What Is A Typical Day In Drug Rehab Like?

Deciding To Attend Rehab

Individuals battling a substance use disorder (SUD) can find attending rehab an excellent option for getting sober. The idea of detox can be one that is intimidating for some, but going to rehab can be one of the most rewarding life decisions one can make. Medically-assisted detox in rehab provides those with SUD the space to recovery by providing access to medications, meal plans, exercise routines, and hands on support.  However, it may be overwhelming to start the journey to recovery if you don’t know what to expect.

What To Expect In Inpatient Rehab: A Typical Morning

Rehab offers treatment in an organized manner to help individuals focus on getting better. The structured environment allows patients to focus on getting the needed healing for rehab without added pressure of having to deal with outside stressors.

Patients remain on campus receiving quality care tailored to their treatment plans. Patients wake up early, often around 7 in the morning, to begin their day. Eating a healthy diet can provide the nutrients needed to restore the mind and body. In addition to breakfast, some facilities, such as faith-based rehabs, offer meditation practices or opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Morning And Early Afternoon Therapy Sessions

Once patients eat, group or one-on-one therapy sessions follow in the mid-morning or the afternoon. This is true for both inpatient and outpatient facilities. This occurs during mid-morning timeframes, facilitated by a counselor who pinpoints the motivations behind addiction.

During one-on-one therapy, the counselor takes a deeper dive into the patient’s life and provides insightful commentary for self-awareness. Options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients learn about awareness of their thoughts and behaviors, manage symptoms of anxiety or depression, and cope with challenging emotions. Such discoveries in one-on-one therapy can increase accountability, self-worth, self-esteem, and growth.

Group therapy allows for several patients to gain knowledge and awareness about their addiction. This type of therapy encourages vulnerability and community connection. Moreover, individuals in group therapy can provide insight and ideas that may inspire others, while receiving the same benefits for themselves.

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Mid-Day Routines In Rehab

Mid-day in rehab allows for patients to have lunch while receiving medications for their substance use disorders. After getting medications and lunch, patients are able to continue therapy, or utilize their free time by participating in different activities. Some options include exercising, utilizing amenities such as spas, or partaking in recreational activities such as basketball, tennis, pools, art, or music activities. As the afternoon progresses, patients continue therapy. While morning therapy could be one-on-one, mid-day therapy may be a family-oriented session, process group session, or 12-step meeting.

Additional treatments include, but are not limited to:

• Yoga

• Meditation

• Equine therapy

• Adventure therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Music or art therapy

Therapy methods like CBT encourage mindfulness, relaxation, reflection, and inspiration to identify and improve problematic behaviors. Adventure therapy incorporates excitement and the outdoors to improve present-moment awareness, trust, and community. Meditation allows individuals to remain present and helps to promote relaxation. Individuals who experience depression or anxiety during detox or as a symptom of withdrawal can benefit from alternative therapies.

During this time, those who participate in afternoon/evening outpatient treatment sessions may be just arriving for their day.

What To Expect In Rehab: Evening Routines

The evenings in rehab allow individuals to eat dinner and take their medication if needed. Patients who are in morning outpatient treatment sessions may have gone home, leaving those in afternoon/evening outpatient sessions and inpatient patients to receive access to the facility’s services. After a day of having one-on-one therapy, exploring free time and having medication, the evening may be reserved for group therapies such as 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. These meetings share the same goals as one-on-one therapies, but provide further coping mechanisms, community support, and connection. Around 8 or 9pm, some facilities encourage patients to go to bed.

Ready To Get The Help You Deserve?

Rehab treatment plans are set to help patients access the best quality of care available. Furthermore, patients receive around-the-clock-care for detox and once completed, receive access to aftercare programs for added support. If you or a loved one battles addiction, contact a treatment provider that can offer more information on substance use disorders and rehab.