Before you decide whether you should go to rehab or not, you first need to address your relationship with alcohol and drugs. Are you binge drinking, or constantly consuming high volumes? Are you hiding how much you drink and use to your friends and family? Have you ever gone to work hungover, or actually drunk? Do you think you need substances to get through your day? If you answered yes to some of these questions then you may need alcohol or drug rehab.
It can be hard to figure out whether you are addicted to alcohol or drugs, or if you just indulge in social activity too often. It can be helpful to get the opinion of your family and friends with this matter. Keep in mind, some friends may look past this as they like to keep their ‘drinking buddies’ – they could have issues of their own with alcohol and drugs. Also, if you have been hiding your use, your loved ones may not know the extent. It is always worth speaking to your GP for their opinion too.
Carry Out a Self-Assessment
If you are still undecided about your relationship with substances, you can complete the assessment we have below to make things more clear for you. You can take this to your doctors or rehab when you are making an enquiry. If you answer yes to 3 or more, then the likelihood is that you need help.
- Can you drink any time of day, regardless of the situation?
- Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or drugs?
- Do your withdrawal symptoms disappear when you use?
- Have you ever hidden how much you drink and use from your family or friends?
- Is your habits getting you into financial issues?
- Has anyone close to you ever told you that you drink too much?
- Do you think that your habits are spiralling out of control?
- Have you ever thought about going to rehab for your addiction?
What should I expect from rehab?
Feeling scared or overwhelmed about going to rehab is very normal. When you first arrive, you will be thoroughly assessed so they know your needs and requirements. You need to be open and honest about how you feel so that they best understand you and your mental struggles. You will be in the right, safe hands.
You are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, but you will be monitored by doctors who are experienced and prepared to give you the best care. You will have meetings with therapists who will help you to understand why you have addiction. You need to be ready to succeed if you want to live a life that is free from addiction.
Rehab can be a very expensive process – so you must be ready to use it as well as you can. Most centres cost around £600 a week, and more luxurious places can be up to £1,000 a day. If you are spending this much, it needs to be for the right reasons, and motivation is required.
