Can I Bring My Phone To A Drug Rehab Center?
Medically reviewed by
David Hunter, MA.Ed, LPCJanuary 29, 2019
More and more drug rehab centers are now beginning to allow people to bring their cell phone to treatment with them. Understanding the complex interaction between cell phone use, recovery, and drug rehabilitation centers can help individuals prepare for this difficult process and maybe even lessen the stress of rehab.
Do Rehab Centers Allow Cell Phones?
The use of cell phones in rehab is somewhat divided: some centers have banned them completely, while others will allow them. There are complex reasons for each side. For example, centers that don’t allow cell phones to believe that it helps keep people from negative outside influences, such as former dealers or drug use partners.
However, centers that allow cell phones understand how important it is to stay in regular touch with the outside world. Simply put, getting through rehab without support from family and friends is much more difficult. Cell phone access can help make that access easier and more efficient.
What Are Cell Phones Used For In Rehab?
The more advanced world of modern cell phones allows them to be used for a wide variety of reasons. This makes them one of the most useful tools for a person in rehab. Reasons cell phones are used in rehab include:
- Staying in touch with friends and family
- Tracking a personal business situation
- Getting homework from a teacher
Even if cell phones are allowed at a drug rehab center, they may not be approved for certain activities. Make sure to talk to the director of the facility to see what activities are approved. Thankfully, most of them should be okay, as long as you have a legitimate need.
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How About Other Electronic Items?
Other electronics, such as iPads or laptop computers, are subject to the same rules as cell phones. Many centers will allow them because they understand that their positive benefits outweigh the negatives. While some studies have indicated that Internet use has a connection with increased drug use, the improved communication between friends and family is often enough to combat this potentiality.
And if you have an iPad that connects to the Internet (or even a 3G or 4G connection), you have the opportunity to reach out to these people. You also have the ability to feel like an integrated member of society by having access to the latest news and current events.
What Are The Treatment Benefits Of Cell Phones?
The biggest benefit of cell phones in drug rehab lies in the way they allow you to communicate with important people in your life. These people can serve as an important emotional safety net that can help guide you through the rehabilitation process more successfully.
For example, one drug rehab guest may be very close to his parents and often relies on their emotional support to deal with his personal struggles. Being able to call or text them when he’s down will lift his spirits, improve his mood, and give him the personal strength he needs to succeed.
Is Texting Considered Okay?
Texting is a more controversial form of communication via cell phone. For some people recovering from addiction, it will be the easiest and quickest way to keep in touch with your loved ones. However, texting is likely to be limited during treatment procedures, such as detoxification and psychological counseling. On your own time, texting is likely to be just fine with most centers.
Do You Need Any More Information?
Hopefully, you fully understand the benefits of cell phones and electronic devices offer to your recovery. But if you have any more questions about this topic or anything else regarding drug rehabilitation, please contact us at RehabCenter.net for more information. We can help you find a rehab center that will allow you to bring your cell phone.
