Research shows that alcohol addiction and abuse contribute to 6% of global deaths every year.
Alcohol is very socially acceptable, which is part of why it is such a common form of addiction. Social drinking can quickly evolve into something much more harmful without you even realizing it.
That is why it is so important to seek help when you realize you have a problem with alcohol and self-control. Checking into an alcohol recovery program is the best way to seek professional help and safely get clean.
Keep reading to find out what you need to do in preparation before checking into an alcohol recovery program.
1. Tie Up Loose Ends
A lot of alcohol recovery programs last anywhere from one week to a few months, depending on the facility. Because of this, there are a lot of things you need to get in order before you start your recovery.
One very important aspect you consider is what you are going to do about your job. You may have to quit your job or let your boss know that you are going to be unavailable for a certain time frame.
You also need to make sure you tie up any loose ends with your family and friends. A lot of people who struggle with alcohol addiction may have friends and family who contribute to this problem.
If that is the case, it is a good idea to cut off ties with these people, at least for the foreseeable future, as you are recovering. It is also important to let the people in your life know what is going on and why you will be unavailable.
2. Get Your Finances In Order
Stepping away from your normal life for any period of time is going to come with some difficulties. Before checking into the recovery facility, you need to make sure you have your finances in order for this timeframe.
For instance, you may want to set up your monthly bills so that they come out of your bank account automatically. Or if there is someone that you trust, you can have them pay these bills on your behalf while you are away.
You may also want to examine your finances and cancel any monthly subscriptions.
3. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Going into an alcohol recovery program can feel very intimidating for most people. After all, you are entering a situation that you are very unfamiliar with, so you don’t always know what to expect.
It is very important to stay as positive as possible while you are preparing for this transition. Focus on spending time with loved ones before you will be separated from them during your recovery.
During this time, it is important to surround yourself with people who are supportive and proud of you for making this step. This is also a good time to provide loved ones with emergency contact information in case they need to get a hold of you.
4. Prepare Your Home
No matter where you live, there are certain things you need to do before you go away for any period of time. If you own a home or live in an apartment, you want to get things cleaned up before you leave.
Make sure all of your laundry is washed, as well as any dirty dishes, so that the home is sanitary. If you have a leaky faucet or a broken window lock, this is a good time to have those issues fixed.
You may also want to let your neighbors or landlord know that you will be gone for a certain period of time. That way, they will be able to notice if anything suspicious is happening while you are away.
5. Pack the Essentials
One of the last things you need to do when preparing to go to alcohol rehab is packing. For most programs, you will be encouraged to only bring the bare essentials during your recovery.
You will need several changes of clothing depending on the amount of time the program lasts. You also need to bring all of your sanitary items and prescription medications you need to take on a regular basis.
A lot of facilities encourage people to bring journals and other soothing forms of entertainment. You are going to have some downtime, so you want to bring items that bring you joy and comfort.
6. Arrange Pet Care
If you have pets, something will need to be done about their care while you are away. Ideally, you will have a friend or family member who can take care of your pet or visit them daily while you are gone.
If that is not possible, there are different pet facilities that offer boarding for as long as you need it. You will need to buy all your pet’s necessities so that they have everything they need until you return.
Conclusion
Checking into an alcohol recovery facility can feel overwhelming, depending on what you are responsible for. But for many people, this is a necessary step to take if you want to get clean and have a better future.
Following this list of preparation steps will help you to feel in control of the situation and reduce any stress.
Are you looking for the best alcohol recovery program in your area? Contact us today, and we can find the best program to fit your recovery needs!
