What Happens in Rehab?

Detox

Detoxification, or detox, is the process where you metabolise the elements of drugs and alcohol already in your system – essentially the point at which you get clean and/or sober. This can be a very intense and challenging time, as you may experience both very strong cravings and a range of different withdrawal symptoms. These can include everything from mood swings and anxiety to sweats, nausea, tremors and even seizures.

Some of these symptoms can be potentially dangerous so it is always best to undergo detox under supervision. If you do so in rehab, you will be monitored and may receive medical attention including prescription medication where appropriate.

What Happens in Rehab?

Rehab isn’t prison or a detention centre, but it does tend to be very structured and regimented. This can minimise stress and uncertainty for residents and can be useful for the recovery process, especially since addiction is often connected to chaotic and messy lifestyles and lead to a lack of personal responsibility. It also helps residents to make the most of their time in rehab. Because treatment sessions can be delivered in such a focused way, a stay in residential rehab typically takes far less time to complete than an outpatient or community-based programme.

The exact make-up of a treatment programme will usually be tailored for each individual and may differ quite widely between different centres. A typical day could be divided into the following, however:

Mornings

There will usually be an early alarm as rehab encourages discipline and scheduling; this isn’t necessarily the place to come if you want to lie in. A nutritious breakfast will help you to start the day and there may also be morning sessions in mindfulness, meditation or yoga. There may be workshops or group sessions led by a counsellor or therapist

Afternoons

Following a healthy lunch (nutrition plays an important part in recovering physically from long-term substance abuse and a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your recovery moving forward) you might take part in regular therapy sessions during the afternoons.

These could include CBT, group therapy, specialist sessions such as grief counselling or PTSD counselling and family therapy. Family therapy in particular is likely to take place in the afternoon to allow for the people involved to arrive.

Evenings

There may be another short group session after dinner and if the rehab is running a 12-step programme, these sessions will usually be in the early evening. There may also be periods of free time during some afternoons and evenings. If you want to read or keep a journal that can be a valuable use of your time but so can social activities, which may be organised or more casual.

Some rehabs may have facilities such as gyms or swimming pools while others may be more modestly appointed but still offer leisure options such as table tennis or film nights. Early nights will be encouraged, to help foster rest, relaxation and a healthier overall lifestyle.

Weekends are also likely to include therapy sessions and treatments but may be more relaxed, with more free time and scheduled social activities such as walks and exercise sessions. Visits from family and friends may also take place, usually during set visiting hours.