One of the most common questions of individuals seeking treatment in rehab centers is whether they are allowed to use their electronic devices inside. The answer is yes, but it will depend on the facility into which you are going.
Some will allow you to bring your mobile devices so you can connect to your family and friends. Others would want you to stay on top of your work emails and files, so you are allowed to use your computers after treatment and during break hours. For many, their devices offer them some sense of comfort that will enable them to see what is happening in the outside world. This way, they will have an easier time integrating back into society after getting discharged from the rehab center.
It is best to explore the pros and cons of rehab centers that allow cell phones, computers, laptops, and have internet access. Some rehabs that let you keep your phone usually leverage and use technology because of its convenience. This will enhance their programs of addiction recovery and treatment. Some of the technologies are promising when offering services like prevention, assessment, treatment of substance abuse and other disorders. Yet, it may be a different story with the use of personal gadgets.
How Does Electronic Device Affect Rehabilitation?
Though mobiles during rehabilitation are controversial, many facilities have begun to adopt the practice. This is because patients’ use of cell phones can provide a sense of freedom while they are undergoing rehab. For example, many patients can follow up their work, communicate with friends, and discuss plans for visits home with their loved ones when needed. This social connectedness often plays a crucial role in the recovery of an individual.
When patients feel confident that they have their entire family’s support, this can have a long-term impact on one’s abstinence. Their recoveries will be faster, and constantly in touch with a healthy support system is beneficial. They are also reinforced to continue doing treatment and stay during the entire duration of the program.
However, there are always risks that come with technology while an individual is in rehab. Some people who may enter a program are also experiencing mental disorders like post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, and anxiety. Some studies say that social media use can worsen their depression, and this happens with unregulated access to technology. This could also impede ongoing treatment and provide a distraction for some.
Laptop and Mobile-Friendly Options
When you feel isolated, and out of control during your treatment, it can become overwhelming to return to the outside world. You may even go into relapse if you are not careful, and everything is overwhelming. Rather than going for a month-long lockdown without any means of communicating with the outside world, choose the ones that allow electronic devices. This way, you will be able to share with your family and fulfill any external obligations that you may have. See more about the effects of rehab on families on this site.
These centers have programs in place to construct effective relapse plans for recovering patients. They help them assimilate back into their everyday life without the need to go back to the use of illegal substances. A more lenient facility will help you appreciate the treatment and therapies more. However, these devices are generally not allowed during meals, client outings, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, psychotherapy sessions, and group gatherings. Other ways that help many clients feel more secure and safe can include the following:
- Luxurious and affordable centers that have fantastic ocean and nature views
- Private rooms for people who want to safeguard their identities or those who are uncomfortable sharing roommates
- Non-12-step programs that are more flexible and tailored to the clients’ needs
- Upfront and honest pricing without the need for secret fees, extra charges, and hidden costs
- Intensive counseling sessions and one-on-one therapy with caring counselors and doctors.
Possible Restrictions
Cell phones are often allowed in rehabilitation facilities, yet they might not be as helpful as others think. Some individuals argue that cell phones allow people to maintain a sense of normalcy and avoid feelings of isolation, but they can be a distraction. Others say that mobiles disrupt the therapeutic environment and distract patients from their treatment commitments. Some of the arguments against them are:
- Avoiding Temptation – Some people will attend a facility to avoid temptations that led them to the addiction in the first place. Since they are often set in a more structured environment, allowing the use of mobiles will mean that they can access a world of temptation within their fingertips. They may consume toxic friends, media content, and blog posts that can trigger them.
- Reduce Stress – The policy of not allowing any electronic device may prevent individuals from getting stressed. When people focus more on valuable programs instead of using social media, texting, or calling during rehab, they may spend more time in the facility than what they have initially intended.
The use of mobiles in rehab centers is becoming a controversial issue. There are many reasons why people might be instructed not to use their cell phones, including mental health, safety, and privacy concerns. Other rehabs have banned the use of cell phones because they cannot offer proper care if patients are constantly talking on their phones. It is important to note that these policies are usually decided on a case-by-case basis and must consider individual situations.
There are definitely rehabs that allow the use of these mobiles. However, once you have been admitted to these programs, it is best to store them in such a safe place like lockers after psychotherapy or aversion therapy is complete. See more about these therapies on this page: https://www.simplypsychology.org/aversion-therapy.html. If the center does not allow you to bring the phone, it could spell trouble if they caught you using it. It is best to find more lenient ones if you need your mobile for work.
Many rehab facilities that are currently still in use allow cell phones. This provides patients with the opportunity to maintain contact with their loved ones and friends, which can be beneficial for everyone involved, and this might be an advantage to them when they do things right.