Fill Your Time with Things to Do in Rehab
Your time at a rehab centre is precious and opens up the opportunity to change behavioural patterns and develop habits that will help you to get through the program and maintain long term sobriety. Whether you are struggling at this very moment or having a relatively easy-going recovery, here are 7 things to do in rehab to make the most out of your stay.
1. Write in a Journal Everyday
During rehab, you will talk with a counsellor or therapist about feelings or problems which occurred in your past. Centres with integrated programmes may ask you to keep a journal during your stay. Writing is one of the most useful things to do in rehab as it will allow you to express emotions, feelings and thoughts that you may not be comfortable revealing to others. It’s a healthy way to get everything off of your chest and prevent you from bottling these emotions in, leading to anger, depression or even triggers.
To engage in the most effective journaling, it’s important to write on a daily basis. Whether you are feeling great or feeling a little low, writing can help you put things into perspective. It will clear your head, alleviate stress and remind you of the hard work and strength you have put into getting sober.
2. Consider Underlying Influences
It’s widely accepted that addictions to alcohol or drugs stem from underlying influences. Genetic factors, traumas, emotions, mental behavioural issues or a combination of the aforementioned will likely precede the abuse. For long term sobriety, it’s important to acknowledge these factors and find healthy ways to resolve them. Rehab will allow you to focus on these core issues in therapy, counselling and group sessions as well as in your own individual time.
3. Speak Up When You Need To
Every single person’s addiction is different. Even when you can relate to another man or woman in group therapy, both of your reasons for using and past histories are unique. Think about various things you would like to address during your stay at rehab. Talk to your counsellor or therapist and let them know what you want to accomplish. If you feel like you need something extra, make sure you let someone at the centre know. This allows you to get the best addiction treatment and a better chance at a healthy recovery. Speaking up is one of the most important things to do in rehab.
Rehabs, like Siam Rehab Thailand, want you to succeed and will do the best they can to provide you with tools, techniques, support and advice.
4. Let Go of Comparing Yourself to Others
From childhood and all the way into adulthood, most of us will compare ourselves and our lives to those of others. You may think someone is prettier, is smarter, is richer or is better than you are. This mindset can be very damaging to your self esteem and when you’re trying to recover from an addiction, it can make everything harder. During your treatment, you may find yourself comparing your life to other people at the rehab, which is one of the worst things to do in rehab.
Instead of spending your mental energy on this and wanting or wishing you could have what others have, learn to acknowledge and appreciate what is already there. If you feel insecure about issues or have low self esteem, talk about these things in individual therapy sessions and learn how to overcome them. Realise you can be happy with the person you are.
5. Make Amends with Loved Ones
It’s natural for many addicts to have had unresolved conflicts with family or friends. During your rehab program, you may start to remember these arguments or emotional strains. Rather than ignoring them, start to reflect upon the situation. Use your journal to write these thoughts down. When you’re ready, make a list of people you want to contact.
One by one, either through phone, email, snail mail or in person, ask for forgiveness for your wrongdoings. Explain to the person you are making an effort to turn things around for the better and you’d like to repair the relationship. This is one of the toughest things to do in rehab. But even if the other person is not ready or willing to forgive you, you can at least know in your heart that you have made an effort. Now, you can forgive yourself and move on with a clear conscious.
6. Make Plans for Your New Life
During your program, you have been used to having structure and round the clock support in a sober environment. It’s common to have fears or anxiety about leaving rehab. However, it will eventually have to happen. One of the useful things to do in rehab is to think about what you want to do when you leave. This means the first day home, the first few weeks, three months later, six months later and the years following the program.
Ask yourself how you will do these things? What should you avoid? If you experience triggers, how can you overcome them in a healthy way? Write this plan down and remember your counsellor will help you to develop it. By doing so, you can set a healthy foundation and avoid a potential relapse. If you think you’re not ready to leave the rehab, talk to the staff and consider extending your time or going to a sober living house.
7. Enjoy Yourself
Rehab and recovery is not going to be easy; however, it doesn’t mean while you’re there there will be no fun times for at least a month either. Private addiction facilities understand that individuals need to discover healthy, sober ways to enjoy life.
Taking time out to have some fun helps you to remember that you don’t need to drink or use drugs to feel happy and smile. While you are at rehab, when you have free time, take a break from everything. Go outside and watch the clouds, draw, paint, put on music and dance. Do something you have always wanted to do, but never have done. This simple exercise is one of the things to do in rehab that will make a positive difference.
Getting clean and sober can be the most challenging thing you’ve ever done, but it can also be the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself. If you can implement just some of the abovementioned things to do in rehab, you will be on the right path to success, sobriety and a happy life.
If you’re planning on going to rehab, or are already there, think about something you can do to help with your overall treatment.
If you have any questions about drug and alcohol addiction or rehab, or if you need help fighting addiction, please contact us today.
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