are asking whether you should admit yourself into a rehab center, chances are that you know that you have an addiction. The best thing you can do for yourself, and those you love, is to get your addiction under control before it spirals. At rehab, you will do a detox and get a handle on your addiction before it interferes with your life.

What Can I Bring to Rehab?

Every rehab facility will have its own rules and regulations when it comes to what you can and can’t bring. In general, though, you should bring your chosen toiletries, an ID document, a list of contacts, and a journal or diary.

When it comes to clothing, pack enough to get you through about a week. Remember to pack something for warm and cold weather, some exercise clothes and shoes, and be sure to check the dress code before you pack. You won’t be able to wear any offensive clothing or anything that is too revealing.

You will NOT be able to bring in any alcohol or drugs that aren’t prescribed. You should not bring aerosol sprays, sharp objects, or electronic devices. Once again, it’s best to check with the facility that you are attending, but this is a list that they should give to you before your stay.

What Does a Day in Rehab Look Like?

Although every day is unique in rehab, there are particular structures that will make up the day for the duration of your stay. The first part of your rehab will almost certainly be spent doing a detox; the length of this will be determined by a number of factors. But once you are done, you’ll move to the recovery center that will allow you to relax and rediscover yourself on your journey to sobriety.

A nutritious breakfast will normally kick start the day and then a period of meditation or group therapy, exercise, or something of the facility’s choosing. Most days are structured around ensuring that you get food that is good for your body and you will undoubtedly have some sort of therapy in a group or one-on-one at some stage throughout the day.

The particulars of a day are dependent on the treatment that you are doing and the rules and regulations that the specific rehab center has in place.

How Long is Treatment?

How long you stay at a rehab center is entirely dependent on what program you are doing. This will be influenced by a number of factors such as the substance you are addicted to, the severity of your addiction, how long you can stay away from your job/family, your financial security, and much more.

Typically, most rehabs will offer different periods of stay that can be from 10 days up to six months. Remember, that treatment never really ends, and you’ll have to continue working on yourself through therapy or other methods to keep you on the right track after you have returned to everyday life.

How Should I Prepare for Rehab?

Rehab is a big commitment, especially if you are going to be in for residential treatment. It’s important that you get all of your affairs in order before coming in. If you have any pets, ensure that they are going to be taken care of for the duration of your stay. Make sure your partner and kids (if you have them) are going to cope without you and have a support system in place while you are gone. If you are employed, be honest with your employer about where you are going and why you need to take time off. 

What Happens After Rehab?

Recovery is a very long road, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to live a life of sobriety. Your road to recovery doesn’t end the day you leave rehab; you are not miraculously free of your addiction. In fact, this is the stage at which most people relapse into their old habits.

Once you leave rehab, the facility will have created an individual out-patient, after-care treatment plan for you. This means regular therapy, check-ins, and more. The stress of everyday life will certainly test your resolve at times, but there is always someone there to help you. At the center, you would have been given the tools and strategies to manage your triggers and you should use these healthy coping mechanisms as often as you need them.

How Do I Choose the Right Rehab For Me?

Choosing the right rehabilitation center for your own needs is completely dependent on what you want out of your experience. Firstly, you need to ensure that a center is within your means financially. Then you should take a look at the programs and activities that they offer and what they specialize in. For example, if you are addicted to opioids, then you must ensure that you find a clinic that either treats opioid addiction specifically or that it is covered in their programs. Remember to check whether you fit into the right demographic when it comes to age, sex, religious denominations, etc. Remember that this is a positive commitment and a life-changing one, so you want to go to a rehab center where you feel completely comfortable and supported.