Making the Most Out of An Inpatient Admission

• Don’t wait until you are in crisis, and forced to enter a program.
• Plan your visit when you first see the signs of relapse.
• Ask yourself if the program and location meet your needs.
• Ask yourself the purpose and anticipated length of your stay?
• Ask admissions what records, you need to bring or have forwarded.
• Ask admissions what you need to bring and what you cannot bring.
• What clothing do you need?
• Do you need gym shoes or swimming trunks.
• Bring all medications you are presently taking.
• Bring a roll of quarters for telephone calls, laundry, and sodas.
• Bring a private pillow if permitted.
• Know the program rules and your rights and responsibilities.
• Respect the staff but don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.
• Make up your mind to make the best of the program.
• Talk about your real issues so that you can deal with them.
• Notify those you trust that you are in the hospital.

The first step in getting well, and staying well, is asking for help.
Your visit is not a step down, when you use it to take a step up.
Remember you are not "hanging your hat" but  just visiting.
A breakdown can become a break through.