9 Rules at Drug Rehab

Your first reaction to crinkle up your nose at the set of rules they give you in drug rehab. However, these rules are set in place for your own good.

As alcoholics and addicts, our first instinct is to rebel.

When I first found this out, I was shocked. I always considered myself to be a rule-breaker, but I didn’t know it’s a common quality amongst people who struggle with substance abuse.

That’s why it might be your first reaction to crinkle up your nose at the set of rules they give you in drug rehab.
But these rules are set in place for your own good and the good of your sobriety.

Here are some rules that may be enforced at rehab that will help you on your pathway to recovery.

1. No Cell Phones or Computers

Most drug rehab centers forbid you to bring your cell phones or computers, or if you are allowed to use them, you may have restricted access. The idea behind this is so that you can’t make any calls to people who have drug or alcohol connections, or any other sensitive communication.

Additionally, they don’t want you to violate anyone’s privacy by taking photos or sharing on social media while you’re in drug rehab. Limiting access to phones and computers will also decrease distractions in order to help you focus on your recovery.

2. No Relationships in Rehab

Romantic relationships in rehab are not permitted, and generally speaking, couples who want to be admitted to rehab together can not enter the same program. In rehab, we want you to make connections, friendships and communicate with those who are on the same path, but romance can complicate things.

The appeal of a romantic relationship in rehab is understandable, but it’s not practical. This is the time in your life to concentrate on you and your continued recovery. Your focus should be on that and not on a new romantic relationship.

3. Attendance at All Sessions

Attendance and participation in all sessions during drug rehab is important. Even if you don’t feel like participating at first, it’s crucial to show up to each session and do your best. The willingness and motivation will come.

This rule isn’t to make you mad or torture you, it’s established for you to get the most out of your drug rehab experience. During rehab, your mind will be like a sponge and it will begin to soak up all of the wonderful information available to help you in your recovery.

4. No Movies, TV or Music

What? No TV or music??

I know, it might seem like an unfair rule at first, but there is a reason behind it. First of all, there might be adjustments to these rules depending on which rehab center you go to and what types of movies, TV, and music you want to indulge in.

Mostly, it’s about avoiding triggers. Similar to the computer and cell phone rule, we want to make sure you’re comfortable without any shocking triggers from the media about drinking and drug use while you’re in this sensitive phase of your recovery.

5. Total Abstinence from Drugs and Alcohol

This might seem like something easy and understood, but some people have confusing views about what is considered a drug. At rehab, your bags will be searched when you first arrive and prescribed medications will be taken and analyzed before being given to you on a needed basis.

The goal of a treatment program is to teach you how to live drug and alcohol-free and thrive in recovery. This requires abstinence from all drugs and alcohol.

6. Restrictions on Where You Can Go

When you’re in drug rehab, you can’t come and go as you please.

This may take some getting used to, but it’s for your own good. Generally, you won’t be allowed to leave the treatment facility unless it’s with an employee of the facility and to an organized event or location.

Again, this isn’t to keep you prisoner, but to make sure you’re getting the most out of your drug rehab experience and to make sure you’re participating in each session. In order to keep you on the healthiest path to sobriety, you’ll need to be present – physically and mentally.

7. Schedules Will be Highly Structured

Another rule of drug rehab is to have a highly structured schedule. This will also be different for many people. The schedules might include group therapy sessions, one-on-one therapy sessions, prescribed activities, and other required meetings.

A schedule will help you stay on course and hold you accountable each day.
These schedules aren’t designed to tire you out or annoy you, but to offer the maximum amount of time to heal while you’re in addiction treatment.

Rules can be adapted to, and most of the time, even outside of drug rehab, they are in place for our own good. Because the people here care about you.

If you or a loved one live with addiction or are using drugs recreationally and want to stop, The Recovery Village® can help. Reach out to one of our representatives today to learn how you can start on your path to recovery.

Related Topic: Getting Help for Addiction with Teletherapy