Getting ready to head to rehab? Perhaps you’re in the process of weighing up your options. Either way, you might be anxious about being away from your loved ones if you’ve chosen inpatient treatment.
While regular visits are encouraged, some addiction recovery treatment centres have strict protocols regarding personal phone use. So here, we explore the topic in more detail.
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If you’re looking to go to a rehab facility but are worried about whether there would be limited digital access to family or friends, call us today. We can ease your mind and the transition into rehab.
GET IN TOUCH TODAYCan I Bring My Phone to Rehab?
Most rehab clinics ask individuals to leave their phones at the door – or home – when they first arrive as an inpatient. The idea is that being without your phone would allow patients to focus fully on their recovery and provide necessary respite away from temptation and distraction. However, at Action Rehab, we believe recovery should be completed your way – with the right support – and that’s why we allow patients to bring their phones.
Our clinics are some of the only ones which allow this in the UK. That’s not to say that you have to bring your phone or that you should. We simply want to put the power of your recovery in your hands and give you choices for your treatment.
Benefits of Bringing Phones to Rehab
Before deciding whether to bring your phone to drug and alcohol rehab, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. One of the main benefits of having a personal phone in rehab is that it allows you to communicate with loved ones – whenever you want. This can make the idea of being away from friends, family, and children seem easier. It can help create a real-life environment and connection with what’s happening back home.
Moreover, banning phones or asking individuals to hand them over at the door can increase anxiety, stress and fear. We understand that going to alcohol and drug rehab can already feel very daunting, so we don’t want to add any additional strain.
Having phones in rehab allows individuals to retain a level of independence by allowing them to keep up to date with the news and things like emails, which are essential for those who run small businesses. Phones can also be used as entertainment when you’re not participating in therapy or treatment. While it’s important that you can focus on getting better, phones in rehab offer a taste of normal life and familiarity.
Negatives of Using Phones in Rehab
Some negatives associated with allowing phones in rehab are mainly that it may distract individuals from their recovery goals. A personal phone can also be used to contact friends and family in the outside world. While this is often a positive thing for those trying to stay away from negative influences, it can add another obstacle. After all, you might not want to contact them, but they can still contact you.
You may want to use your phone during downtime, but it’s also important that you try not to depend on it. For example, you’ll be encouraged to join group wellbeing and holistic sessions when you’re not participating in therapy or treatment. Doing this hugely outweighs the benefits of spending so much time on your phone.
As we know, mobile phones offer a gateway to unfiltered content, which can be a huge trigger for some people; from upsetting news on social media to images of alcohol and drugs, having access to a phone means exposure to the good and the bad.
What are the Restrictions of Phone Use in Rehab?
Mobile phones in rehab can be positive and negative, so rehab centres usually have restrictions. This is to protect both you as a patient and the team of professionals there.
We suggest you consider whether it would be appropriate to take your phone to rehab. Any abuse of the device or system may lead to it being taken away. It goes without saying that you are not allowed to use your phones, tablets, or laptops to purchase drugs or alcohol. Otherwise, you could be removed from the programme.
Rehab facilities have a duty of care for all patients and must take steps to protect confidentiality. Using a mobile phone could threaten a safe and secure environment, as pictures or videos can be posted online without consent. For this reason, no pictures or videos will be taken while you’re at one of our clinics.
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At Action Rehab, we want to help you find a rehab centre that suits you and your requirements, including whether you want to take your phone or not. We’re passionate about keeping you at the centre of your recovery, which is why we get to know you and give you personal choices about your rehabilitation.
While we allow phones in rehab, not every person decides to take theirs in – and that is fine. Our team is also more than happy to discuss the idea to help you determine the best choice. Don’t worry if you decide not to take your phone to one of our rehabilitation recommended centres, as each clinic has an on-site phone for you to call friends, family and children during set hours.
That way, you don’t need to fear missing out on that all-important communication. If you have any questions or want to see how Action Rehab can help you, drop us a message or call 0151 268 6992 to kickstart your recovery journey.
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