Deciding to go to rehab is a huge step. If you’re reading this, you might be feeling nervous, unsure, or overwhelmed. That’s completely normal, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.
What will it be like? How do I keep my life together while I’m gone? And most importantly, how do you prepare for rehab?
This guide aims to answer all these questions and more to make sure your admission is as smooth as possible.
Table of Contents
The Intake Process
The intake process begins the moment you contact a treatment center. That might be a phone call, an online form, or a referral from a healthcare provider.
You don’t need to commit right away. In fact, you should reach out to a few rehab facilities to compare your options.
Initial Assessment
Pre-screening starts. You’ll likely be asked about:
- Your medical history
- What substances you’ve been using and how often
- Any co-occurring mental health conditions
- Whether you’ve tried treatment before and how it went
- What you’re hoping to get out of treatment
Just be honest. It’s the only way they can best tailor the program to meet your individual needs.
Insurance and Financial Planning
Most insurance plans cover evidence-based addiction treatment options like detox, inpatient treatment, and group therapy.
During intake, the center will review your coverage, including any out-of-pocket costs. But it helps to call your insurance provider first and ask:
- What does my insurance cover?
- What are my deductibles, copays, etc.?
- Do I need pre-authorization?
- Are there limits on how long I can stay?
No insurance? Don’t let that stop you. Many facilities offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees, or help finding financial aid.
Orientation and Facility Tour
The next step is getting a tour of the facility. You’ll probably meet some of the staff and get a look at the daily routine.
Some good questions to ask during orientation:
- What does a typical day look like?
- How long are therapy sessions?
- Is there any downtime?
- Can I have visitors? When?
- What happens if I need medical care while I’m there?
The more you know going in, the better you’ll feel about rehab. So, feel free to ask follow-up questions.
Developing Your Personalized Treatment Plan
A good treatment program should be personalized. The team will design a plan around your physical health, substance abuse history, mental health needs, and personal goals.
Your program might include:
- Medical detox (if needed)
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (if appropriate)
- Holistic therapies (like art, mindfulness, or fitness)
- Aftercare planning
Now this plan isn’t set in stone. Your rehab program can evolve with you as you move forward.
Once you’re accepted, you’ll get a start date along with instructions for completing the necessary paperwork.
Get Your Finances in Order
Before starting treatment, make a list of any regular bills you’ll need to keep up with, like rent, car payments, and utilities. Set up autopay if you can, or ask someone you trust to handle it for you.
Take Care of Your Legal Obligations
If you’re on probation/parole or have pending court dates, you need to tell your plans of entering inpatient rehab to the relevant parties, such as:
- Your parole or probation officer
- The court handling your case
- Your attorney, if you have one
Verbal notice is helpful, but an email or letter is better to avoid confusion later. Include details like:
- The facility name and phone number
- Your admission date
- The program length
Most rehab centers are familiar with this situation and can provide an official letter of enrollment or admission certificate. So, definitely ask for this in case you need it.
Also, be sure to bring up if there’s a conflict between treatment dates and scheduled court appearances or parole meetings. You’ll need help rescheduling or coordinating with your legal contacts.
Make Work and Family Arrangements
Your rehab stay will likely span several weeks or longer, especially if you’re entering a residential treatment or inpatient program.
Who will take care of things while you’re gone? Here’s a checklist to help you plan:
1. Notify Your Employer
Before anything else, review your employee handbook or HR policies. Some companies have specific rules around medical leave or substance use, and it helps to know what’s in writing before you speak up.
If everything looks good policy-wise, ask your HR if you’re eligible for FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) leave. Note that treatment for substance use disorder is a valid medical reason for taking time off.
You may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. The best part is, you’ll stay covered under your company’s health insurance during that time.
Then, give your higher-up a heads-up as soon as you can. It’s better if you come prepared with a transition plan:
- What tasks you’ll finish before leaving
- Who can take over you
- How to keep things running smoothly in your absence
2. Delegate Responsibilities
If you run a business or manage clients, let them know in advance. Set up email auto-responders, delegate tasks, and leave clear instructions for anything time-sensitive. The more you prep now, the less you’ll have to worry about later.
