Preparing to Attend Rehab after COVID-19

Are you planning to go to rehab after COVID-19? Or are you living with or close to someone who is to seek treatment for addiction or alcoholism after the COVID19 restrictions are lifted? Deciding to attend rehab and get help is a monumental step and the transition into rehab can be made much easier and more smooth with a little preparation. Transitioning from rehab back into everyday life can also be made substantially more comfortable if any loose ends are taken care of and squared away before you go to rehab. This will also ensure that you are returning to a stress free and positive space.

Rehab is a big step, so being prepared is key – just as you would prepare for any other big change in your life. It’s normal to feel a level of stress; the following tips outline what you can do, both mentally and physically, in the weeks leading up to your stay in rehab.

Take Care of Work and Family Obligations

You might be hesitant to mention your upcoming rehab stay to your employer, but anyone who appreciates you as an employee will want you to get better. They want the healthiest, happiest and best version of you, so the sooner you can let your employer know, the better. If admitting alcohol or drug abuse would compromise your employment, it is perfectly acceptable to not disclose details, perhaps saying that you need some time off for a health retreat.  (?? Something like that?)

Depending on which country you live in, there may be laws allowing for medical leave. For example, in the United States, under the Family and Medical Leave Act, you are entitled to up to 12 weeks of medical leave, so your job will be protected during your stay in rehab.

Think about who you are responsible for? If you are a caregiver to children, elderly parents or even pets, now is the time to make sure your loved ones are being taken care of while you’re away. Ask your family or friends to look after your children or pets, or look into options for temporary care. It will help put your mind at ease to know the people you love are in good hands while you are away.

Tie Up Any Financial or Legal Loose Ends

If you have bills that need to be paid while you’re gone, make sure you sign up for automatic payments or speak to someone you trust about making sure your bills get paid. You definitely will not want to come back, ready to tackle life, and be saddled with financial stress and overdue bills.

If necessary, make sure the courts know (whether via your own correspondence or through your lawyer) that you will be entering a rehab facility so they are aware you may be out of touch. Even if your rehab stay is verbally understood, it is always best to get a legal “OK” on paper which will give you additional peace of mind.

If you are still drinking or using and are not able to sort out these matters for yourself, let a close family member know about your circumstances and ask them to help.

Get Started Online

Online rehab programs are a great way to start your rehab from home – this ensures a smooth transition into residential treatment when you are able to travel. During your online program you’ll also start getting to know your support team. Take a look at online programs and what they involve by clicking here.

Make Sure You Have the Essentials – And Only the Essentials

It can be tempting to bring everything with you that reminds you of home, but taking only the things you really need will help you adhere to the guidelines and policies of the rehab facility. 

By sticking to the essentials, you will also minimize any outside distractions. Leave any “extras” behind – they will be there for you when you get back.

If you are traveling overseas for rehab, remember to pack your ID, Passport, medical insurance information, fight tickets and travel itinerary and take clothes appropriate for the climate.  If you are taking prescription medication, make sure to have letters from the prescribing doctor and keep medication in its original bottle or package.

Enjoy Time with Friends and Family

You may feel like there are a million things you need to do before entering rehab.

However, it’s important to make the time to enjoy the positive people in your life prior to leaving. Your family and friends will inspire you to make the most of the treatment you will be receiving and reassure you of your decision to get help.

You may have to be the one to reach out to them and let them know how much you care and how grateful you are to have them — and that’s okay. Let them know exactly why you are entering rehab, and the changes you hope to see in yourself when you return. This will help hold you accountable to stay sober once you get back.

Although you may want to, avoid contacting people who you associate with drinking or using, as well as anyone you know who will not be supportive of your decision to attend rehab.

Write a Letter to Yourself

This might not be easy, but write a letter to yourself outlining why you want to get clean and sober. Include in the letter real life examples of events that have gone wrong as a result of your drinking or using. List the people you have hurt or upset and any other negative implications of your drinking / using. If you have photos, include them. Once you have covered the negative aspects, write what you hope you will achieve by attending rehab and what your hopes are for the future. Write encouragement to yourself to stay strong. Once you have finished, seal your letter in an envelope and take it with you to rehab. Ask your facility to keep it for you for when you either complete your treatment, or when you need a reminder of why you are there.

