If you have made the decision to enter treatment, you might feel unsure about what to do next. Rimrock understands that the time leading up to entering treatment can be difficult and confusing. Let this blog be your guide for what you should do to prepare for your stay. You can also view our interactive mobile app. Visit it here.
Traveling From Out of Town
Preparing for a treatment stay can be an especially different experience if you are traveling far from home. You have to prepare for an extended absence as well as make plans to travel to your destination. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re traveling from out of town.
- Purchase plane tickets or plan your driving route.
- Plan what time you will leave and make sure you arrive on time for any scheduled registration or orientation.
- Create a checklist with everything you’ll need to pack.
Packing
When you begin packing for your stay, it’s important to bring only the things you really need. This time should be focused on yourself and any “extra” unneeded items will be a distraction from that. Whatever you leave behind will be there when you return home! We have prepared packing lists to assist you in this process. (www.rimrock.org/what-to-pack/) In addition, here are a few things to remember:
- Immunization records
- Primary care provider information
- List of current medications
- Photo ID
- Weather appropriate clothing (the weather can change quickly in Montana!)
- Comfortable casual clothing
- Toiletries
- Optional room amenities, such as an alarm clock, that “special” pillow or blanket
Tie up Loose Ends
It’s important to tie up any loose ends you may have with work, family or financial obligations. Bringing stress from life outside will only make your recovery process more difficult. Remember, returning to a chaotic situation after treatment may make you more likely to relapse. Set up automatic payments for any bills and close any accounts you don’t want to pay for during your stay. If you have a spouse at home, make sure they have all necessary account information as well as passwords and important due dates.
Make sure you work with your employer regarding your stay. You can let them know that you will be gone without disclosing the reason for your absence. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, you are entitled to a maximum of 12 weeks of medical leave, so your job will be protected. Make sure you have a caregiver for elderly parents, children and even pets. This way you can focus on healing yourself during your stay at Rimrock.
Leaving family, friends, and children to enter treatment can add stress to your experience. You have no reason to be embarrassed for seeking help. If you feel comfortable doing so, let family and friends know that you are seeking help. Often they will be very supportive of you on your journey. Leaving young children behind can be even more difficult. While you don’t need to explain the entire situation to your children, it can be helpful to tell them you are sick and going to see a doctor in order to get well. Allowing them to ask questions will help them to understand in their own way.
Other loose ends may include sorting through any legal troubles. Make sure you speak with your attorney if you need legal approval before leaving. Take care of any appointments to appear in court and update your probation officer if needed.
Preparing Yourself
Preparing yourself mentally and physically for your stay at Rimrock is important if you hope to achieve a positive outcome. While you’ll feel like there are too many things to accomplish before you enter treatment, it’s important to prioritize time with family and friends. This will help put your own mind at ease, and your friends and family may inspire you to make the most of your stay with us and reassure you of your decision.
Another way to help prepare yourself mentally for your treatment experience is to begin to write down your feelings and emotions. During treatment, you will have a recovery journal that you will use each day as a tool to help you achieve certain goals. If you can get in the habit of journaling before you enter the program, it will make this process easier and more productive during your stay. Who knows, you may even find a new hobby.
Finally, take some time to relax and collect your thoughts. Seeking treatment is a very difficult decision to make, but it is an important step in changing your behavior. Take some time for yourself. Go on a hike, meditate, ride your bike, read a book or whatever helps you relax. Clearing your thoughts, and making sure you are in the right frame of mind before entering treatment, will improve your chances for a healthy recovery.
If you’re ready to enter treatment, our licensed addiction counselors are available to answer questions and address concerns about yourself or a loved one.
Our Admissions Department can be reached at the following phone numbers: 406-248-3175 or 800-227-3953. Normal admission hours are between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. However, we do have staff available anytime to take your call. Contact us today to begin your journey towards recovery.
Rimrock
1231 North 29th Street Billings, MT 59101
406.248.3175
