When you are considering entering a rehab center because you recognize that things have begun to spin out of control due to an addiction, you might naturally have a number of questions. For instance, you might wonder how strict the rules are in long term rehab. It should be kept in mind that the goal of attending a long-term rehab is to help you or your loved one get sober and develop the skills necessary to maintain that sobriety even after you leave treatment. For this reason, there are certain rules that you will need to adhere to while you are in treatment. Those rules are designed to help you focus on your treatment and put destructive behaviors behind you so that you will have the best chances possible for sustained recovery.
The specific rules you will need to follow will likely vary according to the long-term rehab facility you attend. With that said, there are typically basic rules that clients can be expected to follow in most such facilities. Your ability to follow these rules will make a significant difference in improving your chances of maintaining your recovery.
What Rules Should You Expect in Long-Term Rehab?
If you or someone you care about is ready to enter a long-term rehab center, you should know that most of the rules in rehab facilities are put in place to discourage any type of behavior that might be a detriment to your recovery. First and foremost, you will be expected to refrain from using any type of drug or alcohol while you are in treatment. In the event that you require medication, experienced staff at the facility will provide doses to you. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to retain any type of medication or drug in your possession. This includes over-the-counter medications. Furthermore, you will not be allowed to maintain possession of any type of product that might contain potentially harmful substances, including mouthwash that contains alcohol.
There are also restrictions regarding any type of activity that might detract your attention from therapy and recovery. This includes limiting the amount of television you are able to watch. You will also be restricted from using smartphones and other devices that might discourage you from giving your full attention to therapy. While telephones may be available at the rehab facility, your access to the telephones may be restricted and limited to only certain times. During your time in rehab, you should expect to attend:
• Therapy sessions
• Nutritional counseling
• Cognitive behavioral counseling
Rules Regarding Visitors and Relationships in Long-Term Rehab
While you are attending long-term rehab, you should also be aware that you will not be allowed to engage in any relationship of a romantic nature with other clients. Although it is completely understandable that you may form friendships with other clients while you are going through treatment, romantic relationships are discouraged and could even be the basis for being dismissed from treatment.
It is crucial that you be able to give your full attention to your treatment and recovery. You may be allowed to receive visitors while you are in treatment, but visitation hours are typically limited. Additionally, you should be aware that you will not be able to come and go from the facility as you please.
Rules Regarding Schedules in Long-Term Rehab
Long-term rehab facilities also typically institute rules regarding the daily schedules of clients. The structure is critically important to the rehabilitation process. For this reason, it is vital that you learn to develop and stick to schedules. In order to assist you with this, the facility will likely have rules in place regarding when you get up in the morning, when you attend therapy when you eat, and even when you go to bed. While such rules might seem to be quite strict, try to keep in mind that they are intended for your benefit. If you have not been accustomed to following a schedule in the past, you might find this phase of treatment challenging, but over time you may also come to find that a schedule is actually quite comforting.
If you or someone you care about has been struggling with addiction for a long time and you are ready to finally say goodbye to substance abuse, we are here to help. At our Southwest Florida treatment facility, we help clients in all stages of addiction, including those struggling with long-term addiction. Call us today at 844-903-2111 to learn more about what to expect from rehab.