5 Ways to Prepare for Alcohol Detox

You’ve already made the most difficult and the most important decision—You’re getting help!

Deciding to get treatment for your addiction is a monumental step that will make things so much better for you and for those who love you. Being prepared to enter rehab is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your treatment experience and come out equipped with the tools to stay healthy and sober.

Here are five ways to prepare for detox:

Take Care of Work Obligations
The Family and Medical Leave Act provides employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year while maintaining group health benefits during that time. This means you don’t have to worry about losing your job while you’re in detox, as long as you let your employer know that you’ll be missing work. You may be hesitant to mention your upcoming rehab stay to your employer, but anyone who appreciates you as an employee will want you to get better.

Take Care of Family Obligations
If you’re a caregiver to children, elderly parents or even your pets, now is the time to make sure these responsibilities will be taken care of while you’re away. You might ask family members or friends to assist you by looking after your children or pets or look into other temporary care options. It will help put your mind at ease to know those you love are in good hands while you’re away.

Tie Up Any Financial or Legal Loose Ends
Although you’re putting life on hold for a short time, bills and obligations continue. If you have bills that need to be paid while you’re in treatment, you’ll need to arrange for automatic payments or speak to someone you trust about making sure your bills get paid on time. Take this opportunity to confirm with your insurance carrier that everything is squared away to pay for your treatment. If you have any legal obligations, court dates or probation stipulations, be sure your time away for treatment is documented. You definitely don’t want to come home ready to tackle life, only to be confronted with financial or legal stresses.

Make Sure You Pack the Essentials–And Only the Essentials
It can be tempting to bring everything that reminds you of home but taking only the things you really need will help ensure you get the most out of your treatment. By sticking to the essentials, you will minimize outside distractions that can compromise your sobriety. While in rehab, your focus should be on yourself and on getting the most out of treatment you can, so leave any extras behind—it will all be there for you when you get back.

Spend Time with Family and Close Friends 
It’s important to make time for the important people in your life before leaving. Your family and close friends will inspire you to make the most of the treatment you will be receiving and reassure you of your decision to get help. Reach out and let these people know how grateful you are to have them in your life. Share why you’re entering rehab and what changes you expect to see in yourself when you return.