People who are struggling with addiction and considering starting their treatment might wonder what do you do in rehab for drugs or alcohol during a typical day. The answer is that no day is truly ‘typical.’ Different rehabs offer various treatment options, methods, philosophies, and schedules. However, some forms of structure and certain patterns exist during the rehab experience. This article will provide a glimpse into what to expect during your stay in a treatment facility.
What Do People Do in Rehab During a Typical Day?
Morning Routine
The day in rehab begins early in the morning, between 7 and 8 a.m. After waking up, residents have some time for personal hygiene and getting dressed before the day’s scheduled activities start. Breakfast is provided around 7:30-8:30 a.m. It tends to be light and nutritious to give energy for the busy day ahead. After breakfast, the medical staff distributes the prescribed medication. Staff need to monitor closely and document all medication taken by patients.
After breakfast and meds, there is typically a morning meditation session or reflection activity. Research shows that mindfulness meditation can help recovering addicts by reducing stress and increasing self-awareness. Morning reflection allows patients to set their intentions for staying sober and identify any potential triggers or challenges ahead.
Therapy Sessions
- Group therapy sessions. They usually take place in the late morning and early afternoon. The common type of group therapy for addiction is the 12-step program, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Group therapy is another form of psychotherapy, that involves participants gathering in a session to openly discuss their issues and concerns, all under the guidance of an addiction specialist or therapist.
- Individual counseling. Is one of the most important activities of what happens in rehab. Residents have private one-on-one counseling sessions with therapists a few times a week. The most commonly used approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying dysfunctional thoughts or underlying causes that may have contributed to substance abuse.
- Educational classes on abuse, addiction, and recovery. They teach residents about the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of addiction. The goal is to clarify the recovery process and offer essential insights into opioid treatment. Understanding addiction can empower people in their sobriety.
Midday Break and Skill-Building Activities
After the morning group and individual therapy sessions, rehab patients are given a break around midday. This offers time to relax and have lunch. Facilities often encourage patients to sit together in the cafeteria when eating so they can practice social skills and receive peer support.
Following lunch, residents engage in recreational activities. Some rehab facilities provide game rooms or exercise equipment. Other programs incorporate specific activities like art therapy, music therapy, or yoga. Patients may also be taught different relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or gentle, therapeutic yoga, to help calm the nervous system.
What do you do in rehab is get a lot of practical skills on how to cope with addiction. Some rehabs offer skill-building workshops for this purpose that focus on relapse prevention planning, managing triggers, healthy communication skills, goal setting, and more. These types of hands-on workshops help equip patients with tools and coping strategies.
Another activity could be interactive sessions focused on relapse prevention strategies, life skills, the recovery process, and more. These sessions use a mix of lectures, workbooks, videos, and group discussions. Patients are encouraged to actively participate by asking questions, sharing perspectives, completing worksheets, and discussing takeaways.
Afternoon Program
- Specialized therapy sessions. Patients attend different types of therapy tailored to their specific needs, employing various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing (MI). The goal of these sessions is to focus on understanding addiction, managing cravings and triggers, building life skills, etc.
- Exercise and physical activities. Patients may exercise in the facility’s gym, attend yoga or Tai Chi classes, or play sports outside. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. It also promotes cardiovascular health and helps normalize sleep patterns.
- Family therapy sessions. Not all rehabs involve families in the recovery process, but such involvement can make a huge positive impact. Family therapists conduct both one-on-one and multi-family therapy. What do they do in rehab is learn how addiction has affected their relationships and communication styles. Families gain tools to support their loved one’s recovery, including setting boundaries and managing expectations. Family therapy helps resolve underlying issues and rebuild trust.
Evening and Nighttime Routine
- Dinner and medication administration. Dinner is typically shared with others. It is a time to reflect on the day’s experiences and acknowledge the progress that has been made. Some medications may also be administered at dinnertime, such as prescriptions to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or psychiatric medications if co-occurring disorders are present. Nurses oversee medication distribution to ensure safety.
- Support group meetings. Twelve-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follow dinner. Patients share their experiences and offer each other encouragement. Studies show that 12-step participation helps people sustain sobriety after leaving rehab. Other support options may include the SMART Recovery program or Secular Organizations for Sobriety.
- Reflection or journaling time. Quiet reflection helps patients process emotions, track their progress, and clarify their thinking. Therapists often suggest journaling to help increase self-awareness. Journal prompts may include listing things one is grateful for, describing a meaningful interaction, or considering the day’s accomplishments. Patients occasionally share journal entries with their counselors or groups if they choose.
- Personal time. Later evenings offer unstructured leisure time like reading books, writing letters, playing board games, watching approved movies, or calling loved ones. Still, medical staff supervise common areas to ensure a safe, sober environment.
Lights out helps maintain healthy sleep routines, as sleep is essential for healing brain pathways impaired by alcohol or drug abuse. Many rehab centers do not enforce a strict ‘bedtime’ hour, but staff often encourage patients to go to bed at a reasonable time to avoid feeling tired the next morning.
Weekends and Special Activities
What does rehab look like on a weekend? It may have a slightly different schedule than normal weekdays. While weekdays usually involve more intensive group and individual therapy sessions, weekends shift the focus to building healthy life skills and relationships. There may be more free time for recreational activities, personal time to rest and reflect, or visitations with loved ones. Meetings, meals, and bedtimes tend to be more flexible as well.
Many programs have designated family visitation hours or days where parents, spouses, children, and other loved ones can visit residents. These visits allow you to practice communicating openly and honestly with family and resolve issues during addiction treatment. Visits may start as brief and be supervised by staff, expanding to longer or even overnight visits as residents progress.
Some rehab facilities incorporate supervised outings or field trips into the rehabilitation schedule. These may include:
- Local AA/NA meetings to build community support
- Recreational activities like bowling, mini golf, or hiking to have substance-free fun with peers
- Movies, museums, or sports events to adjust to triggers in public settings
- Volunteer activities like serving at soup kitchens to develop meaning and purpose
Special workshops, guest speakers, and classes are frequently offered on weekends. Topics aim to build life skills around:
- Job readiness
- Healthy relationships
- Art or music therapy
- Budgeting and financial literacy
- Managing emotions
- Values, morals, and spirituality
- Planning for life after rehab
Why Are Rehab Schedule and Structure So Important in Recovery?
Life in alcohol or drug rehab might feel unfamiliar, but it is intentionally designed to be a supportive and organized setting for your recovery. In contrast to the chaotic nature of addiction, what does rehab do is emphasize routine. Healthy habits like waking up early, eating well, and engaging in activities are reinforced. Consistency and accountability help residents learn to manage cravings, understand triggers, and build essential life skills. Over time, healthy routines cemented during rehab aide the transition back into regular life.
Where Can I Find an Addiction Treatment Program?
Treatment plays a vital role in the recovery process, providing essential tools and support needed for long-term sobriety. While inpatient drug or alcohol rehab may not be necessary for everyone and outpatient treatment could be enough, beginning your recovery in a structured, drug-free environment offers significant benefits. Inpatient rehab centers typically provide the most comprehensive care, with a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, case managers, and recreational coordinators available on-site. If you or someone you care about is considering inpatient rehab, contact the nearest rehabilitation center to explore your options further and find details regarding what is rehab schedule looks like.
