How to Best Prepare for an Addiction Recovery Program
Nothing is quite as challenging and courageous as acknowledging that you have an addiction and that you need help. With the right support, the right addiction recovery program, and a lot of work, you can make it through the other end and into recovery.
If you have never been in an addiction recovery program before, you may be a bit nervous about what you can do to prepare for treatment. Before you let your anxieties and fears get in the way of entering a program, there are a few basic things to know about what you can do to prepare.
Have An Open Communication With Your Employer, Friends, and Family
It can be intimidating or even embarrassing to come out to your employer, friends, and family about your addiction, but it's one of the best things you can do before you enter a treatment program.
When meeting with your employer, ask to speak directly with your Human Resources department and then ask them how you should proceed. Depending on your state's laws, they may be obligated to keep you on as an employee while you're in recovery, but they will work out all the details with you. Just make sure you're transparent about how much time you're going be gone for so they can plan to have someone cover for you.
In addition to telling your employer about entering treatment, don't forget to let close friends and family members know too. Because a lot of addiction recovery programs don't allow you to have a cellphone or email, your family will be worried about you if they don't hear from you or know you are in treatment. If you don't' feel safe telling them too much, then leave it as simple as possible while letting them know you're okay.
Work Out Bills and Payments
Just because you are in treatment, it doesn't mean that the rest of the world stops. In fact, you will still be responsible for paying for all of your bills, including your rent/mortgage, car payment, and utility bills. Try to set up automatic payments beforehand or have someone that you love and trust take care of it for you. The less you have to worry about when you're entering into a program, the better.
Figure Out Child and Pet Care
If you have a child or a pet, make sure that you arrange to have them stay with someone they are safe with, someone that you love, and someone that you trust. If you are having a hard time finding anyone to take care of your child or your pet, reach out to the recovery center because they may have some resources for you.
When dealing with children of any age, consider having a family member sit with you when you are revealing your addiction and your treatment plan. When your children feel support around them, they are less likely to feel isolated and scared about the whole thing.
For more information about addiction recovery treatments, contact a clinic in your area.
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