10 Things to Avoid While in Rehab

Choosing the right rehab facility for addiction recovery is very important. Familiarizing yourself with what to expect while in rehab will help make the process go easier. You should also be made aware of what part you play in your recovery process. By setting clear goals for yourself, you will always have something to focus on as you take your journey toward a healthier future. There are also things you should not do while recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Below is a list of 10 things to avoid while in rehab:

  1. Non-certified Treatment Programs
    A rehab may offer an elegant atmosphere with many amenities, but you should be looking for what is important. Is the rehab State Certified with the appropriate licensing and does it offer quality of care for its patients? Are the treatment programs proven to be effective? Does the staff consist of licensed medical professionals? Avoid any non-certified facility and/or programs.
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  3. Avoid an Unhealthy Environment
    Is the establishment clean and is the atmosphere peaceful? Is the staff friendly and do you feel comfortable talking to them? Are the sleeping quarters and restrooms clean and adequately supplied with the necessities?
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  5. Balanced and Nutritious Meals
    Does the facility offer nutritious meals and snacks or are they serving unhealthy food? Most addicts are malnourished, and being on a balanced, nutritious diet is essential to building up both the body and mind. Avoid a lot of processed foods, sugary snacks, fried foods and junk food. Select only natural, organic food and eat raw food whenever you can.
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  7. Stress
    Stress can be a trigger to slip back into relapse. Some daily stress is normal, but when situations or people get out of hand, an addict can feel overwhelmed. Learning how to handle stress without drugs or alcohol is a very important part of recovery. If an addict feels stressed, they should talk with their therapist or a trusted friend immediately and should also engage in relapse prevention techniques that they learned while in rehab.
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  9. Avoid Triggers
    You should avoid any people he formerly did drugs or drank alcohol with. Also avoid other rehab patients who continuously dwell on using drugs or alcohol. Do not allow your own mind to entertain any thoughts of using drugs or alcohol. Avoid any familiar thoughts that remind you of when you were using.  Only focus on getting well and maintaining sobriety.
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  11. Toxic Thinking
    As a recovering addict, you can have many thoughts that make you feel sad, shameful, angry, remorseful, guilty, etc. Focusing on negative thoughts can lead to depression and relapse. Cognitive behavior therapy teaches recovering addicts how to change negative thought patterns into healthy, constructive ones. Your thoughts direct your behavior, which affects your life, so choose the right kind of thoughts to be happy and successful.
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  13. Avoid Worry
    Worrying never solves anything. All it does is increase stress and make a person feel miserable. Being fearful causes worry and that causes stress. If there is a problem that needs an answer, you should try to figure it out yourself or get help.
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  15. Avoid Romantic Involvement
    Getting romantically involved with another patient while in rehab is not a good idea. Both addicts are still highly vulnerable and emotionally unstable. Rehab is a time for you to be focusing on yourself and getting well.
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  17. Avoid Gossip and Drama
    You will be living among other recovering drug addicts and alcoholics who will all be feeling emotionally vulnerable at times. Avoid conflict with others and don’t engage in gossip.
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  19. Avoid Over-achieving
    Being over-enthusiastic about recovery may cause you to set unrealistic goals for your. It is better to take one day at a time in order to avoid being overwhelmed or stressed.

 
The rehab facility you choose should have proven effective methods of treatment to ensure that you will succeed in your recovery. A medically supervised detoxification process will ensure that you are monitored and treated for any adverse reactions while in withdrawal. Being weaned off of certain substances can be life-threatening and you want to choose a facility that is accredited and prepared to handle any emergency should it arise. You should also receive psychological and behavioral therapy, which are vital to a successful drug treatment program. In some cases, you may receive medications to treat physical and psychological problems. While in rehab, you should also be developing new skills to assist you in fending off cravings, temptations, triggers and strong emotions. All these things have a necessary role in the rehabilitation process and are essential to success.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.