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Getting to rehab

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whatanoodguy

Bluelighter
Joined
Feb 2, 2006
Messages
27
So I just found out that a close family member will soon be going to rehab, which is great. The trouble is that the rehab is located about four hours from the place she currently lives, and the plan is to take a bus, then a taxi. According to the family member I learned this from, she's really excited about finally going, but I'm worried that she might get cold feet being on public transportation for so long. I'd like for someone to be there to give her moral support/ make she she actually checks in, but I live on the other side of the country and don't have a car. She's kind of burned her bridges with anyone trustworthy, close and local to her area, and anyway, eight hours of driving would be a pretty huge favor.

Am I right about being worried about her actually checking in? is there anything I can do from afar to help her check in? Can we get the rehab to inform us that she has or hasn't showed up?

Thanks.
 
If your source is right in saying that she's excited to go to rehab, I wouldn't be too worried. People generally show some significant doubt or reconsideration before they have to leave, and I doubt that she would go from actively excited to DEFCON 1 in four hours. Now, everyone's different and nobody here knows your relative and her history so we can't say anything for certain, but it looks positive at this stage of the game.

Rehab facilities deal with this kind of situation/concern all the time and they'll be really helpful if you have any concern about her safety. Give them a call a few days before she is due to arrive, give them your information and hers, explain your concern, and ask if they'll call you when she checks in. I can assure you that they'll take great care of it.

Also, if she doesn't have a cell phone, see if someone close who lives near here will buy her a prepaid phone. That way you can contact her or vice versa while she is en route to rehab.
 
Privacy issues may prevent them from calling you when she checks in. The facility may be able to help her with her travel arrangements. People get to rehab in a variety of ways--very few people drive themselves in their own car, many people take a bus, rental car, plane, etc., by themselves or are picked up by a member of the staff.
 
Typically she will fill out paperwork (very early on, likely upon arrival) regarding friends/family members the rehab has the right to disclose information to about her progress. If she puts your information down and/or that for other members of your family, it shouldn't be a problem getting logistical information like an arrival time passed on.

Does she have a cellular phone? If not, you could wire her an amount (it won't be too much) to buy a disposable phone or a calling card for this purpose. If she does, and you really want to do all you can to help her, spend as much of the eight hours as possible talking with her on the phone. This will help her stay resolute about going to treatment, remain ignorant of any potential (negative) distractions along the way, help her pass the time more quickly, and give the two of you ample time to strengthen your relationship even more.

Rehab is rewarding, but it's also very challenging in many ways, even for those who are looking forward to getting help. Just as it is important to build positive relationships with other clients and staff members, it can be invaluable to have supportive friends/family there for you on the other end of the phones to help you stay strong and feel confident that you've got additional help waiting for you on the other side.

Kudos to you for being there for her though her difficult time, and I hope that she gets the treatment she's excited for. Let us know if you have any more questions. :)
 
The want to go is a good sign. Douvht is worse but noone's in her head. Ask your family stand by her support support support from family. Very important.
 
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