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Battling drug or alcohol addiction can have a major negative impact on your life and relationships. Then, one day, a medical specialist refers you to a treatment center, a judge orders you to rehab, a loved one threatens to cut ties, or you’ve just truly had enough, and you finally take that first step to getting help. No matter how you get there, making the decision to start rehab is a momentous one that you should be proud of.

If this is your first time starting rehab, we understand how scary it may feel. Perhaps your only references about rehab are what you see on TV or what you hear in passing from a family member in rehab as well. However, think about starting rehab the same way you felt when you started something new, such as getting on a plane for the first time or starting a new job; the fear of the unknown can make you hesitant when going out of your comfort zone, but you eventually adjust and move forward. Rehab is no different, as it’s just another new experience that’ll help you in the long run.

But how can you know what’s the best rehab for first timers like yourself? Master Center is staffed with many types of addiction specialists, including counselors, therapists, recovery coaches, and medical providers with years of experience in the addiction field, and they all have seen first-time rehab attendees who share this concern. These experts have provided their insight into finding the best rehab for first timers so you can feel confident and secure in starting your journey.

Remember that it’s important to consult with a medical provider, doctor, or addiction therapist or specialist before finding a rehab center, but knowing what contributes to their decision can best help you be prepared for your first time in rehab. This knowledge will better equip you to be prepared for what rehab has to offer, relieve your nerves, and be successful wherever you go.

Finding the Best Rehab for First Timers Involves 3 Things

Specialists agree that there’s no “right” rehab for first timers, as it depends on what a medical provider or therapist recommends after an assessment. Still, it’s important to know what medical professionals consider when assessing the best rehab for you. They’ll also go over all your rehab options, so you can feel more comfortable when starting anew.

1. Addiction Severity Impacts Rehab Type

Medical providers assess addiction severity when finding the best rehab for you. This includes the length of drug or alcohol use and the frequency of usage. Severity is typically measured by the presence of physical dependence and how intensely it affects your daily life.

Based on these criteria, care can be either inpatient (where you stay at the rehab center) or outpatient (where you live your day-to-day life while in rehab), and it depends on a medical provider’s assessment. For instance, do you experience symptoms of withdrawal when you stop using? Are you on the verge of losing basic needs like food and housing? Do you have any other mental health issues or disorders?

This information is particularly important when finding the best rehab for first timers, as it indicates the level of care you may need.

2. Your Level of Motivation Determines Your Success

Putting the addiction itself aside, the best rehab for first timers also depends on your individual motivation for success. This means being honest with yourself and asking what type of environment you need to be most successful.

Does a structured environment keep you motivated, or do you need to be physically removed from triggers temporarily to get on track? If so, inpatient rehab may be recommended. Or maybe you need support from various sources, like support groups or Recovery Coaches; if that’s the case, then outpatient may be a better recommendation.

When consulting with a specialist, be sure to know the factors that influence your motivation, especially when starting rehab for the first time.

3. Comfort Levels & Limits Are Important

Lastly, it’s crucial to express your comfort levels and limitations during a consultation. A medical provider can give their recommendations, but it also comes down to what you feel comfortable doing. Are you comfortable taking medication for detox? Are you open to medication in your treatment program? Will you feel okay in a group setting for therapy? Do you feel safe continuing your day-to-day activities, or do you think residential would be preferable?

This also includes what you’re physically able to do. For instance, do you have reliable transportation to a rehab center, or is telehealth more accessible? Do you have any physical limitations that prevent you from getting any medication or being in group settings?

Be sure to express these preferences and limitations during your initial consultation appointment, especially when going to rehab for the first time.

First-Time Rehab Best Practices

Starting rehab is an amazing achievement, and there are ways to get the most out of your experience. Our specialists have identified some do’s, don’ts, and tips for success in rehab for the first time.

First-Time Rehab Do’s and Don’ts

When starting rehab, some things you should do that will best help you:

• Do accept mistakes and know that they’re normal; one of the truths about addiction is that mistakes happen, but remember that it doesn’t negate all your success.

• Do attend all your appointments and follow the medical guidance provided.

• Do try to remain positive, even during the harder moments.

• Do stick with your program. The longer you stay in rehab, the better your chances of long-term success will be.

Some things to avoid when starting rehab:

• Don’t be dishonest with your medical provider, coach, counselor, and therapist.

• Don’t be hard on yourself when slip-ups happen or nerves set in. You’re 5x more likely to achieve recovery when you stick with rehab, so don’t let mistakes or nerves keep you from achieving your goals.

• Don’t compare yourself to other people, especially in early recovery. Like embarking on a fitness journey, everyone starts somewhere, so avoid comparing yourself to someone else’s success.

• Don’t undermine your successes. Celebrate all your victories, whether that’s detoxing, being 1 month sober, or repairing a relationship with someone. No success is too small.

6 Tips for Success When Starting Rehab

Many of our staff work with patients who are starting rehab for the first time, and they’ve offered these pieces of advice:

1. Be accepting of change, rather than resistant, as uncomfortable as it can be.

2. Remember that you’re here for a reason, so always go back to the “why” behind your journey.

3. You always have a voice in your treatment, so feel empowered to speak up.

4. Be accepting of prior experiences affecting your addiction (trauma, other mental health issues, triggers, etc.).

5. Take advantage of everything the rehab center has to offer, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Be open to that new support group, try talking to your Recovery Coach, or pick up that exercise class at the facility; you never know what may work unless you try.

6. Don’t give up when the warning signs of relapse arise, an episode happens, or doubt sets in; this is a normal part of the recovery process, and it’s not a make-or-break moment.

Getting Started with Rehab for the First Time

We understand the fear that comes with starting rehab for the first time; not knowing what to expect, wanting to be successful, and worrying about choosing the “wrong” facility are legitimate causes of concern. But, although there’s no exact best rehab for first timers, taking that step towards getting help is a major milestone in reclaiming your life from addiction. Only 1 in 10 people with an addiction actually get help, so be proud of yourself for making that change.

Using this advice as guidance and consulting with a certified medical provider are great ways to feel more confident and prepared for rehab, ultimately leading to a greater chance of success.

With Master Center, you can get a consultation with no strings attached with a trained addiction specialist who will help you decide, and you can choose to stay or leave. So, if you’re ready to take that first step to recovery, call us for a consultation appointment with an expert medical provider to get started as soon as today.

About Master Center

Master Center is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.