If you’ve chosen to go to rehab, congratulations. We know how difficult that decision can be, but you are purring your health and longevity first, and that’s worth recognizing. But once you’ve made the decision, figuring out how to tell people can be hard. It may go without saying, but first, you don’t need to tell anyone who doesn’t need to know. It’s important to consider, however, if you are entering a 90-day program, it will probably have an impact on most of your relationships. For this reason, some communication will be necessary. Here are some tips on how to let people know.
Who really needs to know?
As we mentioned, if someone doesn’t need to know, then you don’t have to tell them. So who really needs to know? The answer can be really different from person to person, but here is a common list:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your children
- Friends or family members who are helping pay for the program
- Friends or family you will need to pick you up or drop you off
- Those helping care for your children
- Your employer
If you’re having trouble deciding who to tell, try writing down a list of reasons why or why not for each person in question. It can help to get it down on paper and out of your head.
4 Steps to Telling Someone You’re Going to Rehab
It can be hard to open up about your addiction even with the people who love you the most. The thought can bring fear of judgment or a negative reaction, especially if your addiction has been mostly concealable. But your true friends and family will be open and receptive and happy to hear you have chosen to get help and care for yourself in this way. Here are four main points to cover when you decide to tell someone that you’re going to rehab:
1. Why are you getting help?
A good place to start is explaining why you need to go to rehab. It could be something as simple as saying “I came to realize that my drinking [fill in the blank] is out of control, and I can’t quit on my own – I am getting help so I can live a healthier, happier life.” The amount of detail you decide to provide is completely up to you and should depend on who you’re talking to.
2. How will you keep in contact?
Friends and family will definitely want to know how to keep in touch with you during your program. Hearing this news may make them worry about what their life will look like without you around, so providing this information will help remedy those concerns as much as possible. Be honest about how often and in what method you will be available to communicate to set realistic expectations.
3. What will you be doing to get better?
Don’t be phased if someone has misguided beliefs or lacks understanding about how rehab will be helpful. This can be due to their own negative experiences or inaccurate portrayals of rehab in the media. Stand firm in your decision and know that you are making the best choice for you, no one else. When this happens, giving more insight as to what you will be doing in the rehab program can help them understand why you’re making this decision. Give some detail about how your time will be spent and why it differs from you trying to get sober on your own.
4. Prepare for different responses to the news.
In the case that you tell someone and they are not immediately supportive or understanding of your decision, try to be understanding and respectful at that moment. Especially if you have hidden your addiction really well or have misconstrued the severity to your loved ones, the news may come to them as a shock. Give them time to digest the information and come to terms with their feelings.
No matter what happens in the days leading up to your first day of rehab, stay grounded in your decision and be proud of yourself for this act of self-care. It can be painful for those around you at first, but the payoff will be immeasurable. You will be able to offer a fuller, healthier version of yourself when you return. To speak to someone at Beachcomber about the holistic drug and alcohol treatment in the recovery journey, call us at (561) 276-6226 today!