For many people, the thought of going to rehab can be daunting. It’s often seen as a last resort, and something that is only for people with serious addiction problems. But what exactly happens during a day in rehab?
If you are worried about your family member or loved one and want a better understanding of what actually happens in a rehab facility day-to-day, let’s dive into what a typical day in rehab looks like.
What you Should Expect at Rehab
Rehab is a place where people can go to get help for their addiction. It’s a safe and supportive environment where people can focus on their recovery.
There are different types of rehab programs, but most follow a similar structure:
Morning
For inpatient treatment centers, like California Detox, clients will wake up and go through various mindfulness or treatment exercises to get their day started off right. Some treatment centers offer exercise programs during this time or later in the day.
Either before or after this, clients will get breakfast either catered in or from a chef on-site. That brings us to the early afternoon.
Afternoon
During the day, patients will participate in group therapy and individual counseling sessions. They will also have time to attend educational classes about addiction and recovery. These classes may cover topics like trigger identification, healthy coping mechanisms, and relapse prevention.
Some of the most common types of therapy programs offered during this time can include things like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
After lunch, patients will have more ree time to use as they please. This is typically a good time for them to journal about their thoughts and feelings from the day or participate in recovery-based activities like yoga or meditation.
Evening
As the day comes to an end, patients will generally have a group therapy session where they can openly share about their experiences and offer support to one another.
Depending on the day and treatment program being offered, clients and families will have the opportunity to work in tandem during family therapy sessions. During these sessions, clients and family members will discuss addiction in general, how the clients’ behavior and actions have affected family members, offer time for support, and give examples and activities that all can participate in to strengthen severed bonds and improve the support system the client has from family.
Also in the evenings, patients may participate in 12-step meetings or other types of support groups. They may also have free time to relax and connect with other people in recovery. Just like family therapy, establishing a strong network in these support meetings can be the difference between long- and short-term recovery.
Again, it is vital to note that every situation and treatment center is different, what is done for one person may be different for another. While none of this is concrete, it does give you some idea of what to expect if you or a loved one are thinking about going to treatment.
But what else is there? Let’s take a look at some other highlights of treatment.
What Else Can You Expect?
Most rehab programs also offer recreational activities like yoga, hiking, and art therapy. These activities can help patients relax and connect with others in recovery. These types of activities can also be the starting point for joining an alumni network after treatment.
In addition to these activities, most treatment centers also offer:
– Individual therapy
– Group therapy
– Educational lectures and classes
– Relapse prevention planning
As you can see, there is a lot that goes on during the day at a rehab facility. And while each person’s experience will be different, they do give you an idea of what you or your loved one might go through while in treatment. But what about after leaving treatment?
What to Expect After Rehab?
After completing a treatment program, many people feel nervous or scared about what the future holds. But with the right support system in place, anyone can successfully maintain their sobriety. Here are a few things you can expect after leaving rehab:
– Regular attendance at 12-step meetings or another form of support group
– Consistent therapy or counseling appointments
– A sober living arrangement or halfway house
– Random drug and alcohol testing
– Regular check-ins with a sponsor or sober coach
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to those who need it, and treatment can make all the difference.
It is vital to understand that addiction is a disease and if you are ever struggling with a disease, whether it is addiction, or something else like cancer, diabetes, or more, you should always seek out professional help — that is where a rehab program comes in.
Rehabs and treatment centers can connect you or your loved one with the addiction professionals, clinicians, case managers, and therapists you need to help fight addiction and create a lifestyle that is conducive with long-term sobriety.
