Alcohol and drug rehab might be more fun than what you imagine! It’s so weird that I went to rehab. I always said that I would die before I went to rehab. But I thought, ‘I’m going to stay here tonight.’ And I stayed there for a month. It was great. ~ Lindsay Lohan

Going and staying in a residential addiction treatment facility is not something we ever wish to do. However, some of us may land up in one, either compelled by family or circumstances.It is therefore a surprise to find out that actually it may be an enjoyable experience. Here are just 6 reasons why addiction treatment in a rehab can be more fun that you ever imagined:

1. YOU WILL GET TO SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND YOU

It can be really difficult for family and friends to understand us while we are drinking or using drugs – our behaviour and thinking will appear irrational and frustrating. We speak a different language, our emotions are on a level they can never fathom. Actually an addict or alcoholic gets incredibly lonely while living with ‘normal’ people. In a rehab, you will be surrounded by people who understand you. They and the staff will not judge or chide you. There is usually an amazing spirit of camaraderie and connection with others who are in a similar place in life. You are no longer lonely or an ‘outcast’ in a rehab!

2. YOU WILL DISCOVER REAL ENJOYMENT WITHOUT CHEMICALS

I went into rehab to save my marriage, but I wound up saving myself. ~ Michael Douglas. One of the main reasons we remain trapped in alcoholism or other forms of addiction is because of our distorted thinking. We begin to believe that use of chemicals is the only way to enjoy life. We ‘live a lie’. Your stay in a rehab will open your eyes to genuine fun and enjoyment. Even tasting food and getting natural sleep is a wonderful experience. Your new way of thinking will show you how you can have fun in life, along with a renewed sense of hope, optimism and balance.

3. YOU REDISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR LIFE

One of the reasons some of us turn to alcohol or other substances is to try and escape negative emotions. Gradually, as our addiction progresses, we tend to become numb to ALL feelings. In a rehab, there are no chemicals to numb our emotions, and we begin to experience all the emotions that are a natural part of life. We discover ourselves through our feelings and develop a new passion for life.

4. YOU CAN START TO LOOK FORWARD THE FUTURE

Soon after you stop using alcohol or drugs, you start to realize the extent of damage you have done to your life. You have paid a huge price for the fun associated with substance abuse. Your impaired brain has not made sound decisions and your choices have been negative. Now that you are clean and sober in a rehab, you can review your life, resolve to rebuild it and look forward to a rewarding future. You no longer have to look over your shoulder in shame and fear. Now you can face the future with anticipation and hope!

5. REHAB CAN BE A FUN PLACE

Here at Hope Trust rehab in India, the ambience is not clinical. It’s more like a ‘home’. There are plenty of fun activities, celebrations and recreation options. Though you will have to follow a structured lifestyle, you have plenty of time for social interactions with fellow members and even some quite time in a serene location if you wish to reflect. We believe recovery should be fun!

6. YOU WILL LEARN SOME USEFUL STUFF

At Hope Trust, you will learn to live meaningfully by realigning your attitudes, thinking, behaviour and value system. Moreover, there is daily Yoga facilitated by a trained teacher. Yoga is a lifelong support system for continued health and balance. You will also have the opportunity to be taught Mindfulness by a highly experienced teacher. Valuable lessons for a lifetime!