How You Can Successfully Complete Rehab Overview
If you or a loved one is getting ready to go to an addiction treatment centre, you may feel a wealth of different emotions ranging from fear, doubt, relief and uncertainty. The decision to make such an enormous positive change is no doubt the right choice, yet at the same time, the process will have its challenges. When you go to rehab, a good attitude is key. This will set the foundation for your stay and enable you to keep going when, or if, you face trying moments.
When you begin rehab, you will be assessed by supportive professionals to determine the severity of your addiction, whether or not there are any co-occurring disorders and what potential treatments will be best suited to your needs. Being in the right mindset, at this point, will be incredibly useful to you – especially if you will be undergoing an addiction detoxification.
Think Back to A Goal You Had
Think back to a time in which you had a goal that you met; something you were determined to reach. Whether it was getting picked for the school sports team, learning how to ride a bike or passing a class you had trouble with. During this moment, more than likely, you stayed focused on the goal and had a positive attitude throughout. This will have played a very significant role in the outcome of how you reached that goal.
The same principal applies to point at which you will go to rehab. Everything you do while in treatment should be done with determination and motivation. You should believe your next therapy session will allow you to see things more clearly. Group meetings should be done with purpose. Remember, the rehab has set everything up in such a way that recovery is very much attainable, but it is up to you to believe it and make it happen. Here is how you can have a successful rehab program.
How is Rehab Success Measured?
You’ve entered a drug rehab programme to overcome the initial withdrawal and stop the cycle of addiction. The desire to rebuild relationships, re-discover sober fun activities, heal underlying issues and start living a productive life may be very prevalent. There is no set standard to measure how successful rehab treatment will be; however, if the overall life improves, one could say that rehab was a success.
That being said, the question of relapse may at some point arise. Everyone’s recovery is different. Some people will encounter a lot of upheavals and obstacles throughout their journey, and sometimes a relapse happens.
Unfortunately, many regard a relapse as being a failure. It is not. What causes a relapse will come down to individual circumstances including the environment back at home, unavoidable stressors and attitude. For example, one person may feel very determined and grateful to go to rehab while another may require more support in this area. Just as a person relapses when dieting and returns back to their diet, a person who relapses on drugs or alcohol can go back to treatment. There is no failure in trying.
Is a Positive Attitude All that Matters for Rehab Success?
We emphasise the importance of having a positive attitude; however, it doesn’t mean that a person who is not “outgoing and perky” needs to change who they are. It also does not mean that you won’t have to deal with bad days, stressors or anxious situations – or rather ignore them. A good attitude doesn’t make them go away. What it will do is prepare you for what is to come. It will guide you through rough times and it will remind you that you are strong enough to get through this time.
What is a Positive Mindset?
You might be reading this, wondering if you have a positive attitude, or mindset, about your addiction rehab treatment. Maybe you have no idea about how you feel when it comes to this decision. Consider the following advice to help you make your own opinion about positivity.
You’re Focused on the Now
Have you ever heard of the saying “stay in the here or stay in the present moment”? This approach is heavily used in mindfulness meditation for addiction. But, you can also use it when you’re entering treatment. Rather than focusing about the things you have done in the past, or anticipating future problems, focus on the very moment with the intent or desire to get better.
You Are Open to Advice from Others
When you go to rehab, you will be actively engaged in conversation with counsellors, therapists, doctors, fitness coaches and other patients. You will be asked questions and your thought processes will be challenged. There may be moments in which you don’t want to listen because you don’t like what is being said. However, this is being done with the utmost consideration and intention. If you don’t understand, or don’t agree, don’t be scared to ask for clarification. Keep an open mind and use a recovery journal to write your thoughts down.
Recovery is Ongoing
Recovery doesn’t just happen overnight and it won’t be complete in 4 or 12 weeks. Recovery is a process, and in the case of addiction, it will take years to get the fullest benefits. Rehab gets you through the initial phase and prepares you for the sober world. However, being in recovery will require you to cherish and preserve your sobriety. You will need to nurture it, and by that, you will need to take care of yourself – not only physically, but also emotionally.
How You Can Love Yourself
To sustain your recovery, you have to be able to nurture your body and you mind. Call it, self love or self respect, this will help you to feel good inside and out. You can do this by eating a healthy diet, drinking more water, getting exercise, spending time in nature, meditating and engaging in healthy activities. Getting enough sleep every night will also help your body to find a balance. All of these things will not just improve your cognitive thinking and physical body, but your self esteem will be increased too.
Give Back
Once you have completed rehab treatment, make an effort to take some time out of every month to give back. Find ways you can volunteer in your community, buy a meal for someone less fortunate or mow your elderly neighbour’s yard. So many people in this world need help in one way or another. You have made so much progress and passing this thankfulness, this success and this feeling of bliss onto others can be extremely rewarding.
Talk About Your Feelings at Rehab
You may be used to feeling isolated and alone. Drug and alcohol addiction may have closed you off from the world and talking to others may feel scary. This is normal, and when you go to rehab, you will probably meet other people who are going through the same thing. You are not expected to open up immediately after you begin treatment. The staff understands this and will not put any pressure on you. If you are feeling nervous, anxious or scared, you are encouraged to tell counsellors about these feelings. They may have some strategies or tools you can implement immediately to restore relaxation and comfort. Make an effort to make small steps towards building a trusting relationship between you and the rehab staff. Let them in, and allow yourself to be helped.
Take Responsibility
You will learn a lot about denial and responsibility in 12 step meetings and support groups. This is because a lot of people with addictions have become used to deflecting blame for their problems. To be successful in rehab and recovery, you have to be ready to fully accept responsibility for your actions. When you come to terms with this, you will feel like a weight has been lifted. You will no longer remain stuck in this victim like realm full of low self esteem and negativity; rather you will feel empowered to let go and move forward.
Be Committed
Private rehab programs will keep you busy. You won’t have very much down time to keep you bored, but rather you’ll be actively participating in therapies, counselling, groups, exercise and other activities. Even if you don’t like one of these things, remember, there is no abiding in success without commitment.
Take Things One Day at a Time
You will meet some days with a heap of challenges; you may have a week of obstacles which you particularly are not fond of. When these moments happen, find strength and inspiration in others. You don’t have to rush things. You may find that it helps to take things one day at a time, or one hour at a time. Divide up your day into segments that you feel confident in, that you are motivated for, that are the right size to focus on and positively get through. With all these things, you can successfully complete rehab treatment.
