If it is time for you or a loved one to go to rehab, you may be wondering how it actually works. Here is a closer look into what happens in drug rehab
Are you about to enter a drug rehab center?
First of all, congratulations. The decision to enter a drug rehab center can be extremely difficult. However, it is likely one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life.
However, since you haven’t started your treatment yet, you are probably a little nervous about what happens in drug rehab.
Usually, the best way to calm your nerves is to know what you’re getting yourself into. In this article, we’ll go over what a typical day in a drug rehab center looks like. Keep reading to learn more!
Atypical Is Typical
Before we dive into the normal day to day happenings of a drug rehab center, there is one very important thing to know: No two drug rehab centers are the same. And, many places, like this company, create individualized treatment plans for each patient.
Therefore, it is important to understand that you aren’t going to know absolutely everything about your day to day activities beforehand. In fact, even while you’re in the rehab center, there’s a good chance your day to day activities will change as you progress through your treatment.
That being said, we can still give you a general idea of what a typical day will look like. Let’s dive in.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
If you’re not a morning person, prepare yourself, because drug rehab centers are all about starting the day early.
Why is this?
One of the main reasons is that during the throes of your addiction, you likely didn’t have an established, daily routine. Rehab centers start the day early so you can develop a routine to carry with you in the real world.
Plus, there is evidence out there that suggests early risers are happier and more productive. And, you have a lot to get done on a daily basis in rehab, so it’s best to start the day early!
Wake up time is usually around 7 am. After getting ready, you will usually start the day with a healthy, delicious breakfast. Breakfast is always a communal event in which you eat with the other patients. It is typically served cafeteria-style, meaning you will pick up a tray and then select your meal from a line of hot and cold foods.
During or before breakfast, you will also check in with the nursing staff. During your check-in, you will have a brief discussion about your progress and you will be given any medications you are taking.
Also, the breakfast hour sometimes includes a little extra time to do some yoga, meditate, or exercise. Exercising is also another great way to start your day, so if your rehab facility offers this, be sure to take full advantage.
Group Session
After breakfast, you’ll have a bit of time to shower and tidy up your room (yes, you are expected to make your own bed and keep your room clean). Then, group sessions usually take place.
Group sessions are usually small, with about 5 to 10 people per group. What you discuss during these sessions will be completely dependent upon what type of treatment center you are in. For example, if you are in a 12-step facility, you will spend time discussing the principles of AA.
Regardless of what type of treatment center you are in, group sessions are always lead by a licensed therapist. And, they always involve group members checking in with the therapist as well as with one another.
Group sessions are incredibly uncomfortable for some people at first, as many don’t enjoy having the spotlight on them. However, many people grow to truly look forward to these group sessions.
Afternoon
Some group sessions go until noonish, at which time you will enjoy a healthy lunch.
However, some centers have other activities between group and lunch. For example, some centers will do individual check-ins before lunchtime. Some will have guest speakers. And some will give you a break in which you have some time to socialize, read a book, or step outside for a cigarette break.
Lunch is typically served the same way breakfast is, that is, cafeteria-style with everyone eating together.
After lunch, most rehab facilities usually dive right back into either group or individual sessions.
Typically, the afternoon sessions are a bit more intensive. Instead of just being a general check-in, these sessions usually focus on a very specific topic.
For example, you may discuss triggers, toxic relationships, tips on how to stay sober, etc.
Some facilities also use the afternoon hours to conduct different forms of therapy. Some facilities focus on music therapy, some focus on art therapy, or, some focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (this one is the most standard).
You will also get a break or two in the afternoon for personal time as you did in the morning.
Evening
During the evening, you will be served your third nutritious meal of the day.
After dinner, you will typically meet with either a nurse, counselor, doctor, or therapist for some one on one time. During this time, you will evaluate your progress as well as your setbacks.
Once evening check-in is complete, you may have another short group meeting or another guest speaker.
Once the activities are down for the day, it’s time to unwind before going to bed. Rehab centers do not have “curfews”, but it is wise to get to bed early, as you have another big day ahead of you in the morning!
What Happens in Drug Rehab?: Now You Know!
Now that you know what happens in drug rehab, you should feel less nervous about everything.
The important thing to remember is, that no matter what sort of schedule you have, you should always be giving it your all at each hour of the day. The more effort you put in during rehab, the more likely you are to succeed on your journey to sobriety in the outside world.
And, if you’re inspired by the top-notch healthcare provided by your facility, be sure to check out this article about entry-level jobs in healthcare that you can turn into a career.