Rehabilitation programs vary according to the person enrolled and the severity of the drug abuse problem and history. While your specific program might have only a few of the restrictions and rules below, you can prepare to face any and all of the following rules during your rehabilitation period:
Strict scheduling
Adding structure to an addict’s day is a good way to keep their mind off of drugs and busy with the subject matter at hand. While it will not always be exciting to wake up and get on with a busy day, it will be a helpful part of recovery and a useful tool to continue using upon rehabilitation graduation.
Abstinence
This is given: those in rehabilitation programs are expected to abstain from all drugs and alcohol. While this rule is obvious in theory, it can pose difficulty in practice. The variety of drugs is huge, so it will require abstinence even from some prescribed medications.
No cell phones
Everyone wants to know whether or not you
can have a cell phone in rehab. In our modern time, a cell phone is basically an extension of each person, which is why it is the common prohibition in rehab.
However, restricting or limiting access to cell phones minimizes the ability to contact drug connections.
It negates the option to distract oneself from the problem with digital entertainment and keeps the patient from contacting friends who might be acting as enablers.
Limited activity/ mobility
Depending on your program, there will be restrictions on where you can go and when you can travel to and from program facilities. This keeps patients completely engaged in their recovery and present with fellow patients. You may wonder, can you check yourself out of rehab? Depending on your program and age, it is unlikely.
Staying on the facility grounds is imperative to complete the program. However, in some cases, patients will be allowed to check themselves out permanently and voluntarily. This is when it must be understood that family and friends cannot make an addict recover if he or she is not ready.
No digital entertainment
Digital entertainment provides an escape from reality.
In small doses during healthy times, it can add humor and positivity to life. During rehabilitation, it is distracting, and in some situations, it triggers emotional or physical reactions that contribute to feeding the addiction to a particular substance.
No relationships
Relationships do not foster an independent recovery in rehab and are not permitted during this time. This applies to relationships that might evolve in the program and to the relationships that exist outside of it (i.e. you cannot attend rehab as a couple).
While a relationship offers many positive benefits to a person’s life, we encourage rehabilitating an individual to conquer his or her addiction and get back to a safe life on his or her own. If you are wondering if you can you visit someone in rehab, the answer is yes as long as the visit and visitor are considered beneficial and not detrimental to your recovery process.
Session attendance
Rehab sessions will be scheduled much like school or summer camp. Activities and group sessions will plot the day to keep you busy, motivated, and constantly improving your health during rehabilitation. Many days, getting yourself to a session will not be on the top of your list of things you want to do, but it will be what gets you through recovery from addiction.
Why are rehab rules important?
Drug rehabilitation rules are a critical part of a program’s success. Rules demand a level of respect from patients and create the structure necessary to keep patients committed to each step of the way.
Are you looking for help?
United Recovery Project can assist you or your loved one overcome their drug addiction. Our residential program is fully equipped with competent staff. To learn more about our services and how we can help, reach out to our team today.
