How to Prepare for Inpatient Treatment
How to Prepare for Inpatient Treatment
Preparing for an inpatient treatment program in Ontario is a vital first step toward overcoming addiction and starting your recovery journey. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you care about, knowing how to prepare for this life-changing step is an invaluable part of the process. Inpatient programs equip you with the tools and knowledge to support your addiction recovery in an environment that is conducive to healing. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can help you approach your treatment with confidence and clarity, making the experience more effective and less overwhelming.
Why Is Preparation Important?
Why is preparation for inpatient addiction treatment important? For starters, it ensures that you are in the mental and emotional space to actively participate in the treatment process. Healing isn’t only focused on the physical aspects of your addiction; recovery also means working on your mindset, emotional triggers, and finding better ways to cope. By taking some time to prepare yourself ahead of time, you are setting yourself up for a much more successful and purposeful treatment experience!
When you begin preparing for inpatient treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside professionals at your rehab centre to develop a specific treatment plan that is unique to your individual needs. This plan will detail your individual goals, the strategies to achieve them, and the therapies that will be most helpful in the recovery process. In collaboration with your treatment team, you’ll identify your unique triggers, challenges, and coping mechanisms and work to ensure the treatment you receive is customized for your unique needs.
It is also useful in decreasing uncertainty and fear. Checking into an inpatient addiction treatment program can be intimidating, but being aware of what will happen—both in a physical and emotional sense—can alleviate any anxiety. By taking the time, you will be able to walk into rehab with a good attitude and the intention to get the most out of the process.
Steps to Prepare for Inpatient Treatment
Preparing for inpatient treatment is a two-part process, involving logistical and emotional readiness. Here are some important steps to prepare for this transformative experience.
1. Establish a Strong Support System
Forming a solid support system is one of the most important steps to take in preparation for inpatient addiction treatment. You don’t have to go through recovery by yourself. Although your focus will be on your own healing while in treatment, it’s important to realize your family, friends, and support groups will be as much a part of your life as they were before your addiction became a part of the equation.
Research shows that those with strong support networks experience experience lower stress during their recovery (1), so discussing your treatment with loved ones can make the process less overwhelming. Why may wish to tell them what your goals are, what you want to accomplish, and how they can help support you through recovery. If you have not yet reached out, talk to a support group that addresses your needs. To promote communication and healing throughout the recovery process, many rehab facilities also offer support groups for both patients and their families.
2. Educate Yourself on the Treatment Process
Another important step is learning what to expect in the treatment process, including the types of therapies that will be used during inpatient care. Inpatient addiction treatment programs also feature behavioural therapy components, support for co-occurring disorders and wellness activities that support holistic healing beyond just your addiction.
Understanding the different treatment modalities offered at your chosen rehab centre will be very beneficial. This could include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), group activities, family therapy, trauma-informed care, etc. Learning about these therapies will empower you to actively participate in your recovery journey.
3. Take Care of School and Work Obligations
Inpatient care usually requires several weeks of intensity away from school or work. Before starting treatment, you’d want to resolve any obligations you might have there. This could entail notifying your employer or school that you need medical leave, submitting time off requests, discussing coverage, etc.
This can be an intimidating process for many, but it’s essential to keep in mind that substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition (2), and professional assistance is needed for sustained recovery. Most employers and schools are more understanding than you might think; they will support your choice to focus on your health and recovery. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need, so that you can focus on healing without additional stress.
4. Pack the Essentials
When you’re packing for inpatient treatment, make sure you bring everything you will want to have access to during your stay. Most rehab facilities will provide you with a list of items to bring; however, the following are some general items to consider taking with you:
- Clothes: Comfortable and suitable for day-to-day activities. Consult the treatment centre about their dress code, since most facilities do have specific rules around what clothing you can wear.
- Personal hygiene products: Toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
- Personal identification and insurance cards: Bring your health card, your identification, and insurance information for smooth admission and billing processes.
- Comfort items: A book, journal, or even photos from home may help ease the transition.
Do not bring any valuables or things that have been forbidden by your treatment centre. Typically, you cannot bring in food or drink, electronic cigarettes, aerosols, games or sporting equipment. Consult with your treatment centre for any restrictions.
5. Trust the Process
Recovery is a long and often bumpy road, with many twists and turns along the way. Trusting the process is one of the most critical things to keep in mind during your preparation for inpatient treatment! Know that recovering from addiction is a lifelong commitment (3) and that healing takes time, with many distractions along the way. There will be hard days (particularly when detoxing), and slips may happen. Be patient with yourself and the process.
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be challenging, and withdrawal symptoms can be painful, but your treatment team will be with you every step of the way to monitor and support you. Understanding this stage is temporary and an essential part of the path to healing. If you are committed to recovering, then trusting the process and being patient with yourself will drastically increase the likelihood of success.
How Does the Addiction Treatment Process Work?
The treatment process includes a complete assessment of your personal and family medical history, addiction history, mental health conditions, and potential co-occurring disorders (such as anxiety, depression, or trauma). From this assessment, a plan of care is developed that is tailored to your goals and the most effective options to support your personal recovery.
Typically, this will be a combination of different therapy modalities, counseling, one-on-one group sessions, and recovery activities that promote healing and self-awareness. You’ll likely take part in daily therapy sessions, which might include individual therapy with a licensed therapist as well as group therapy with other patients. Our rehab centers also provide family support program, art therapy, and mindfulness practices, among many more, to help facilitate emotional healing.
The duration of inpatient addiction treatment can differ, with the majority ranging from 30 to 90 days (4). Your treatment duration will be based on your unique needs, progress, and addiction severity. Remember that overcoming addiction is not an instant process; it takes time, effort, and commitment—but it’s worth it!
The goal of inpatient treatment is to bring you emotional and physical stability. This typically involves withdrawal management, where you’ll receive guidance on navigating withdrawal symptoms as your body gets used to living without the substance you’ve used. Your treatment team will assess your health and well-being during the process of a medically-supervised detox and modify your treatment plan as necessary.
Choose CATC for Inpatient Addiction Rehab
Preparing to enter inpatient treatment is a vital step on the road to recovery, and selecting the right treatment center may be just as important. Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC) understands the struggle to break free from addiction. We help guide you through your recovery journey with open-minded care and effective and verified solutions at our different addiction rehab centres in Ontario.
We provide inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs tailor-made for recovery and healing. Together, with licensed therapists, medical professionals, and a compassionate staff behind you, we will create a treatment plan that fits your goals and needs. You’re not alone—we offer a variety of addiction treatment programs, from detox and withdrawal management to behavioral therapy and relapse prevention.
If you or someone you care about is ready to begin their journey into recovery, call CATC today. We are here to help you answer any questions and to help you prepare for the next part of your life. You don’t have to do this alone—recovery is possible, and we can help.
Contact CATC today to start your recovery.