5 People to Avoid While You’re in Rehab

This article is by April Smith and published by Rehabs.com

 

You’ve made the decision to seek inpatient treatment for your chemical dependency. You’re investing time, money, and trust; you want to get the most out of it.

But rehab can be a scary place when you first arrive; making new friends is one of the best ways to squash that fear. We all want to feel like we’re part of the group, right?

The “Wrong” Kind of Friends

Substance abuse affects people from every walk of life. During your stay, you’ll meet lots of people. Some of them will become life-long friends, while others can lead you far off the path to sobriety.

The following list is meant to give you an idea of the personalities you’ll want to stay away from while in treatment:

  • #1 The Rule Breaker

She’s always asking you to come with her to the boys’ side, even though you’re not supposed to be there. When an underage girl asks for a cigarette, she encourages you to give her one of yours. She tells you she knows a person who can score some drugs, and wants you to use with her.

This person is bad news. For starters, she could get you kicked out. She also distracts you from the mission of getting well. The rules exist for good reasons. She’s dangerous to your recovery. Avoid her as much as you can.

  • #2 The Constant Complainer

The food is bad. A staff member made her angry. The rules are stupid. The lectures are boring.

Don’t let his bad attitude rub off on you! Sure, rehab may not be an all inclusive vacation, but doing the best you can to look on the bright side will help your recovery.

  • #3 The Know it All

You know the one I’m talking about – the one who thinks she’s got everything figured out, answers all the questions in lecture and group, and can already recite the Big Book on her second day.

This person is bad news because recovery isn’t a competition. If she’s showing off, it’s tempting to compare yourself to that standard and ultimately feel less than. You should be focusing on building your own recovery path, not feeling like you’re losing at the recovery race.

  • #4 The Counselor Wannabe

This person means well, and he wants to help everyone, but he doesn’t really have the skills to provide therapy, no matter what a good game he talks. He might be very sympathetic and convincing, but his bad advice can be dangerous.

The rehab’s clinical staff are trained professionals with your best interests at heart. Instead of listening to the uncredentialed advice of a fellow resident, it’s best to leave the counseling to the professionals.

  • #5 Anyone You’re Sexually Attracted To

Romantic relationships in early recovery can really blow things up. The strong emotions these relationships stir up when you’re still fragile can blow your sobriety right out of the water.

Stay away from anyone you’re sexually attracted to. There’s time for that later…when you’re stronger and healthier.

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