There are many types of drug abuse treatment and rehab experiences out there. However, most people are familiar with the way movies and TV shows portray TV shows. A common question we get all the time is, “what do you do in rehab?” The truth is that residential treatments have to follow a rigid structure, and one could say that almost every minute of your time in rehab is accounted for and planned for. Let’s take a look at what a typical day in recovery looks like.
Structured Mornings
Most rehab programs start quite early, and mornings are very active and productive. The idea is to start the day with the right foundations to prevent more anxiety and stress later on the day. Usually, the morning will begin with a healthy breakfast. As we all know, nutrition is a key element of addiction recovery; thus, rehab programs emphasize practicing mindful eating and following a healthy diet.
During the morning, some rehab centers will offer morning classes that promote mindfulness. This includes yoga, meditation, and other activities that help you relax and stay in a calm state of mind.
Then, after breakfast and most daily activities, most treatments will move into group therapies. These daily meetings allow for social interaction while helping address your issues in a controlled therapeutic environment that enables peer support.
Therapy-Packed Afternoons
During the afternoons is when most of the intensive treatment happens. After a healthy lunch, most people will begin a series of therapeutic sessions that can include individual therapy and other group sessions. These therapy sessions include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Narrative therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Grief counseling
- Motivational interviewing
Besides therapy, some rehab centers will invite speakers who share their stories, offering a sense of hope and real-life experiences. Sometimes speakers or rehab alumni can provide practical advice about what life is like after addiction treatment.
In addition, more treatment centers are starting to incorporate alternative therapies that can help improve a patient’s mental health. Some therapies commonly included are:
- Music therapy
- Dance therapy
- Biofeedback
- Neurofeedback
- Yoga
Finally, during the afternoon, those in a faith-based rehab center might also attend church or visit a temple to pray and practice spirituality and religion.
Evenings Are for Support Groups
Although most drug rehab programs have an early bedtime, there are many activities planned for the night. First, most patients will gather for dinner together. Some rehabs will host another group therapy session before bedtime. However, most centers will encourage patients to attend 12-step meetings nearby. These meetings provide a safe, anonymous, and supportive environment to foster fellowship. It’s highly recommended because most recovering addicts use these meetings to help them maintain long-term sobriety. Most rehab centers will have scheduled shuttles to take patients from the center to the meetings safely.
After the meetings, the center will host nighttime activities such as movie nights, firepit story sessions, and other activities to foster a community sense. Bedtime is encouraged at a reasonable hour to start developing healthy habits. Many patients choose to read, journal, or practice a daily hobby at nighttime. If possible, they’ll reach out to family and friends and catch up with them before the day is over.
What About Free Time?
Of course, not every minute of your rehab stay is planned out. You will have plenty of free time in between therapy sessions and other activities. Free time is meant to be spent; however, residents wish. Most treatment facilities will have ping pong tables, basketball courts, volleyball, or maybe a pool. All of these are amenities that are available to use at any time during your rehab stay.
Most of them will also have an in-house gym or have special relationships with nearby gyms accessible throughout the day. Like other healthy habits, exercise is highly encouraged, and most rehab centers will help you make the arrangement to help make sure you go to the gym or practice a sport if you wish to.
The Weekends in Rehab
When you’re attending an inpatient rehab program, you’re living in the facility 24/7 for the length of your stay. This includes the weekends. However, most weekends won’t have individual therapy sessions unless requested by the patient or therapist.
Overall, the weekends look very much like your average day in rehab. Mornings start with breakfast and group support meetings. However, most afternoons are packed with activities. For example, if your rehab center is close to a park, they might schedule a BBQ. Trips to a museum, the beach, a shopping center, and other outdoor activities are usually reserved for the weekend.
Some rehab centers will allow family visits, and these will likely occur during the weekend as well. The idea is to offer different activities and options to keep those in rehab engaged in their rehab process.
Is It What You Expected?
So, to answer the question, “what do you do in rehab?” Let’s say you do a lot. As patients progress, they’ll start moving to different activities like life skill development classes, relapse prevention therapy, and so on. When you choose long-term rehab, you know that you have enough time to cater to your needs and walk through the recovery process at your own pace.
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we don’t force our patients to move at a set pace. Instead, we build personalized and comprehensive treatment programs that adapt to your needs and progress. Thanks to this unique approach, we can help recovering addicts build the right level of confidence they’ll need to face life outside rehab. We walk them through how to get a job, shop for healthy groceries, avoid triggers, and more.
The truth is that no two days in recovery are alike. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out for help. Contact our admissions specialists today to learn more about what to expect from our substance abuse treatment plans and start walking toward the path of recovery today.
