If you have made the difficult decision to commit to a drug or alcohol detox program, the next step is to think about how to be best prepared. Especially if you are entering detox in Florida for the first time, you might not know what to expect.
The admissions team at Harmony Hills will help you feel prepared by thoroughly explaining the intake process, continuum of care, stages of addiction recovery, and what to expect from your individualized treatment plan. All of this will occur before you even walk through the door. Learn more about how to prepare by calling a treatment specialist at 855.494.0357.
Steps to Preparing for Detox
As you prepare for detox and subsequent treatment, it is normal to feel stressed and worried about handling personal responsibilities and family obligations. The more thorough you are in dealing with these matters before you leave, the better off you’ll be when you return home. With this in mind, some of the preparations you should make include:
Tend to Work and Family Obligations
Your instinct might be to feel hesitant about informing your employer that you are going to detox. Chances are they might be aware of the need and will appreciate your wanting to get better. The Family and Medical Leave Act entitles you to up to 12 weeks of medical leave, so your job should be secure while you are in treatment. Now is also the time to make any necessary arrangements for pets, children, or anyone else under your care. Knowing that your loved ones are in good hands will help you stay focused on your treatment.
Take Care of Financial and Legal Responsibilities
Coming home from detox and rehab only to face financial or legal problems will likely lead to a quick relapse. Set up autopay for your bills, or ask a trusted friend or family member to pay them while you are in treatment. If you have legal issues, let the courts know that you are entering treatment and have documented proof that you informed them.
Take Time to Relax and Enjoy Time with Friends and Family
Choosing to address your addiction is the ultimate form of self-care, but it will take hard work. Before you go, take time to enjoy whatever it is that relaxes you. Above all else, take time to spend time with the friends and family who support you and your decision to seek treatment.
Only Pack the Essentials
Most detox and substance abuse treatment centers have strict rules about what you can bring with you and what you can wear while in treatment. Be sure you pay attention to the recommended checklist as you pack to avoid bringing prohibited items. The following is a general guideline for what you should pack:
- Current prescription medications in their original bottles
- Insurance card, prescription card, photo ID
- Checkbook or credit card and a small amount of cash ($50-$100)
- One or two weeks worth of comfortable, appropriate clothing, including a bathing suit
- 30 days worth of toiletries that do not contain any alcohol
- Contact information for your doctor, attorney, HR contact, emergency contact
- Appropriate reading material and a journal to write in
While you will not have access to it during treatment, you should bring your cell phone. There is no internet access, but a device like an MP3 player can listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. If you smoke or vape, you can only bring sealed, unopened packs.
Items that are not permitted include weapons, drugs, alcohol, computers, laptops, aerosol products, mouthwash, valuables like jewelry, food, perfume, inappropriate reading material, and clothing that is provocative, inappropriate, or displays derogatory or drug-related images or language.
Start Your Recovery Journey with Detox at Harmony Hills
If you seek reliable, compassionate, medically supervised drug or alcohol detox in Florida, contact Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357. Every day, we are available around the clock to help you or your loved one take the first step toward a lifetime of recovery.
