If you’ve decided to enter treatment for addiction, you’ve made an excellent choice for your yourself and your family. Before you go, though, it’s time to make sure everything is in order. You want to be able to focus on your treatment without worrying that things are falling apart at home. It’s inevitable that you will worry a little bit, but with some foresight, you can keep those worries to a minimum.
Make a list.
Start by making a list of everything you would have had to do for the time you will be in treatment. These could be family or work obligations, bills you have to pay, or favors your promised to do. Look over your calendar to jog your memory.
Consider your family obligations.
If you have children or pets, make sure someone can take care of them. It’s usually best to send children to a relative while you’re in treatment. 30 to 90 days is usually too long to board pets, so see if they can stay with a friend or relative.
Talk to your boss.
Unless you plan to quit your job, you will need to let your boss know you’ll be gone for a while. You don’t have to tell your boss you’re entering treatment for addiction, but don’t rule it out. Bosses often know what’s going on even if you think you’re being sneaky. Most companies would rather give you a chance to get sober than to have to hire and train someone to fill your position. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, you can take up to 12 weeks off for medical reasons without losing your job.
Take care of bills.
You don’t want to come home to no power, heat, or water. Make sure your bills are being paid. You can automate most payments now, but for the ones you can’t automate, get someone you trust to pay them while you’re in treatment.
Notify the authorities.
This may or may not apply to you. If you have a case pending or if you’re on parole, you’ll need to tell someone where you are so the state or county doesn’t think you’ve disappeared. If you have a lawyer, make sure to tell her or him you’re entering treatment.
Bring the essentials.
When packing for treatment, bring only what you really need. That means clothes, exercise clothes, modest swimwear, and toiletries. Keep in mind the weather may change during your stay. Even if it’s summer now, pack some warm clothes and a jacket. A small amount of cash is fine, less than 50 dollars, plus a credit card for emergencies and incidental expenses. Also, be sure to bring ID. Reading material should be light, such as novels or general interest magazines. See the “What to Bring to Treatment” section for more details. The important thing to remember is that treatment is a chance to get away from your old life and learn new ways to be. You don’t need a lot of stuff for that.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental illness, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
