What’s it like in a #drug and #alcohol #rehab? What is recovery? #advicefromdrugandalcoholcaseworker #aod #recovery

The people who do best in rehabs are those who don’t get involved with drama, and talk openly with staff if they feel there is a problem.

You can see recovery behaviour very easily. It’s often pro social in nature, and authentic, pro-self care and pro seeking help. Even strong, opinionated personalities who act authentically but put people offside, tend to do well. I’ve seen behaviour & coping changes in 2-3 weeks.

Rehab is hard, but it’s also the best way to stay sober. It’s a controlled environment. And yeah, it’s not like home. There are strict rules, it can feel unfair, and staff can make mistakes. The hard rules are for the one or two members who occasionally do the wrong thing.

Rehab is a controlled environment intended to minimise your exposure to triggers and drugs. But you’re in there with people who are impulsive and struggling with lifelong trauma. Once the drugs are gone, that trauma comes out. Don’t be afraid. Do rehab, but lean on the staff.

And don’t go to rehab thinking it’s like normal society, it’s a place where your coping will be tested just by being in such close proximity with other people who may have hit rock bottom, or think they have. Who are often distressed. You’re there for you, not them.