If you've realized that binge drinking is taking a toll on your life, you may have decided to enroll in an addiction treatment center that has proven to be effective for people who have gone through the same types of setbacks as you. You may feel apprehensive as your admission day draws closer. Use some preparation strategies to assist with the transition.
Remove Yourself From Your Current Situation
Feelings of doom and gloom may be encountered as an addiction begins to demonstrate the negativity that it has brought to your life. If you are currently living alone and are surrounded by triggers that often result in you heading to a local convenience store to pick up a case of beer, you will be doing yourself a favor by leaving your current surroundings and staying with people who have a positive mindset.
Some treatment facilities conduct an entry assessment and this may take several days to complete. In addition, there will be limited beds in a facility and this could delay your admission into the center. If your family is receptive to the thought of you seeking help for your addiction or if you have a close friend who you can rely upon, request to stay with one of them during this time.
You may even be able to gain some much-needed help through the person who you choose to stay with, including assistance with packing up your home or temporarily storing your belongings while you are an active participant in a treatment program.
Prepare Your Clothing And Other Essentials And Attend Meetings
During an evaluation that will determine your eligibility to enter a treatment center, you will be furnished with a list of essential items and allowable possessions that you can bring along with you. During the days leading up to your admission, keep your mind off of drinking by focusing on what you will need to get through a treatment program.
Knowing that you have clean, folded clothing, plenty of toiletries, a journal, reading materials, and other essentials ready to bring into the center will give you a sense of purpose and will make you feel more comfortable about your living transition.
It is also a good time to begin branching out and attending alcoholics anonymous meetings. While in treatment, you will attend many meetings. By knowing what to expect, you may be more comfortable with this new activity. Seek meetings in town. During each one, you will have the opportunity to meet fellow alcoholics and these people may become an integral part of your social circle, both before entering treatment and upon the completion of a treatment program.
For more information, reach out to an addiction treatment center near you.