When you Leave Home

Remember that you are not leaving your life behind, you are leaving behind the negative aspects of it. The positive aspects of your life, and the positive, caring people in it will be there when you return. Hold your head high and know that you are stepping into a brighter future for yourself and those that you love. Be proud of the steps you are taking.

What Are My Options If I cannot Attend a Rehab Facility?

If you are in need of rehab, help or support now, you may be eligible to enrol in an online rehab program right away. To find out more about what an online program involves, take a look at our article: What Is An Online Recovery Program, or contact us for a chat about your needs and current circumstances.

What if I Need Help Now?

Our Online Recovery Program can be started at any time. If you are in need of immediate help, an online program may be a solution for you. You can begin from home now with professional care and support and transition into in-person care at a later date, if you want and need a residential facility. More information about our online recovery program is available here, or you may also want to look into online counselling options, or contact us for more information about your options.

Do you or someone you love need help preparing for rehab? Contact us to learn what else you can do to prepare for treatment.

What are the Benefits of an Online Recovery Program?

There are multiple benefits to online programs, some of which include:

  • A comprehensive program of recovery from home, without the need to attend a residential or outpatient facility
  • 24/7 online support
  • No need to take extensive time off work or explain your circumstances to your employer
  • No time away from family or friends
  • Complete confidentiality
  • A program of recovery tailormade to your personal wants, needs and circumstances
  • Weekly schedules which fit around your existing commitments
  • No transitional ‘returning to normal life’ period after your program
  • Structure, support and managing recovery in the ‘real world’
  • An ongoing plan for living after the end of your program
  • Financially more accessible then a residential program
  • Extensive Relapse Prevention Planning and Aftercare follow-up

Who Can Take an Online Recovery Program?

Anyone at any stage of recovery can start an online recovery program. If you have already stopped drinking or using, you can start immediately. Anyone who has just returned home from a residential program and/or an outpatient recovery program, can also take an online recovery program.

If you are still drinking or using you may also be able to start an online recovery program straight away. For those still actively drinking or using there will be an initial suitability assessment by our client care coordinator. It may be that you need to complete a detox program for safety reasons before starting your online program. Wherever possible we will assist you with guidance regarding local detox care. If you are not sure about whether or not you will need to detox, our client care coordinator will be able to guide you, based on your current situation.

What’s Included?

An online recovery program includes all the elements of a residential program that can be conducted online. You will be provided with a tailormade weekly schedule, which you will help to create alongside you peer counsellor, to fit around your wants, needs and circumstances.

All programs include a suitability and needs initial assessment, 24/7 support via phone, chat or video link, structured weekly schedules, a personal online consultation with one of our wellness practitioners or personal trainers and a professional personal recovery team, chosen to match your needs.

Each week your schedule will include 3 counselling sessions, 5 peer counselor sessions, 2 education sessions (including relapse prevention planning) and 3 flex sessions. Flex sessions are wellness sessions; you have several options to choose from including yoga, personal training, life coaching, nutritional assessments and planning, Trauma Release Exercises and Qigong.

How Does it Fit Around My Schedule?

Online recovery programs are scheduled around you as much as possible. We ultimately want you to succeed and this means making sure that you have an achievable weekly schedule. Recovery should be your number one priority during your program. We understand that you will have other commitments which need taking into account too, and these will be included in your schedule, for example family time, socializing and work commitments.

What If I’m Not Sure I Can Stop?

A level of commitment is required on both sides to ensure your success and this will be addressed in your initial consultation. Willingness is the key to success and if you are willing to try, and willing to keep an open mind, then you have made your first steps in recovery. If you have a desire to stop drinking and/or using, or a desire to maintain your current sobriety, then you are ready to start an online program.

How Do I Get Started?

Contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We will ask you for some basic information prior to your consultation, including details about your drinking and/or using history.

For more information, advice about your suitability for an online program, or to schedule a consultation, contact us on info@thelighthousebali.org

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