What Is it Like to Attend Drug Rehab?

An addiction to drugs or alcohol can be life-changing. You may have to sink to extremely low depths before you even realize that you have a problem. However, once you do come to that realization, you can finally accept things and seek the help that you need. If you have never experienced rehab before, you might be nervous and want to know what to expect. You should know what a typical day in rehab is like.

Mornings in Rehab

Many people who struggle with substance use disorder involving alcohol or drugs choose to enter a residential facility to do their rehabilitation. A typical day in rehab begins early in the morning. People in rehab facilities are required to wake up around 7 AM and consume a healthy breakfast to start the day. There may also be programs geared to health and fitness or mental well-being to get everyone started for the day ahead. Yoga and meditation are often included so that residents can clear their minds and feel more relaxed.

Usually, there is a group counseling session available after breakfast that allows people to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences thus far. Some rehab facilities use the 12-step program to aid in the therapy and recovery. Everyone gets a chance to open up and speak about the factors that led to them turning to the substance they abused and how they envision their life-changing while they go through rehab. People are also shown how they can recognize certain triggers that might have led them to abuse drugs or alcohol and how they can change their behavior so that they can avoid them in the future.

Afternoons in Rehab

A big part of afternoons in rehab is focused on therapy. Therapy sessions take place after lunch and can include different types of therapy:

Individual therapy: Individual therapy is also known as behavioral therapy and is often used to help people going through treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy helps the person recognize why they started using the substance in the first place. They learn about better, healthier ways to respond to certain triggers that once resulted in their addiction. With individual therapy, the person is free to be as open and honest as possible so that they can gain a better perspective and learn valuable tools they can use once they complete their rehab and regain their sobriety so that they can maintain it for the long term.

Group therapy: Group therapy can greatly help people in rehab as it gives them the opportunity to freely discuss their own personal situation. Everyone feels a certain kinship due to going through the same thing, which allows people to learn from one another. Group therapy can help forget important friendships while people get that much closer to their sobriety.

Specialized therapy sessions: These are therapy sessions that are tailored specifically toward individuals for their own situations. Some people may require a combination of therapies such as behavior therapy, anger management and grief counseling, to name a few.

Family therapy: If a person’s addiction involves codependency, family therapy is helpful. Even if their family members don’t struggle with an addiction themselves, they are still involved with their loved one’s issues. Drug and alcohol addiction affects everyone in the family environment. Therapy allows each person to address their fears, concerns and hopes and express their feelings. It can also help to better support the person with the substance use disorder. There are other types of alternative therapy available as well, such as art therapy and exercise. After therapy sessions are finished, people in rehab get the chance to enjoy some free time to do what they like. There are sports activities, relaxation and even religious options available. They are also free to write in their journals, read or simply engage in conversation.

Evenings in Rehab

Dinner is served in the evening and then a short group counseling session takes place. Usually, this is when the 12-step program takes place. Everyone is there to support each other. Those in rehab typically go to bed early as part of their program. It also helps to refresh the mind and wake up feeling rested the next morning. Ready to take that first step toward getting help? Call us at 833-846-5669 to get started today.

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