6 Tips for Preparing to Enter an Addiction Treatment Program

Admitting that you have a problem with drugs and alcohol that you can't solve yourself is a tough proposition for most people. Surrender is never easy. But once you've arrived at this point, finding the right addiction treatment program is absolutely crucial. Here are 6 tips to aid you in the process of preparing for treatment.

Research Facilities

Drug and alcohol treatment isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. There are many different kinds of treatment centers, and not all of them will suit your specific needs. Some facilities will only focus on helping you overcome your addiction, while others are better suited for those with a dual diagnosis. You will need to complete your own research both on your own and with the help of your doctor and loved ones to decide what treatment and what facility will be best for you.

You can learn a lot about different facilities online, but you will eventually have to speak to someone at a facility and take a tour if you really want to be sure that it's right for you.

Does The Treatment Center Offer Holistic Therapy?

One thing that separates a great treatment center from an average treatment center is the range and quality of their holistic therapy services. Holistic therapy has been found to be beneficial in treating addiction. Top centers will provide on site services for some or all of the following:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Chiropractic
• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Massage
• Equine Therapy

This substantially increases the cost to the treatment center, but if they are fully committed to giving you the best chance at recovery it will be part of their program.

Speak to Your Friends and Family

Few people can overcome an addiction to drugs and alcohol on their own. They will need the help of their friends and family, even if they will be spending much of their time in a treatment center for the next month or so. Not only will you need their moral support while you go through treatment, you may need them to sit in on family therapy sessions if that is what your treatment will entail. It's best to get them all on board with that before you begin treatment. The last thing you want is for them to not be able to help you because you waited until the last minute to ask them.

Speak With Your Employer

Entering treatment will almost certainly mean missing work for a while. That can be stressful for a few reasons. First of all, you won't be around at work to perform your regular duties, which could put a strain on your employer. Second of all, there's the matter of a loss of income. Depending on where you work and what your employer's policies are, you might be able to get by on worker's compensation, but that isn't always a guarantee. Another options for professionals seeking treatment is the 

In any event, it's important that you speak to your employer before you begin your treatment. Most employers are understanding enough to allow time off for medical reasons, and they usually have plans in place to cover for their absent employees. Having a conversation about your treatment may seem stressful, but avoiding the issue can lead to all sorts of problems and drastically complicate matters for you.

If missing work simply isn't an option, the best course of action is to find a center that offers specialized treatment for professionals. Professionals programs are typically provided on an outpatient basis, which gives you a great deal more flexibility in terms of being able to meet your professional obligations. However, depending on the severity of your addiction and the dynamics of your living situation, a residential treatment program may need to be the first step in your recovery journey.

Find Something You Can Bring from Home

A great way to make your stay at a treatment facility easier is to bring something from home to help you relax. This can be anything from a favorite blanket to a book that you enjoy to something that allows you to engage in your favorite hobby. Different treatment centers have different rules about what people can and cannot bring from outside, so make sure you do plenty of research to find out what is allowed.

Keep an Open Mind

Undergoing treatment for addiction is more than just overcoming a physical dependence to a substance. You are expected to make major changes in your life and confront some harsh truths about yourself. It will be difficult on many levels, so it's very important that you keep an open mind about what you will experience. As difficult as your experience may be at the time, know that the staff and your family are all trying to help you. Trust them, and in time things will get better.

Taking Action

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, a great place to start your search for the right treatment center is to use SAMHSA's online treatment locator. Another option is to call SAMSHA's 24/7 free help line at 1-800-662-4357.