One of the most important things to remember when you go to a rehab facility is that the first days and weeks of addiction treatment are the most difficult. Experts say that it gets a lot easier for most patients after one to two weeks.
There is a turning point at this time that allows the individual to begin to focus on their long-term goals.
By this time, drug and alcohol detox has been well underway, and most of the residue from substance abuse has left your body. Because of that, cravings will greatly diminish.Keep this in mind when you are trying to get through that tough initial period of a rehab program.
There will be bumps in the future, but recovery from substance abuse does get much easier over time. By quitting in the first few days of addiction treatment, you are robbing yourself of the opportunity to change your life.
Keeping your mind directed toward your future goals will help you to carry on through the first couple of weeks. Don’t dwell on how much you hate being at the rehab center and how much you want drugs or alcohol.
Instead, remind yourself of the reasons why you decided to come there. Think of the benefits that a life free from substance abuse will give you. Focus on what you hope to accomplish and how it will make you a better parent, spouse, or friend to the important people in your life. Find ways to keep yourself occupied, and take the process of recovery one hour or one moment at a time, if necessary. Get support from the staff at your rehab center and the other patients there. Don’t allow yourself the option of giving up when a major turning point is probably right around the corner.
