Rehab is far from a vacation. It is actually a lot of work. Not only do you have to participate in therapy and stay sober but you will also have to follow a certain set of rules while at an inpatient rehab in New Jersey.
Most addicts don’t like following rules and it may be your instinctual nature to rebel. However, it’s important to recognize that you came to rehab voluntarily. By doing so, you agreed to the rules set forth by the facility. In addition, remember that rules are always there for your own good – even if you don’t like them.
Here are some common rules that you may be asked to follow while at a residential drug and alcohol rehab facility.
You Can’t Bring Any Prohibited Items into an Inpatient Rehab
Before you check into an inpatient rehab in New Jersey, you’ll want to make sure you’ve looked over their rules regarding what to pack. While each treatment program is different, most facilities don’t let you bring drugs or alcohol, paraphernalia, books that aren’t recovery-related, iPads, cellphones, laptops, and other electronics.
If you do bring one of these items to rehab, it will likely be sent home, placed in storage, or discarded appropriately. However, there’s never a guarantee that your item will make it back to you safely. Instead of risking a personal item going missing or being confiscated, make sure only to pack the items that you absolutely need.
No New Relationships While in Rehab
Fraternizing with other patients or getting involved romantically with a new partner is typically not permitted at residential rehab centers in New Jersey. While some programs will allow couples to enter the program together, this is usually discouraged as well, as some time apart can usually benefit both individuals.
New relationships are particularly concerning in early recovery because romance can distract you from your recovery, complicate the healing process, and even make you more susceptible to relapse. While the appeal of a romantic relationship when you are newly sober is understandable, it isn’t realistic or conducive to recovery.
Instead of seeking a romantic partner, rehab is the time to focus on yourself, your therapy, and your sobriety.
You Must Get Visitors and Outings Approved By Your Counselor
When you are staying at an inpatient rehab you won’t be allowed to come and go from the facility as you please. You also won’t be allowed to have outside visitors come see you at the rehab center without approval from your counselor. These restrictions regarding who you can see and where you can go may seem annoying at first, but they are for your own good.
If you do want to leave the treatment facility to visit with family, go to a meeting with your sponsor, or attend another kind of event, you must get approval from your substance abuse counselor. If your request is approved, you’ll have to check out at your allotted time, arrive back at the treatment center on-time, and pass a drug test and breathalyzer.
Some inpatient rehab centers in New Jersey will allow you to invite friends and family to come to see you or to participate in therapy with you. If approved by your therapist, you may have visitors on limited days and times, depending on the situation and purpose of the visit.
No Cell Phones or Internet For The First 7 Days
Most New Jersey rehab centers won’t allow you to bring your cell phone or computer. Some facilities allow cell phones, but only after the first week and only during limited hours. The idea behind a 7-day media blackout is to help separate you from your drug and alcohol connections as well as any negative influences in your life.
After 7 days, you may be permitted to use your phone while being supervised. Most facilities, however, will have their own phones that patients can take turns using on certain days of the week.
Another reason inpatient rehab centers have rules regarding technology is privacy. They don’t want you to jeopardize another person’s privacy by posting pictures or sharing them on social media while you’re in treatment. Lastly, limiting internet access will help prevent you from getting distracted from your sobriety.
You Are Expected To Follow The Treatment Center’s Schedule
An important aspect of going to an inpatient rehab center in New Jersey is getting acclimated to a schedule. While in rehab, you will have to follow a strict schedule every day. Your schedule will involve:
- Waking up at the same time every day
- Taking your medications
- Group therapy sessions
- Individual therapy sessions
- Additional activities
- 12-Step meetings
- Going to sleep at the same time each night
Getting used to following a daily schedule will help you stay on track and accountable in the early days of your sobriety. A schedule will also help structure your days while in treatment so you can get the most out of your rehab experience.
No Drug or Alcohol Abuse of Any Kind
One of the most important rules you’ll have to follow while in rehab is that you must stay completely abstinent. This may seem obvious, however, some people try to abuse legal substances to get high or justify their drug use.
It doesn’t matter if you are tempted to abuse your prescription medication, trying to sneak in an alcohol-containing substance, or are bringing a substance that is technically legal to rehab, all of these situations would be breaking the rules.
Getting intoxicated while in rehab is also defeating the purpose of being there in the first place. The goal of inpatient rehab is to learn how to live sober and that requires complete abstinence from mood and mind-altering substances.
Find an Inpatient Rehab in New Jersey Today
Even if you aren’t happy with some of these rules, there are ways you can adapt. Rules are established to keep yourself, staff, and your peers safe and sober while in treatment. Rules also show that other people care about you and your well-being, so they should be viewed as a good sign!
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and are ready to stop, contact us today. One of our addiction counselors can help you find an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab program in New Jersey.
Medically Reviewed: January 13, 2021
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.