Once you make the decision to enter rehab, you will be given the opportunity to un-learn old habits and begin anew in your relations with the world. Hopefully, your friends and family are going to back you up once you’ve made it through rehabilitation but the biggest responsibility belongs to you.

Rehab can be made more effective by engaging in comprehensive preparation. After all, a big-league baseball player doesn’t go up to bat without training and practice, and a professional football player always warms up before a game. They do this because they’re aware that what they are about to undertake is not easy and must be treated seriously. The same is true with your decision to enter rehab. You must take every reasonable step you can to ensure your success, because this is truly important and failure should not be an option.

So here are ten tips that will help you to prepare and give you the highest probability of being successful

1. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

You’re not heading off for a vacation. But one of the better points of rehab is that it can work despite your initial reluctance. You have to be there for it to work so actually going to rehab, despite rationalizations, begins the path to recovery.

2. ATTEND TO THE INCIDENTALS

Somebody has to tend to your pets while you’re gone, and hopefully friends or family will do it. However, don’t allow this to be a deal-breaker. If you can’t get someone to handle the care of your pets while you’re gone you must put them into a kennel, or hire someone. Don’t be deterred from your endeavor by mundane distractions that can be solved.

3. PUT IT DOWN NOW

Whatever habit or addiction that you are going to be addressing through rehab must stop NOW. If you go on a binge you’re only making it more difficult for your rehab to succeed.

4. PREPARE YOURSELF TO TRUST THE STAFF

They’re trained to help you to succeed and they will work hard to accomplish this while you’re there. You won’t outsmart or fool them so resign yourself to following their instructions.

5. BE REALISTIC AND DILIGENT ABOUT BILLS

The world won’t stop because you’re in rehab. Bills accumulate and must be paid so try to “pay forward” as many bills as possible. This would include utilities and membership fees. By handling these expenses ahead of time you’ll come home to a less complicated environment.

6. BE HONEST WITH YOUR EMPLOYER

Resist the temptation to say that you’re just going off on vacation because the fact is your employer may find out somewhere down the line, anyway. There are laws put in place to protect your employment when you attend a rehab facility.  Being honest with your employer shows that you’re being honest with yourself.

7. DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Pack clothes that will be appropriate for outdoor activities, should the opportunity arise. Often being active during rehab is an important component of the cure.

8. BE READY TO LEAVE THE WORLD OUTSIDE

You won’t be checking your email and phone every fifteen minutes in rehab. Part of the lesson you will learn during treatment is that the world will continue to turn while you are healing. Resolve to let it turn.

9. MEDITATE

If you used to meditate a long time ago or you learned yoga during your pre-addiction days, this is an excellent time to reawaken those skills. Being able to still yourself and focus your attention on your goal will be a welcome tool to help you emerge whole and healthy.

10. REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE DOING THE RIGHT THING

There is little doubt that you will go through some emotional times, but you must persevere by reminding yourself that when you emerge from rehab, your life can once again be your own. That makes it well worth it.
Despite the apprehensions you may be feeling, this is a journey you can take and complete. Do whatever you can to put the odds of success in your favor by tending to all of the loose ends ahead of time, so that when you emerge successfully you may begin your new life.

Be diligent and succeed!