You have made the big decision to go into rehab. Now what? There are daily life issues that need to be dealt with before you go. Using the following checklist can help you remember everything that needs to be done.
Deal With Work: If your company has a human resources department, check with them to see if you are eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act to have your job held for you. If not, ask your supervisor if there will be a place for you when you return. If they say no, move forward. You will be taking care of your addiction problem. That has to come first.
Talk to Family and Friends: Tell those close to you where you are going. Get email and physical addresses so you can write if you wish to. Give them the mailing address of the rehab facility where you will be staying. Ask the rehab beforehand what the mail, email and phone policies are and tell your friends and family how to contact you.
Choose a Point Person: Find one person who can keep others in your circle informed about you. This person will receive periodic information from you and will be responsible for passing it along to the others. This will reduce your stress level. Choose someone you trust and ask him or her if she will be your point person. This is also the person who should check on your house or apartment and notify you of any issues that need to be taken care of.
Animals: If you have pets, arrange to have them stay with a trusted friend or family member while you are gone. The person you choose will need to know where you are and when your approximate return date is in case something happens with your pet and they need to get in touch with you. In the event no one you know can take your pets, check with local pet fostering organizations to find a temporary foster home for your animal. Your veterinarian or the local animal shelter should be able to give you recommendations.
Mail: You don't want a bunch of mail sitting in your mailbox letting the world know you are gone. General delivery will hold it at the post office but typically only for 30 days. If its not picked up by then it gets returned to the senders. It's better to put in a temporary change of address directing your mail to someone you trust. They will receive it and either bring it to you or hold it until you return.
Yard Work: Unkempt yards invite burglars and city fines. Before leaving, ask a friend or family member to either commit to mowing your lawn or leave that person money to hire someone.
Deal With Work: If your company has a human resources department, check with them to see if you are eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act to have your job held for you. If not, ask your supervisor if there will be a place for you when you return. If they say no, move forward. You will be taking care of your addiction problem. That has to come first.
Talk to Family and Friends: Tell those close to you where you are going. Get email and physical addresses so you can write if you wish to. Give them the mailing address of the rehab facility where you will be staying. Ask the rehab beforehand what the mail, email and phone policies are and tell your friends and family how to contact you.
Choose a Point Person: Find one person who can keep others in your circle informed about you. This person will receive periodic information from you and will be responsible for passing it along to the others. This will reduce your stress level. Choose someone you trust and ask him or her if she will be your point person. This is also the person who should check on your house or apartment and notify you of any issues that need to be taken care of.
Animals: If you have pets, arrange to have them stay with a trusted friend or family member while you are gone. The person you choose will need to know where you are and when your approximate return date is in case something happens with your pet and they need to get in touch with you. In the event no one you know can take your pets, check with local pet fostering organizations to find a temporary foster home for your animal. Your veterinarian or the local animal shelter should be able to give you recommendations.
Mail: You don't want a bunch of mail sitting in your mailbox letting the world know you are gone. General delivery will hold it at the post office but typically only for 30 days. If its not picked up by then it gets returned to the senders. It's better to put in a temporary change of address directing your mail to someone you trust. They will receive it and either bring it to you or hold it until you return.
Yard Work: Unkempt yards invite burglars and city fines. Before leaving, ask a friend or family member to either commit to mowing your lawn or leave that person money to hire someone.
