Undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction at an alcohol rehab clinic can be incredibly beneficial but there are some people who have their reservations. You may be worried about the time it will take to complete the programme or have other responsibilities such as children to look after. While it is 100% your choice, it is always advisable to at least give rehab a chance. You may be surprised at how much your feelings change once you start your programme, but if rehab just isn’t working out for you, then you can always make the decision to leave. Whatever choice you make, the most important thing is to stay positive and focus on your recovery.
In this article, we will explain what to expect from rehab and how to deal with any difficulties which may arise during your treatment.
1. Research the different rehab options
The first decision you will need to make is what kind of treatment is best for you. If you have your reservations about rehab, it can be tempting to choose outpatient treatment because you are able to stay at home and just go in for your appointments. While this may seem the best option, it’s important to know that outpatient treatment is usually less effective than inpatient treatment at a residential rehab clinic because you will still be surrounded by all of your normal triggers and stresses. If you are worried about being away from your family, research different residential rehab clinics near your home and find out how often your loved ones can come to visit.
2. Make sure you undergo a safe detox
Detox is an incredibly important process in alcohol addiction treatment. It will clear your system of all the alcohol so that you can start fresh. Unfortunately, detox usually causes various withdrawal symptoms, and in some people, these symptoms can be severe and potentially even dangerous. This is why it is always advisable to undergo detox at a rehab clinic rather than doing it alone at home because you will have medical professionals assisting you and keeping you safe. If there are any serious withdrawal symptoms or complications, they will be able to give you medicine and care which will keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible. Remember that withdrawal symptoms usually only last a few days, after which you will start to feel clearer minded and be able to engage better with the programme.
3. Be open-minded about different treatments
You may be feeling anxious about the different treatments and therapies provided through rehab, but it is important to keep an open mind. If you are shy and don’t like talking about yourself or your problems, then you do not have to participate in group discussions until you are ready. Therapists will know when is best to interact and will help you open up at an appropriate time. It is surprising how many people go into rehab, however, expecting that they will only benefit from a certain type of therapy, only to find that it is some completely unexpected treatment that helps them the most. Just remember that nobody is going to force you to do anything that you don’t want to do.
4. Discuss any problems
The staff at rehab clinics are there to help you with anything you need, and the best thing to do if you are feeling uncomfortable is to talk to them about your feelings. This can be anything from the food to the accommodation to a certain type of therapy that is causing you anxiety. They will do whatever is in their power to help you feel more comfortable so that you can focus on your treatment. Jason Shiers who is a certified Psychotherapist says “It can also be very useful to talk to other residents as they will be going through the same process as you.” This peer support can be crucial in helping you through difficult moments when you are feeling most vulnerable or overwhelmed.
Alcohol addiction treatment at a specialised rehab clinic can be very effective, but only if you are ready and committed. It’s important to remember that everyone faces difficult moments on the road to recovery and that any issues that arise during your stay in rehab are normal. Try to stay positive and if you are experiencing any problems, speak to the staff and see what they can do to help. At the end of the day, you need to be comfortable to make progress, so if it really isn’t the right time for you, you may need to wait a little longer and come back to rehab when you’re ready.