What Is A Typical Day In Drug Rehab Like?

Entering a rehab facility is difficult for so many reasons, but many endure unnecessary pressure simply because they fear going into such an unfamiliar situation alone. Although every treatment center is a little different, you can expect that structure and organization will be heavily emphasized. The environment is meant to minimize uncertainty and stress so that the primary focus is to get professional support as you heal. Understanding what to expect in a typical day will hopefully eliminate some anxiety as you get ready to enter rehab.

GETTING AN EARLY MORNING START

Plenty of rest is vital to physical and emotional health, but this type of program requires an early rise with a nutritious breakfast. These new habits are meant to build a better structure for patients as they return home after treatment. Light physical activity may be a part of the morning routine, with relaxing activities like meditation or yoga.

A group session guided by a therapist or counselor usually starts at the conclusion of breakfast. Topics of discussion will focus on stages of recovery. A big part of your treatment is going to require identifying triggers to your addiction and learning the tools to make a permanent change. Substance abuse treatment is not always going to be easy, but rest assured that the entire process is safe and supportive.

MID-DAY INTENSIVE THERAPY

After enjoying a healthy, relaxing lunch, you’ll start a series of therapy sessions that may seem a little more intense. You can anticipate some variation of the following activities:

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (INDIVIDUAL)

Addiction centers experience the most success by offering patients CBT because it identifies why a person responds a certain way to their triggers. The first step is identifying the specific triggers that have driven you to begin abusing drugs or alcohol. Your therapist can use this knowledge to help you learn ways to respond and cope that are more positive and healthy than turning to substances. You’ll go through this session in a safe one-on-one environment with a caring therapist that is equipped with the tools to guide you through your fears and anxiety.

GROUP SESSIONS

Addicts may go into rehab with many unhealthy and broken relationships, and you might have gotten used to doing many things alone. Group sessions in rehab often start with some resistance to participate, but this is one group that has a unique sense of camaraderie. You can feel reassured that you will be among individuals that are experiencing some of the same hardships and struggles on their journey to heal. As time goes on, you will form an emotional bond as each of you learns to trust and share in group therapy.

FAMILY THERAPY

Support and forgiveness from the family that has been hurt by addiction is a crucial part of successful treatment. Family therapy is intended to rebuild after the destruction of codependency, resentment, broken trust, and anger. Rehab provides a healing opportunity for family members as they address unresolved negative feelings and work toward true forgiveness. The support and love of family increase the likelihood of long-term success upon the completion of treatment.

SPECIALIZED SESSIONS

Based on individual needs, there may be some additional therapy sessions to contribute to the recovery process. It’s not unusual to have underlying issues like poor anger management at the root of turning to substances as a coping mechanism. Stress management, grief counseling, and anger management are a few specialized options that a patient can attend as needed during rehab.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Once in a while, a speaker may come to share their stories and give residents of the facility a look into their potential future. It’s important to have hope beyond just encouraging words, and many people feel that they benefit from seeing real results from another former addict. Treatment facilities offer so many tools to recover from addiction, but it’s not an easy process to start applying it to real life. A speaker may come in to offer practical life advice, like entering the workforce after a period of substance abuse and a period in rehab.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY (VARIES BY FACILITY)

Diversity in daily activities helps keep the program interesting as the days pass. Physical relaxation is encouraged in everyday life, but heart-elevating activity is also essential when it comes to taking care of your body. Some facilities offer many options for alternative therapy than others, but the activities may include:

  • Exercise programs
  • Dance therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Herbal Medicine
  • Neurofeedback
  • Reiki
  • Biofeedback

PERSONAL TIME

The majority of a typical day in rehab follows scheduled activities, and this does include some afternoon free time. Residents of the facility may enjoy relaxing with a book, meditation, or using their free time for prayer. Some facilities have recreational options like a basketball court, swimming pool, ping-pong, or other methods of physical activity. It’s important to use the time as a way to relax and unwind before the final session of the day.

EVENING MEETING

The final group session of the day takes place after everyone has finished dinner, but it’s often short. Most facilities use this meeting to offer the infamous 12-step program. The program tackles various addictions by adapting the steps to suit the needs of the patients receiving treatment. Real recovery doesn’t stop by completing a specialized program because real life is full of triggers and challenging moments. The 12-steps help those that struggle with the temptation to resist the compulsion to turn to substances when things get tough. An evening meeting helps end the day strong with an uplifting session in a safe and respectful environment.

Patients end the day at a decent hour that allows for adequate rest to recover physically and emotionally. Throughout treatment, this healthy habit will become a part of your routine that you can practice in the real world. Not only will you be more alert and energetic, but it has also shown to make patients more willing to participate in their recovery actively.

PERSONAL TIME

The majority of a typical day in rehab follows scheduled activities, and this does include some afternoon free time. Residents of the facility may enjoy relaxing with a book, meditation, or using their free time for prayer. Some facilities have recreational options like a basketball court, swimming pool, ping-pong, or other methods of physical activity. It’s important to use the time as a way to relax and unwind before the final session of the day.

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