You’ve made the decision to enter into rehab for your addiction. Now that you are ready to go, you’re starting to wonder about what you should expect. You know that there will be certain rules you have to abide by, which is understandable. You won’t be allowed to do drugs or drink, a rule that is definitely set in stone. However, there are some things you may not be prepared for. What rules at Ohio detox centers might surprise you? To learn more, read on.
1. You may not be allowed on your cell phone
While it will depend on the center itself, many rehab facilities don’t allow their patients to bring cell phones, laptops, or tablets into the center. One of the main reasons for this rule is to put a stop to triggers before they start. For example, seeing friends drinking and partying on Facebook or Instagram can easily cause a person to relapse. Another reason why these devices are not allowed is because they can be a distraction. Patients in rehab are there to attend therapy sessions and learn about themselves, and a cell phone can take away from that.
Don’t worry, though. Within a few weeks, you may be permitted to use your phone or laptop again. It will depend on the center and your progress.
2. No romances in the center are allowed
While you are in rehab, you will be around others. This includes time spent in group therapy, during meals, activities, volunteering, and more. While you are encouraged to build up positive relationships with other patients, romantic ones are typically not permitted. That is because they can become a distraction while you are in the process of healing. In fact, most experts say you should wait at least a year to get involved with anyone while you are in recovery.
One way some rehabs approach this rule is to assign gender-specific programs. That way, the temptation to fraternize is simply not there.
3. Therapy attendance will be mandatory
Rehab isn’t just about detoxing and resting. You’ll be expected to talk about your problems in various therapy settings. If you are admitted into an inpatient drug rehab, you will be offered therapy sessions full-time. These will include one-on-one sessions where you will be able to talk about your life and learn how to prepare for the future. You’ll also be required to attend group therapy. You may be excused from certain sessions if there are special circumstances, such as being sick, but you will generally be required to go to all sessions while you are a patient.
4. You’ll have a bedtime while you are a patient
One of the rules of rehab is that you will be expected to adhere to a schedule. That includes going to bed at a certain time and getting up to eat breakfast with everyone else. You won’t be forced to get into bed, but you will be expected to stay in your bedroom quietly. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your therapist about it. He or she can likely have something prescribed for you while you are there to help you get a good night’s rest.
5. You have to hand over prescription medications
You’re probably aware that you will have to give any prescribed narcotics to the center once you become a patient. However, you may not realize that you will be expected to hand over all of your prescription medicines, narcotic or not. This includes sleeping aids, allergy medications, and any over-the-counter medicines you take. The rehab will hand out and monitor your pills for you. One reason this is done is so no one else can steal your medications while you are there.
6. Your bag will be searched before you are admitted
When you get to rehab, you will of course have luggage on you. This will be searched to make sure that you don’t have anything that isn’t permitted in the rehab. This includes drugs, alcohol, weapons, or other banned items. Some do try to sneak things in that they aren’t supposed to have, so this rule is in place for a reason. Remember, you will be given medication to help you through your withdrawal. You don’t have to sneak anything in. The rule isn’t there to discriminate against you personally.
When you are ready to take back control of your life, we are here to help. Contact us at 833-497-3812 to find out what we can do to help end your addiction.