Starting treatment for addiction and other mental health conditions can be both exciting and terrifying. It’s the first step in a healing and self-improvement journey, but it is quite a big step. Many who want to start treatment may hold back because they are unsure of what to do before they start.
However, having a general idea of what to do and expect can go a long way in reducing anxiety and bolstering confidence. After all, residential treatment can take weeks to months to complete, and you will be away from home the entire time. There’s a lot to do to prepare, but Driftwood Recovery makes the process easier. By following these tips, going into treatment can be seen as a new beginning, not as something to fear.
Ask the Staff Questions Before Starting Treatment
The goal of every treatment facility is to make the transition to residential treatment as smooth as possible. Before starting treatment, clients will be instructed on things they should and shouldn’t bring. Some facilities will provide some regular-use goods, such as toiletries, while others will ask you to bring your own. It’s important to ask questions to get an idea of what you will need to pack.
For example, Driftwood Recovery utilizes a lot of exercise and outdoor activities as part of treatment. Because of this, it recommends that clients bring clothes that are appropriate for outdoor weather and comfortable to move around in. Though heels are fine as casual wear, improper footwear can cause injury on activities like rope courses or hikes.
Some questions you can ask the staff are:
- Are there any objects that I’m not allowed to bring with me?
- I have prescription medications or require medical monitoring; what should I do before starting treatment?
- Does the facility provide toiletries, or should I bring my own?
- What kinds of clothing should I bring?
- Can I bring a tablet, laptop, or other electronic devices?
- What is your visitation and phone call policy?
Asking these questions can prevent you from accidentally bringing along objects that could be harmful to yourself or other clients. For example, some mouthwash can contain alcohol, which can be hard for a client in alcohol addiction treatment to ignore.
Things to Do at Home Before Starting Treatment
Residential treatment requires the client to live on campus grounds for a set period. This means they will be away from home through treatment. Though this environment allows clients to focus on treatment with little outside stress or triggers, clients may find themselves worrying. There are several things a client can do before starting treatment to reduce this.
The first, of course, is to take time away from work or school. Remember, you don’t have to say the exact reason why you need this absence. Simply stating that you need to take care of personal matters is enough. Speak with your academic advisor or boss about taking time off.
If you live alone, you can arrange to have someone house-sit. Make sure your finances are squared away in terms of maintaining the house while you are gone. Some services, such as the internet, can be paused until you return. Speak with your service providers or a person you trust to manage bills and care for the home. Post offices can hold mail if you need them too. Don’t forget about pets. Many facilities can board pets until you have finished treatment if family or friends cannot watch them while you are gone. If you have children, be sure there is someone you trust who can care for them.
It’s vital before starting treatment to choose a person or persons you trust to look after your home and make sure bills and any emergencies are addressed. Doing so provides peace of mind and allows you to fully focus on treatment.
Preparing Yourself for Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
There are several things to keep in mind before starting treatment at Driftwood Recovery. Driftwood Recovery utilizes a holistic treatment philosophy for addiction and other mental health conditions. This means that clients will move their bodies as part of treatment. Remember to pack appropriate clothing and shoes that are easy to move and exercise in. You may also bring along personal comfort items as long as they are not dangerous to yourself or another client. Family photos, favorite books, journals, and important phone numbers are all welcome at Driftwood Recovery. If you are unsure of what to bring, speak to a staff member.
Driftwood Recovery observes a seven-day reflection period for new clients so they can adjust to life in treatment. After this period, family are free to make appointments to visit their loved ones in treatment. Residential treatment is not a prison, and the staff at Driftwood Recovery work hard to ensure that all clients are comfortable and safe.
Finally, it’s important to have an aftercare plan. This is a plan created to ensure continued progress and prevent relapse. Driftwood Recovery already has aftercare programs, such as the community integration program and the alumni program. However, you may also want to pursue other means of aftercare, such as continued therapy or support groups. Speaking with the staff at Driftwood Recovery can help you create an aftercare program before you start treatment. That way, you can spend more time focusing on treatment and not worrying about what comes after.
Starting treatment is much easier when you have a plan in place. So don’t wait to create your treatment plan; reach out to Driftwood Recovery today.
Choosing to start addiction and mental health treatment takes a great deal of courage. Knowing what treatment entails is the first step, but what do you do before starting treatment? Every treatment facility is different, but all of them will help you prepare for treatment. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, staff will go over what clients should do to prepare for treatment. Don’t worry; they will make sure that you understand what to do and are always happy to answer any question you may have. So, if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or any other mental health disorder, don’t wait. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.