If you are considering addiction treatment for you or a loved one, it is likely that you may wonder what to expect during a typical day in rehab. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a carefully designed process that cultivates a foundation for people suffering from addiction to manage and maintain long-term sobriety.
Residential inpatient drug rehab facilities are structured treatment programs that provide 24-hour care under the supervision of professionals. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction treatment should last at least 90 days to be effective. However, this period does not need to be entirely spent at an inpatient rehab facility. The protective atmosphere of inpatient treatment minimizes stress and potential triggers among residents and cultivates a supportive environment for recovery. Specific schedules, amenities, therapy options, and daily activities may vary depending on the specific drug rehab program you attend.
Here is an example of what a day in drug rehab may look like:
Mornings in Rehab: Healthy Habits and Meditation
Mornings at inpatient rehabilitation programs do not include sleeping in. You should expect to wake up early in the morning to indulge in a healthy breakfast to kickstart the day. Most programs offer morning classes such as yoga or meditation to help cultivate a relaxing start to your day. A major priority of the addiction treatment and recovery process focuses on developing healthy habits that cultivate an overall healthy way of living.
After you enjoy your breakfast and individual meditation, typically you will attend a group therapy session. These sessions focus on the treatment process, 12-step program, education on the disease of addiction, healthy coping skills, and recovery. Group therapy primarily focuses on helping clients achieve awareness on the people, places, trauma, and other conflicts that tend to be the root causes fueling their addiction.
These daily sessions are conducted in a controlled, therapeutic environment crafted to help you recognize the unhealthy patterns of behavior in order to adopt new, healthy coping mechanisms that cultivate long-term sobriety.
Afternoons in Rehab: Intensive Therapy
Midday activities in rehab generally consist of the most intensive part of your stay in rehab. After enjoying a healthy lunch, you are likely to begin a series of therapeutic sessions. These intensive therapy sessions include:
Individual Behavioral Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is one of the most effective forms of therapy used in addiction rehab programs. This specific form of therapy focuses on your behavioral responses to triggers. These one-on-one therapy sessions offer the opportunity for clients to identify triggers and work with a therapist on healthier responses to those triggers.
- Life Skills Training – Everyone’s path to treatment is different, however, every addict benefits from life skills training tailored to fit their individual needs. From creating a healthy schedule, employment coaching, money management, and effective communication skills – life skills training is an essential foundation for long-term health and happiness in recovery.
Family Therapy
Family support is an essential component of addiction treatment. Addiction is a disease that affects the entire family unit. Identifying and correcting these maladaptive behaviors such as codependency, enabling behaviors, anger, resentment, and trauma help rehabilitate and restore broken family dynamics. Participation in family therapy can positively impact and increase the chances of an individual maintaining lifelong sobriety.
Alternative Therapies
In addition to these intensive therapies, many rehabs offer other supplemental therapies in order to maintain a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. Alternative therapy forms may include:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Dance therapy
- Neurofeedback
- Exercise programs
- Yoga
- Equine therapy
- Reiki
- Holistic therapy options
- Meditation groups
Free Time in Rehab
During your stay at a residential rehabilitation program, you will most likely have a few hours of free time. Activities such as group outings, hiking, boating, game rooms, basketball, volleyball, gym time, and some facilities may also have a swimming pool. It is also beneficial to spend some of your free time reading, meditating, journaling, or even praying. Remember, this is the time for you to focus on self-care and recovery from your substance use disorder.
Evenings in Rehab: 12-Step Meetings and Fellowship
After a healthy dinner, you may have a wrap-up group session. Many substance abuse rehab programs also bring in 12-step program meetings in the evenings. These meetings are an integral part of recovery from substance abuse and are part of the aftercare plan upon discharge from rehab. These meetings provide a safe, respectful, harmonious, anonymous, and supportive environment in which fellowship is fostered. Attendance at these meetings are a vital element for continuous sobriety.
Getting Help in Rehab
Now that you are aware of what a day in rehab consists of, hopefully, many of your anxieties have been calmed. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, contact Comprehensive Wellness Centers of Lantana today. Our experienced treatment staff provides stability and support for you or your loved one with a customized plan that meets the emotional, physical, and overall well being of the individual.