3. Arrange Childcare and Pet Care
Line up trusted family or relatives (or hire professional help like a caregiver or pet sitter) to look after your kids and pets. If possible, do a trial run so everyone feels comfortable with the new routine.
Ensure someone has access to school calendars and after-school activity info. Make a simple guide to avoid last-minute questions or missed appointments.
Leave a list of key contacts (your doctor, kids’ school, kids’ doctor, vet, etc.) with the person helping out while you’re gone. Do all these for your peace of mind.
Emotional and Mental Preparation
Packing a bag is one thing. Preparing emotionally is another, and this might just be the hardest part.
1. Let Go of Shame
Do you feel guilty or embarrassed for needing treatment? Scared of the unknown? That’s okay. It’s not a weakness to acknowledge you need help.
On the contrary, choosing to enter treatment is a brave, self-aware choice. So, let go of shame so you can heal properly.
2. Set Your Intentions
Ask yourself what you want out of this experience. Is it to reconnect with family? Rebuild your health? Find peace? Keep those goals in mind, and they’ll help you stay focused and grounded.
3. Prepare for Detox and Withdrawal
If detox is part of your treatment plan, you might be worried about withdrawal symptoms. We get it; no one looks forward to feeling uncomfortable. The good news is, you’re not doing it alone.
At Illinois Recovery Center, our medical team will be right there with you to monitor and ease your symptoms safely.
Remind yourself: withdrawal is temporary and a crucial part of your recovery process. Once you’re through it, you’ll start to feel cleaner, stronger, and more in control.
4. Lean Onto Your Support System
Think about the people in your life who genuinely want to see you well: a parent, a friend, or a partner. Let them know what you’re doing, and spend quality time with them as much as possible.
Once you’re admitted, there’s a good chance you won’t have much contact with the outside world, especially during the first few weeks.
If you have no one in your corner right now, consider attending a support group or talking to a therapist (if you have one) before entering rehab. It can be comforting to talk to people who understand what you’re going through.
Pack Your Bag: What to Bring to Rehab
Most treatment facilities provide a suggested packing list, but here’s a general overview:
- Government-issued ID and insurance cards
- Prescription medications (in original bottles)
- Comfortable clothing
- Personal items and toiletries (non-alcohol-based)
- Credit card or cash for vending machines or incidentals
- Contact info for family members or support network
- A small notebook or journal
- Photos of loved ones
What not to bring:
- Substances or unapproved medications
- Aerosol
- Valuables or large amounts of cash
- Anything that can be used to harm yourself or someone else
As for cell phones and electronics, rules vary by facility. Some centers don’t allow them at all, while others may let you use them with restrictions. If you’re unsure, just ask the admissions team.
Tie Up Loose Ends
You’ve got enough on your plate without stressing over small things while you’re in treatment. So before you check in, take care of any lingering responsibilities that might distract you later.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions toany services you won’t use, like gym memberships or streaming platforms.
- Update your emergency contact to make sure someone knows how to reach you through the facility
- Set up mail forwarding or ask someone to collect it if you’ll be away for a while.
With all those odds and ends out of the way, you can now fully focus on your recovery journey.
Unsure What to Expect Before Rehab?
You don’t have to face it alone. Our team at Illinois Recovery Center is here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and help you take that first step with confidence.
(888) 472-5004Confidential. Caring. Here when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol or drug rehab is an investment in your well-being. You’ve made it this far, and that means something: you’re ready to take action.
At Illinois Recovery Center, we’re here to help guide you through the treatment process, from that first phone call to the day you walk through our doors.
Whether you’re considering inpatient treatment or outpatient programs, we’ll walk you through it all.
So let’s keep going. Because every day you spend in treatment is a day closer to lasting recovery.
