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Can You Use a Mobile Phone in Rehab?

We are so used to our mobile phones now in everyday life. But can you take them to a rehabilitation clinic? Enquire Now
Can You Use a Mobile Phone in Rehab?
Alexander Lapa
Updated on 19/01/2023
Medically reviewed by
Dr Alexander Lapa (Psychiatrist)

Suppose you are thinking about or have made the decision to go to a rehabilitation treatment centre. In that case, you may be slightly anxious about the changes you will be making during your stay. In today’s world, the majority of us are addicted to our phones, and the thought of being without them can be uncomfortable. Think about the reasons you are making this decision for recovery and your end goal rather than the small factors that can get in the way.

No rehabilitation treatment centre is identical to another. All rehabs offer different support services, and therefore, there may be some differences in the way they work and the rules you need to follow. Everything has been designed for your safety and with your long-term recovery at its focus.

The vast majority of rehabilitation treatment centres will limit the use of smartphones and other electronic devices during your stay. However, this is not the case for all centres. For example, some centres may ban your phone altogether. In contrast, others may allow you to use your phone during certain times of the day.

The use of your phone is determined on an individual basis considering both the outside world (work commitments) and your recovery needs. The use of your phone may also be based on the level of your recovery, there is rarely an outright ban, and you will be able to enjoy fewer restrictions as you progress on your journey.

Suppose you are wanting to know more about the phone policy at the rehabilitation centre you are thinking of attending. In that case, you can give them a call and ask. Alternatively, you can get more information on this by giving us at Addiction Advocates a call on 0800 012 6088.

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What about Ipads and Other Electric Items?

During your stay in a rehabilitation centre, it is vitally important that you are fully concentrated on your recovery journey. Unfortunately, your tablet, laptop or similar electric devices may distract you from achieving your goals and achieving long-term recovery.

These devices can provide a connection to the outside world. If you have opted for a residential rehabilitation stay, try to remind yourself of why you wished to be removed from outside temptations and bad influences. Bringing in a communication device may remove this benefit as bad influences will be able to contact you during your treatment and vice versa.

Every rehabilitation centre, individual’s situation and the electronic device are different. So, unfortunately, there is no easy answer to what you can and can’t bring. The best thing to do is talk to your rehabilitation centre and discuss what they feel would be best for you and your recovery journey.

Security Issues With Phones in Rehab

During your treatment at a rehabilitation centre, it is important that you fully concentrate on your recovery goals. Unfortunately, your mobile and other electronic devices may distract you from these important goals and hinder your chase at long-term recovery.

These devices connect you to the outside world. One major benefit of attending residential rehab is that you are removed from outside temptations and bad influences.

Your rehabilitation treatment centre has a duty to protect and care for you. All centres promise to protect their patient’s confidentiality, and the use of mobiles, desktops and laptops may threaten this. Suppose your rehabilitation centre does allow the use of your phone. In that case, it is vital that it is not used to take any pictures or videos during your stay to protect yourself and others.

Suppose the rehab centre you are receiving treatment from allows using mobiles and other electronic devices. In that case, it is important to know that they will not allow the abuse of these devices. Therefore, your treatment at this centre will stop, and no refund will likely be given if you use your device to contact drug dealers or to purchase alcohol online.

Remember why you are undergoing this recovery journey, and don’t let any distractions get in the way of achieving your goals.

Contacting Friends and Loved Ones

During your stay, you will not be cut off from your loved ones and be unable to communicate with them. The majority of treatment centres that do not allow the use of your phone have a communal phone that you can use to contact approved family and friends.

The only time you are likely to be unreachable at your centre is during your first few days. This time is the time in which you will detox and is the most important and vulnerable time of your stay. During this stage, your rehabilitation centre will want you to focus on resting and recalibrating your mind. The centre will keep your loved ones updated on your progress.

After you have settled in, you will be able to use the communal phone, organise visits and receive letters. Communication with loved ones can be so valuable to support someone on their recovery journey, but it can sometimes harm this journey. This may not be a conscious act, and this is why monitoring communications during this vulnerable time is so important for protecting the patient during their recovery.

Worries About Not Having a Phone

There are multiple rehabilitation centres that you will be able to choose from. You may automatically discount treatment centres that do not allow you to use your phone during your stay. However, please try to resist this temptation to dismiss. Instead, look for a treatment centre based on how they can support you during your recovery.

It is natural to be worried about the unknown and the unfamiliar. Your rehabilitation treatment centre is the best place for you to achieve the goals you have. This might not be a comfortable change at first, but it will be worth it when you get to the other side of your recovery journey.

Getting Help and Supporting Yourself

Starting a recovery journey is challenging, but it is the best choice you can make for yourself and your health. If you would like to know more about rehabilitation centres, you should give us at Addiction Advocates a call on 0800 012 6088.

What do our previous clients think?

Really enjoyed my time at Asana lodge. Staff are great and most have previous experience of the afflictions that affect all the clients, so they can relate to the situation you are in. I feel ready now to tackle the outside world with all the skills I have learnt.
Ben
Thank you to all the staff at asana lodge from management to the cleaners, everyone made me feel so welcome and really went above and beyond to help me in my recovery. highly recommend anyone seeking help with addiction depression and anxiety to go to asana lodge and heal your mind body and soul.
Thomas
Everyone at Cassiobury court have been very supportive with my recovery and I have learnt a lot over the past 14 days. I am taking away some good tools to help me with my addiction. I look forward to seeing the piers at the aftercare service.
Mr Hussain
I came to you desperate, feeling so depressed and anxious. I left feeling hopeful and grateful and excited about life. I can't believe the change in just 28 days.
S Molloy

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