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Can I Use My Phone during Inpatient Rehab?

A common question many people have when considering rehab is if they will be allowed to have their cell phone (or other devices) with them during treatment. For many, a cell phone may be a piece of comfort from home, but they can also be a source of temptation in many ways. All rehab facilities follow their own rules, but most do not allow the use of personal cell phones or other electronic devices, such as computers, laptops, iPods, DVD players, tablets, etc.

In regards to cell phone use, most rehab centers do not ban cell phone use, but they do regulate usage, especially early in the treatment process.

Preparing for Treatment

Most rehab facilities are happy to discuss their rules and regulations over personal devices before patients enter treatment. In the majority of cases, treatment programs provide communication time each week for patients to stay connected with family and other loved ones. People needing to use other electronic devices — such as email and the internet for work — may also be allowed to do so depending on their situation and treatment plan.

Other specifics vary among facilities and depend on individual patients and how far along they are in their program. Aside from cell phones and other electronics, clients may bring other comforts and reminders of home, but it’s important to discuss these ahead of time with the facility.

Reasons to Limit Cell Phone Use in Rehab

Group Of Friends Looking At Their Cell PhonesRehab centers impose cell phone restrictions for a reason: to help recovering addicts focus on recovery. Cell phones and other electronic devices can distract patients from recovery, so they are generally banned.

Many people seek inpatient services to get away from things that tempt or cause addictive behavior, so the facilities provide a safe and structured environment where clients can learn and practice skills needed to find lifelong recovery apart from those distractions, like cell phones.

In addition to being a distraction from treatment, cell phones can also bring stress and other problems. There are so many valuable lessons to learn during rehab that all other issues must be temporarily set aside in order to give full attention to recovery. Effective rehab treatment requires patients to participate without being distracted by texts, calls, social media and the like. Although cell phones can certainly be used for good, when it comes to maintaining focus in treatment, cell phones only prevent people from devoting themselves completely to recovery.

 

How to Find the Best Rehab Options

If you aren’t sure what questions to ask or are simply interested in hearing about quality rehab options, we can help. We are part of a network of rehabs that provide a whole host of services to patients of all backgrounds. We can even provide you with intervention services and all the information you need on addiction treatment and recovery services. Our admissions coordinators are available to help 24 hours a day at our toll-free helpline, 269.280.4673. Please call today.