“What do you do in rehab” is a question with many different answers depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the addiction or mental health condition, and personal variables.
Overview of a Day in The Life at Rehab
While all rehab programs differ slightly, they usually share a similar foundational structure. For those wondering what do you do in a rehab center, here’s how a typical day at residential rehab unfolds.
Early starts with a focus on wellness
Days at residential rehab start early with a nutritious breakfast. Wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, or morning exercise may be offered in the mornings.
Habit formation
A critical part of recovery involves cultivating new, healthy habits during the treatment program that are applicable in sober living. Residential rehab programs are known for their structured schedules, which help reduce stress and provide a nurturing environment for recovery, while at the same time helping people implement healthier habits.
Morning group sessions
After breakfast, therapists lead group sessions, focusing on topics central to addiction and recovery, including discussions on treatment processes and the nature of relapse.
Afternoon therapy sessions
After lunch, individuals often participate in a series of therapy sessions, including:
- Talk therapies: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and other personalized therapy sessions help people identify negative thought patterns, manage emotions, and identify triggers, providing tools for healthier responses.
- Group therapy: Shared experiences in group therapy promote a sense of camaraderie and offer collective insights into recovery, with discussions on accountability, honesty, and other recovery pillars.
- Specialized interventions: Tailored sessions for specific needs – stress management or grief counseling, for instance – equip people with strategies for handling complex emotions without resorting to substance use.
Afternoon free time
People often have free time to engage with recreational activities, which might include sports, arts, or relaxation amenities like a sauna, swim, or massage.
Evening activities
Evening hours may be filled with social activities, including movie nights or sober celebrations of holidays, allowing residents to experience fun without substance use. There will also be time to prepare for therapy sessions the following day.
Addiction support group meetings
Evening time also allows people to participate in 12-step meetings, which might be held on-site or at local community groups, helping build a robust sober network for ongoing support after the conclusion of treatment.
Restorative sleep
A reasonable bedtime is encouraged to support the development of a healthy sleep routine, beneficial for maintaining alertness and energy for active participation in treatment activities.
This structure ensures that each day in treatment is balanced with therapy, personal growth, and downtime, delivering a comprehensive approach to recovery.
What Can Rehab Do for Me?
Rehab can provide a transformative foundation for your recovery journey to sobriety. It’s a place where you can break free from the grip of addiction in a safe, structured, and medically supervised environment.
Rehab offers professional therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction, teaches coping strategies to manage cravings, and helps establish healthier habits. You’ll gain insights into the root causes of your substance use, participate in group support that fosters a sense of belonging, and learn life skills that are essential for a substance-free life.
Ultimately, rehab can offer you the tools, support, and guidance needed to build a resilient foundation for long-term recovery and a healthier, more fulfilling life free of the need to use addictive substances.
Rehab Day in The Life by Category
Here’s a brief snapshot of what different types of rehab involve.
What do you do in drug rehab?
In drug rehab, you’ll engage with a variety of activities aimed at overcoming substance addiction. This may include medically supervised detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, individual therapy sessions to uncover the root causes of addiction, and group therapy to build a support network. Drug rehab often involves learning new coping strategies, attending educational workshops on addiction, and developing relapse prevention techniques to maintain long-term sobriety.
What do you do in alcohol rehab?
Alcohol rehab typically encompasses a combination of medical intervention and psychotherapy. You’ll participate in detoxification under medical supervision, followed by therapies like CBT to help change damaging drinking patterns. Activities might also include developing skills for managing triggers, workshops on the effects of alcohol on the body, and family therapy sessions to rebuild relationships and support systems.
What do you do in inpatient rehab?
Inpatient rehab provides an immersive therapeutic environment. You reside at the facility and have access to 24/7 care. Your days are structured with various therapies, educational sessions, and wellness activities. Inpatient rehab focuses on intensive personal reflection through individual therapy, skill-building for sober living, and engagement with communal activities that foster recovery-focused relationships.
What do you do in outpatient rehab?
Outpatient rehab offers a more flexible approach to treatment, allowing you to live at home while attending scheduled treatment sessions. This might include individual and group counseling, behavioral therapy sessions, and continuous monitoring of your recovery progress. Outpatient rehab is suited for those with strong support networks and the ability to maintain sobriety in a less controlled environment.
Rehab Effectiveness Statistics
Relapse rates for addiction are similar to the relapse rates of other chronic conditions. Between 40% and 60% of those who engage with addiction treatment relapse at least once.
With relapse being such a common occurrence, emerging treatments aim to diminish the likelihood of relapse, and a well-structured aftercare program can help people maintain abstinence after discharge from relapse.
Relapse should not be viewed as a treatment failure but rather as a signal that adjustments may be necessary in the individual’s treatment plan. It’s an indication to reconnect with healthcare professionals to continue treatment, adjust current methods, or explore alternative rehabilitation strategies.
Getting Insurance Coverage for Rehab
Securing insurance coverage for rehab can significantly reduce financial barriers to getting the help you need. Most insurance plans cover at least a portion of addiction treatment services. To understand your coverage, start with a free insurance check, available at our insurance verification page. This resource can help you verify your benefits and understand the extent of coverage available for your rehab services. Always confirm with your insurance provider and the rehab facility to ensure that you’re aware of any costs you may be responsible for.
How to Use FMLA for Rehab
To utilize FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) for rehab, start by informing your employer about your need for leave under FMLA for treatment of a serious health condition, which can include substance abuse. You’ll need to fill out the required paperwork and provide any necessary certification from a healthcare provider. FMLA can protect your job for up to 12 weeks while you’re in rehab, ensuring that you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of job security. Remember to check your employer’s policies and consult with your HR department for specific procedures.
Start Treatment at Gratitude Lodge’s World-Class Rehab Today
At Gratitude Lodge, we treat all types of addictions and mental health conditions at our luxury beachside facilities located in Newport Beach and Long Beach, California. All of our centers are inclusive, welcoming, and pet-friendly.
Whether you are addicted to prescription medications, alcohol, or illicit narcotics, supervised detoxification at Gratitude Lodge reduces the intensity of the withdrawal process, addresses the issue of physical dependence, and streamlines the transition into ongoing inpatient treatment.
All addictions are unique, so all Gratitude Lodge treatment programs reflect this with personalized treatment plans that utilize the following therapies:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Psychotherapies
- Motivational therapies
- Counseling (one-to-one and group)
- Family therapy
- Holistic interventions
- Aftercare planning
Call 800-994-2184 today for world-class rehab in Southern California.
