What are your expectations of addiction rehab? It is true that different rehab clinics will have a different rule set and not everyone who goes to rehab understands these – at least when they first arrive. I can remember reading Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes before I had ever set foot in a rehab. It described Rachel expecting to be going into a spa type facility and having a rude awakening when she realises that it is hard graft and involves doing your own cleaning etc.
Spa Facilities
There may be some spa type facilities, but these tend not to be the most effective rehabs. I myself went to one the first-time round which offered swimming, newspapers to read, flower arranging, relaxation and therapy sessions which were not compulsory. I had a lovely time and managed to stop drinking for a while but as I did not do any work on myself (just gave myself a lovely break) and as I did not look at why I needed alcohol to run away from myself and reality, inevitably a few months later I started drinking again.
So why are there so many ‘rules’ in more traditional rehabs and what is the purpose of these? Here are some you may come across.
Rule 1: Hand in your mobile and no / little contact with family and the outside world for at least a week
This is the first rule that causes new arrivals distress. So many people are reliant on their phones and they cause a constant distraction. In order to get people to settle in quickly and to stop worrying about outside concerns, mobile phones are taken away for the first week. This also enables people to focus on why they are in treatment and to start looking at themselves. Sometimes this is particularly hard if family relationships are fractured and the new client is keen to try and mend the damage they have been doing at home. However, more often than not the family welcome the break for a week. If necessary, short supervised calls can be made to check on the welfare of children, other family members etc.
Rule 2: Hand in all your medication – prescribed and over the counter
This is for safe keeping. It will be administered as and when you need it. The reason for handing it in is so that we can be aware of what you are taking and also to prevent other people accessing your medication (for whom it might not be safe).
Rule 3: Bag search
This is to check that there is nothing in your luggage that you should not bring into treatment. It includes alcohol or alcohol-based products and obviously drugs. Sometimes people accidentally have drugs with them (forgotten in a pocket, for example). Others may try and sneak them in, afraid to have no access to them. However, rest assured that we will prescribe suitable medication to help you detox comfortably and safely.
Rule 4: ‘Bedtime’.
When you go to rehab your sleep pattern may well be severely disrupted. One of the things you should achieve in rehab is getting back into a good pattern of sleep. For this purpose, you may be prescribed zopiclone in your first week. You will also be expected to rest during ‘normal’ sleeping hours. You are not obliged to go to bed but should be in your bedroom in peace to rest and let the others around you rest too.
Rule 5: Hand in valuables
Rehab is not a place to be showing off your possessions and it is not wise to have valuable items around to tempt other people. It is suggested that you leave valuable items such as expensive watches and jewellery at home. If you bring them with you we will ask you to hand them in for safe keeping.
Call the Haynes Clinic for free confidential information on 01462 851414
