Can My Loved Ones Visit Me During Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is an addiction treatment program during which you live at the treatment center. The goal is to remove you from triggers and negative influences in your home life and immerse you into a healing community.

Most Ohio inpatient rehab centers allow loved ones to visit during inpatient rehab. But there are limits.

When Can My Loved Ones Visit Me During Inpatient Rehab?

It’s common for an inpatient drug rehab facility to have a blackout period of a week or so when you enter treatment. It may be the time you’re in medical detoxification (detox). During this time, you have no contact with the outside world. 

Blackout periods are used to protect you when you’re most vulnerable. The first days in substance abuse treatment should be spent getting used to the place, meeting people, and strengthening your resolve to get sober. Outside influences can distract you or even trigger substance use.

After this time, most Ohio rehabs allow visitors at set times and locations. 

Common Visitation Rules

Here are some guidelines for visitation rules in Ohio inpatient drug rehabs:

• Your visits may be monitored or limited in time. Be sure to have visitors approved and keep them in the appropriate visiting area. 
• Visitors may undergo a thorough assessment and screening before being allowed to see you. This protects you from unhealthy relationships and prevents anyone from bringing drugs, alcohol, or weapons to the treatment center.
• You may only be able to receive visitors infrequently, such as once a week. Too much outside influence distracts from treatment. The point of inpatient care is to get away from everyday life while you heal.
• Family therapy sessions are usually encouraged and are separate from visitations.

Benefits Of Having Visitors In Inpatient Rehab

Friend and family support is vital to long-term recovery. Most Ohio drug and alcohol rehab centers encourage family involvement in the form of family therapy, education, visitation, and communication.

Some benefits of having visitors in Ohio inpatient rehab are:

• forming or maintaining a solid support system
• helping loved ones understand the addiction recovery process
• feeling connected to people who matter in your life (emotional support)
• feeling connected to the outside world in a positive way
• not feeling so isolated or lonely (surrounded by strangers in treatment)
• having good relationships when you leave treatment rather than having to rebuild them

Family visits can be great for your mental health and overall well-being. 

Dangers Of Having Visitors In Inpatient Rehab

Ohio alcohol and drug rehab centers tend to screen visitors before approving them. They may limit visitation if they feel it isn’t appropriate at your stage of recovery. There are times when visitors can be detrimental to the healing process.

Some dangers of having visitors in Ohio inpatient rehab are:

• they can bring in stress from everyday life that you shouldn’t be worrying about
• since they aren’t with you at the moment, they may talk about the past or the future, triggering regret or fear
• family drama can cause anger, resentment, and unnecessary stress
• they may downplay the severity of your addiction and make you wonder if you need treatment 

Residential treatment is meant to remove you from outside negativity. Before you let your loved ones visit you in rehab, make sure they’ll be helpful to your recovery journey.

Dos & Don’ts Of Visiting A Loved One In Drug Rehab

For those of you who are planning a visit to a loved one in drug rehab, be mindful of what you say and do while you’re with them. 

Before and during an inpatient rehab visit, do:

• introduce yourself to the staff
• follow visitation policies
• only show up during visiting hours
• stay positive and encouraging
• listen to your loved one

Before and during an inpatient rehab visit, do not:

• bring up the painful past
• present concerns about the future
• share stressful situations in the outside world
• try to smuggle in drugs or alcohol
• judge, shame, or blame your loved one
• bring up doubts about the treatment process or whether they need rehab

You may feel that keeping your loved one sheltered from stress isn’t realistic, but inpatient rehab isn’t the time to test their resilience. They’re learning to stop using drugs or alcohol and replace substance abuse with healthy habits. 

Once they have a strong foundation in recovery, they will transition back to everyday life and they’ll need your support and encouragement.

Other Ways To Communicate With Loved Ones During Inpatient Rehab

Having your loved one visit the drug or alcohol rehab center isn’t the only way to stay in touch. Most Ohio addiction treatment facilities allow outside communication through phone calls, letters, or video chat. 

These communications are likely to be monitored and restricted, but they let you connect with friends and family members instead of (or in addition to) visiting.

Ways to communicate with loved ones during inpatient rehab include:

• Facetime
• Skype
• Zoom
• letters
• personalized cards
• phone calls

The rules for visitation and communication during an inpatient rehab program vary. Contact the alcohol and drug rehab center that you’re enrolled at or considering to learn about their policies. 

At Ohio Recovery Center, we value your loved ones’ involvement in your recovery. Reach out to us today to learn more.