Rehab For Yourself

When a loved one is struggling with addiction, we often talk with family and friends to organize an intervention. It might seem easy to detect signs of substance abuse in someone you care about. However, it can be hard to see these signs in yourself and proceed with checking yourself into rehab.

As humans, we don’t always like to admit that we have a problem, even when it’s staring us in the face. You might think you merely enjoy unwinding with some drinks after a hard day. What that looks like to others, though, is an uncontrollable issue that’s affecting your career and relationships. Learn how to determine whether you need rehab, and learn how to prepare for your stay.

We’ve mentioned that it’s difficult to determine if you have a problem with drugs and alcohol. If you notice that your habits are negatively affecting your life, you should take action now. At this point, though, you should also decide if your addiction is severe enough for professional treatment.

The simple fact that you’re questioning whether you need help means you most likely have a serious issue. Unfortunately, only 10 percent of people struggling with substance abuse received treatment for it, according to the 2012 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Criteria For Addiction

If you’re showing the following signs of an addiction (determined by the American Psychiatric Association), you probably should be checking yourself into rehab.

• Inability to quit using despite a desire to stop
• Problems in your relationships
• Developing a tolerance to substances
• Having cravings
• Spending time trying to get drugs and alcohol
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Worsening situations
• Lack of responsibility
• Dangerous use of substances
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Lack of control over your use

The seriousness of your addiction depends on how many of these criteria you meet. Meeting two or three of these would mean you have a mild addiction; any more than that would be severe. However, even if you have a mild substance use disorder, you should still ask for help.

Even if you think you have a substance use disorder, your friends could be telling you, “You don’t have a problem, you’re fine!” When faced with this, ask yourself a few questions:

• Have you been hiding your usage from them? If you haven’t been 100% honest with your friends about this part of your life, they might not suspect anything. This could be the first time they’re hearing about any sort of problem from you, and they can’t even fathom it. They might say that you’re overreacting or “How could I not know? I’m your friend!” At this point, you should be open with them about your problems with substance abuse.
• Do these friends also use substances? If your friends also tend to party too much or have drug problems, then they likely won’t see that you have any issues. These friends often don’t want to admit that they have an addiction, either. They might not acknowledge your substance abuse so that they won’t lose you as a friend to party with. However, if they’re true friends, they’ll support your decision to begin checking yourself into rehab.
• Would you feel comfortable telling them they have a problem? A true friendship calls for honesty and frankness. You should be able to confront your friends if they have an addiction, but it’s possible these aren’t strong friendships.

If your friends can’t give you the answer you’re looking for, or if they’re not qualified to diagnose you, turn to a doctor or mental health counselor for help.

You might have a mild substance use disorder at this point, but it can always get worse. Addiction lies on a spectrum, so it’s possible that other people are more dependent on substances than others. However, addiction is a progressive disease. If you don’t get help, your mild substance abuse can become moderate to severe.

Like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, addiction is a chronic disease. When your cancer gets worse, you receive treatment for it. The same goes for addiction. You don’t have to wait until you’re at rock bottom to be checking yourself into rehab.

How To Prepare For Rehab

Once you’ve committed to receiving addiction treatment, you should think about how to be fully prepared for it. These tips will help you get in the right mindset for your stay.

Take Care Of Family And Work Obligations

The first thing you should do is let your family and employer know that you’ll be gone. Although you might not want to mention your rehab stay to your supervisors, they’ll want you to get better if they appreciate you. The Family Leave and Medical Act states that you’re entitled to up to 12 weeks of medical leave. This means that legally, your job will be protected while you’re away.

You should also make sure that your children, pets, or elderly parents receive care while you’re in rehab. Be sure to ask family and friends to look after your loved ones or look into temporary care options. When the ones you love are in good hands, you can leave for rehab feeling at ease.

Tie Up Loose Legal And Financial Ends

You’ll likely have bills to pay when you’re checking yourself into rehab. Be sure to sign up for automatic payments or talk with someone who can make sure your bills are paid. Financial stresses should be the least of your worries when you finish your program.

If you’re attending court-ordered rehab due to a drug offense, you should let the courts know that you’ll be away. You can do this on your own or through an attorney. It’s always a good idea to get an “OK” on paper even if you’ve verbally agreed on checking yourself into rehab.

Only Bring The Essentials

When you’re staying at rehab for a while, you might want to bring everything that reminds you of home. However, rehab centers typically have a strict list of what you can bring, so you should really only take the essentials. Bringing only what you need will also minimize any distractions that could jeopardize your sobriety. During your stay, you should only focus on yourself.

Enjoy The Positive People In Your Life

Before checking yourself into rehab, spend time with the people who make you feel good. Friends and family will encourage you to make the most of your stay in addiction treatment. These people will also help remind you why you made the choice to check yourself into rehab.

Take Time For Yourself

You might be nervous about going to a treatment facility for a while, so take the time to think about what relaxes you. Watching your favorite TV show, going for a run, or reading a good book can get you in a calm state of mind and help you get excited for this new chapter of your life. You’re about to take a lot of time to focus on yourself, so why not get started beforehand?

Are you struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction? Do you feel alienated from family and friends? Do you feel alone? At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, we understand the devastating impact drug and alcohol addiction has on a person and those close to them. No one should ever have to battle addiction alone. When you choose Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, you’ll have industry-leading medical professionals by your side to help you during rehab and break free from the shackles of addiction.

Our Facility

Our warm and comfortable treatment center provides a peaceful setting for you to focus completely on yourself and your recovery. From the moment you walk through our doors, you will be welcomed with warm and compassionate arms. Addiction has destroyed the lives of too many, and our team of compassionate addiction professionals takes the treatment of addiction personally. Each member of the Harmony Ridge family has been touched by the disease of addiction in some way. Many are in recovery themselves, so they know exactly what you’re going through.

Top-Notch Treatment Programs

Take comfort in knowing that our customized drug and alcohol detox and rehab programs are second to none. Upon admission, each patient receives a full evaluation. Based on each patient’s needs, our medical and clinical team will create a customized treatment plan to fit your specific needs.

Our medical team is on-site 24-hours a day to ensure your safety and comfort. Whether you may need to get something very personal off your chest, need comfort when experiencing temporary withdrawal symptoms, or advice on how to overcome triggers, you can count on a supportive team of medical professionals to be there for you anytime. If you need help immediately, please contact us directly.

Contact Us Now

Filling out our admissions form will be the best decision you can make. After completing the form, you’ll be contacted by one of our admissions coordinators who are well-versed in the substance abuse treatment process. Many have overcome the disease of addiction themselves, and are in recovery, so they’re easy to relate with.

It’s important to know that although you may feel alienated by friends and family at this time, you are not alone. We’re here to help you get through this difficult time and are honored to receive your consideration. We’re excited to see you take back control of your life and live a fulfilling life free from the disease of addiction! Reach out to us today.