You’ve made an important first step to changing your life. You’ve decided that it’s time to get sober. Congratulations! Now you are probably busy contemplating how you are going to get to sober.
First things first; you only need to think about the next 24 hours. Your next decision should include what treatment facility or professional help you are going to seek out to get sober. You may think that you can take this journey alone, that you have enough willpower to get sober without professional help.
I’m here to assure you that path rarely works and brings more pain than needed.
The Dangers of Detoxing by Yourself
It is a noble thing to want to get sober on your own. It shows your determination and desire, but you are walking on dangerous ground. Depending what your current health state is, what type of addiction you have and how long you’ve been addicted, you could face serious withdrawal complications you aren’t prepared for.
With the help of a qualified detox center, you don’t have to suffer from this alone. These uncomfortable symptoms are easily treated. Some of these symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Digestive troubles
- Heart palpitations
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pains
- Shaking
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Death
Fooling Yourself into Thinking You Don’t Need Rehab
For many people, the addiction has convinced you of lies for years on end. Getting sober doesn’t stop those lies. In fact, one of the most common lies an addict tells themselves is that they don’t need rehab. They believe they are mentally prepared to handle the addiction alone.
This is just yet another lie to keep you trapped and addicted. Getting sober alone does not offer you the best chance of success. Let’s take a look at some of the lies you’ve told yourself recently:
- I am different.
- Rehab is going to steal my life.
- Treatment is boring.
- I only drink beer, so I’m not really an addict.
- I just have to learn to control my behaviors and I’ll be fine.
- If I just quit for a little, I’ll be able to get my life back in order and be “normal” again.
These are all dangerous thoughts and are addiction’s way of manipulating you. As long as you believe these things, your chance of getting sober is slim.
Dry Drunk
Have you ever heard the term, “dry drunk?” It’s given to people that quit drinking but never get the help they need to change their behaviors. It’s what happens to many people that don’t seek out recovery. Here are some signs of a dry drunk:
- Building resentment toward family or friends
- Depression, fear of relapse and anxiety
- Negativity and anger about recovery
- Jealousy toward people who don’t have an addiction
- Self-obsession
- Romanticizing about the days when they drank
- Replacing the old addiction with something new like pornography, food or work
Without a solid recovery program, this is what happens to many people that just “quit” drinking or using drugs. They continue to bring havoc to their families and relationships. There is an old saying, “nothing changes if nothing changes.” That’s fitting for a dry drunk.
Just because you take away the substance doesn’t mean anything changes.
Focusing on the Moment
What’s important right now is focusing on the moment. Chances are, you’ve probably tried to quit on your own before. Or, maybe you’ve been to rehab and it didn’t work for you.
It takes what it takes, and there is no better time than right now.
You need to understand that the staff at quality rehab centers are ready to accept you just the way you are. In fact, they prefer it. Don’t try to get sober before heading to rehab; just get there!
In fact, the place to be when you begin withdrawal is at the treatment facility. Then, you’ll know that you are in good hands with a team of professionals who can help you get through this tough time.
The best way to end your addiction is to walk through those doors of a treatment center and be willing to admit that you need help.
What Will Happen in Rehab?
Part of the reason you might not want to head to rehab is that you aren’t sure what to expect. This is a normal fear so let us help you walk through the process so you can see there is nothing to fear.
Intake Process
When you first arrive, you are 
going to head to the intake. There will be a lot of questions geared to help the team create a treatment plan for your specific needs. You have the chance to ask as many questions as you want to, so don’t be shy.
During this time, you’ll receive a physical to access your wellness. If you need detox, that will be your next step. Otherwise, you’ll head right to the treatment program.
Looking Through Your Things
Once you’ve been through the intake, your belongings will be searched. This is an important step needed to keep you and the other residents safe. If you don’t want to lose anything precious to you, be sure you keep those items at home. That can include:
- Jewelry
- Makeup
- Large denominations of cash
- Bed linens; pillows; towels
- Musical instruments
- Revealing clothing; clothing that promotes drugs & alcohol
- Electronic devices
Every rehab facility has specific items that are completely prohibited. Some things could include:
- Drugs or alcohol
- Pornography
- Weapons
- Food or drink
- Mouthwash
- Soaps, Shampoo, and perfume
- Narcotic medications
Once you’ve been through the intake process and unpacked your belongings, you’ll be able to join in with others and get to know the surroundings. What you’ll likely find is a group of people who are going through or have gone through exactly what you are facing. You’ll be surrounded by support and love. This is a safe environment for you to find sobriety.
After you’ve been there for a little, you might even begin to wonder why you were ever resistant in the first place. Imagine the hardship and loneliness you would’ve felt trying to get to this point alone.
Living in the Moment
As an addict, you’ve lived most of your time thinking only about the moment. You’ve done what you’ve wanted when you’ve wanted to do it. That mentality might just be the same thing you need to get sober.
You don’t need to have your life together in order to get sober; you just need to do it. Head to rehab broken and vulnerable so that the pieces can be put back together again. This one small step is a giant leap toward a new and healthy life; not just for you, but your loved ones as well.
You’ll be glad you didn’t try and do it alone.
Contact Clearbrook For Rehab Services Today
If you or someone you know and love is currently struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, we can help.
For 45 years, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has been providing effective drug and alcohol rehab services to the suffering individual. By doing so, we are able offer our patients the necessary tools for lasting recovery, giving them a chance to live a life filled with promise and hope.
If you are in need of a drug and alcohol rehab, please contact our Admissions Specialists today. We are available 24 hours a day to assist you with all of your needs.
