In the past, treatment centers didn’t allow cell phones. But in today’s technology-heavy world, most treatment programs have reversed this rule and now allow cell phones in their facilities.
Depending on the treatment facility (such as an inpatient rehab center, detox program, or dual diagnosis treatment center), you may or may not be allowed to have your phone.
For those that allow cell phones, treatment specialists regulate the use of cell phones including how long, when, and where they are used.
Cell phones pose several factors that can be both advantageous and disadvantageous for someone in addiction recovery.
Cell Phones In Addiction Treatment
Cell phone privileges in treatment centers vary across the United States. They are usually allowed, but many factors can determine cell phone use.
Factors that can affect cell phone use are:
- the type of rehab center (inpatient rehab or outpatient addiction programs)
- the type of treatment plan (dual diagnosis, alcohol treatment, drug addiction)
- the duration of the rehab program (30-day detox, year-long programs)
- the progress a client makes in the recovery process
- recommendations from treatment providers
- the history a client has with their use of cell phones
Most residential treatment centers (where clients live in the facility) treat cell phone use similar to being granted a private room and laptop use: these are earned privileges.
Why Some Addiction Treatment Centers Allow Cell Phones
A person entering an inpatient rehab for substance abuse may feel nervous about the journey ahead.
Phones and other personal devices can provide a sense of comfort, familiarity, and ease the transition to treatment.
Here are a few of the advantages of bringing your phone to a rehab program.
Staying Connected
Access to loved ones (family, partners, friends) can help someone feel connected and less alone as they create new friendships in the recovery process.
Some treatment centers bring in sober people from the outside world to speak or go on outings to AA or NA meetings. It is common to exchange phone numbers at these gatherings.
Easing The Transition Into A New Environment
Entering a new space such as an alcohol rehab or drug rehab center can be intimidating. Cell phones can provide a sense of normalcy in a brand new environment.
Having access to a cell phone can help alleviate stress for people who have never lived away from home, have separation anxiety, or are newcomers to rehabilitation.
Entertainment
During the week, inpatient treatment centers provide clients with organized programming to treat a substance use disorder and encourage group camaraderie.
These include:
- substance abuse group therapy
- psychiatric care
- individual therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy
Counseling is an essential part of addiction recovery. However, when these programs are not in session, clients may deal with boredom and unfamiliarity, which can cause emotional distress.
This emotional distress — anxiety, depression, panic disorders, or bipolar disorder, for example — is one of the primary causes of addiction and substance use disorder.
If you have access to a cell phone, you can entertain yourself by:
- learning a new skill
- meditating
- listening to music
- reading an e-book
Why Some Treatment Centers Don’t Allow Cell Phones
Some rehab centers do not allow cell phones or the use of electronic devices. Some treatment centers believe the disclaimers attached to smartphones are not worth the risk.
Easy Access To Triggers
Rehab centers try to provide a trigger-free environment, but the internet can expose someone to a world of stresses and temptations.
Possible triggers from cell phones include:
- social media
- contact from an unsupportive person, such as a drug dealer or someone still active in addiction
- media heavily influenced by drugs and alcohol
- news that is stressful or depressing
These factors may trigger a relapse once a person leaves their treatment program.
Privacy Concerns
Rehab centers must maintain the privacy of their clients and staff.
It’s easier for that privacy to be broken if clients are taking photos of each other or sharing personal information on the internet.
Unhealthy Distractions
People in treatment from substance abuse will need to be hyper-focused on their recovery.
Cell phones can take you out of that concentration, allowing in unwanted distractions.
This is the main reason that certain treatment centers will not allow, or limit, cell phone use and other electronic devices. They want their clients to be fully present and centered on recovery.
Cell Phone Use At Northeast Addictions Treatment Center
At Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, cell phones are allowed. We recognize both the positives and negatives of having cell phones in our facilities.
We can work with your specific needs to best determine how much cell phone use benefits your recovery.
Recover From Addiction At Northeast Addictions Treatment Center
We at the Northeast Addictions Treatment Center aim to provide the best treatment options for someone with a substance abuse disorder.
Here, you’ll find recovery services such as:
- evidence-based addiction treatment
- motivational interviewing
- group therapy
- family therapy
- didactic therapy for addiction
If you or a loved one want information on our drug rehab programs that allow cell phones, call our helpline to speak with a treatment specialist today.
Sources:
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration — Key Substance use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from 2020 NSDUH
