How to Prepare for Visiting Your Friend in a Rehab Center

It can be difficult to know how you should prepare to visit someone in a rehab center, especially if this is a completely new experience for you. However, you can help your loved one immensely by visiting them and showing your support. If you are still looking for a beneficial rehab program for your friend or loved one, call 800-256-3490 now.

Know Before You Go: You Can Make a Difference

Bring your loved one a gift to show you’re proud of them for seeking help.

Many people believe that they can’t do anything themselves to help a friend or family member work through their addiction while they are in treatment, but this is simply untrue. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Family and friends can play critical roles in motivating individuals with drug problems to enter and stay in treatment.”

This involvement can also extend the benefits of someone’s treatment program. Therefore, it is important to do what you can to help someone by getting involved. This can be as simple as making a few visits while your loved one is in rehab.

Knowing Your Loved One’s Treatment Center

As also stated by the NIDA, “Long-term residential treatment provides care 24 hours a day, generally in non-hospital settings.” These are the rehab programs where patients are most likely to receive visitors.

However, those staying in short-term residential rehab centers can also benefit from visits from loved ones, and those who choose outpatient care might actually ask a friend or family member to go with them on certain days so they can both benefit from this option.

One of the best ways to get prepared before you visit someone in treatment is to find out not only what type of program your friend or family member is in but what the facility’s policies are on visiting. Perhaps visiting hours are every day or only once a week; sometimes, friends must come with a family member of the patient in order to be able to visit.

Every rehab center has its own rules, so call beforehand to make sure you understand what the program will allow.

Leading Loved Ones into a Sober Life: Dos and Don’ts

Do’s and Don’ts

There are certain things you should be aware of when visiting someone in treatment and how to do so in a way that is conducive to both their––and your––healing process.

• Don’t bring up issues, past pain, or drama with your friend or loved one, unless you are in a family or couples’ therapy session and are being asked to do so. According to the NIDA, “When a person has a drug problem, they have a disease that can hurt the family,” and although you have likely been hurt by this issue, it is best to focus on the positives when just visiting and to leave these conversations for the times when you are both able to discuss them in the presence of a counselor or therapist.
• Do talk to your friend’s treatment center staff. Getting to know their doctors, nurses, and counselors can allow you to get an idea of what things are like for them in treatment.
• Do plan activities to do together. Sometimes, just sitting and talking can be a heavy task, especially with all the issues you are both experiencing. Many rehab centers offer activities that family members and friends can perform with patients, and it can’t hurt to ask about these before your visit.
• Do consider bringing a gift for your loved one, so they will feel rewarded for seeking help, accomplished in the progress they’ve made thus far, and shown that you are proud of what they have done.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about the future. This can help your loved one feel more optimistic for the things they will experience after their rehab program is over. This can also help them work hard to create a stronger recovery, as they will be excited for the positive things to come.

Remember always to let your loved one know how much you care about them and support their decision to seek help. Your support will provide them with so much hope and strength during their rehab stay.

Do You Need to Find Treatment for Your Friend?

Call 800-256-3490 now and let us help you find the appropriate treatment option for your friend or family member. We can match them with the best program for their specific needs and help you lead them toward a better, safer, happier future.