Entering drug rehab can be intimidating due to fears about detox, revealing one’s addiction, and leaving behind family, friends, or work. However, through detox, therapy, and ongoing support, patients often discover that seeking treatment is a life-changing decision. Although each person’s experience in rehab may differ, with the right mindset and support from staff and fellow patients, rehab can ultimately transform one’s life for the better. To provide a clearer picture, here’s what a typical day in a drug rehab center involves:
Drug Rehab Detox
Detoxification is usually the initial and crucial step in the treatment process. During detox, patients experience withdrawal under the careful supervision of medical professionals who ensure the process is as safe and comfortable as possible. Detox is the body’s natural way of eliminating harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, restoring its neurochemical balance.
At Sunrise Recovery, detox may involve Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or medically supervised detox, where clinicians use various medications and therapies to alleviate discomfort. Methods such as drug tapering, pain management, and holistic approaches help the body return to its natural chemical balance. Medications are used only within a specific timeframe to prevent dependency beyond treatment.
While detox is essential for some individuals, it is not required for everyone and can be risky if withdrawal symptoms are not promptly addressed. Detox can be particularly dangerous for those addicted to opioids, alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines, as these substances have more severe effects on the body. Withdrawal symptoms can vary based on the severity of addiction and the last dosage consumed and may include:
Therapy in Drug Rehab
Therapy forms the core of the rehabilitation process, laying the foundation for recovery. Addiction treatment programs are centered around various types of therapy, including individual, group, family, and specialized approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and more.
Individual Therapy
In individual therapy, patients engage in one-on-one sessions with a therapist during their residential or intensive outpatient treatment. These sessions occur at least once a week and focus on discussing recovery-related issues. Therapists work with patients to evaluate their progress and motivations, setting realistic goals such as achieving long-term sobriety, finding employment, repairing relationships, and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Common topics covered in these sessions include:
Group Therapy
Addiction often leads individuals to isolate themselves from the world, living in secrecy and withdrawal. Group therapy provides a crucial opportunity for socialization and is an essential component of the recovery process. In group therapy, clients engage with one another under the guidance of trained counselors and therapists, practicing essential coping skills and learning to interact openly and honestly.
These sessions foster strong connections among participants, and these bonds can become fundamental to long-term sobriety and success. Peer support is incredibly valuable in recovery, offering insights into addiction from others’ experiences. Having a support network, such as a sponsor, can also help prevent relapse and encourage continued participation in meetings.
Family Therapy
Family therapy may be an important aspect of treatment for some individuals. In these sessions, key family members are brought in to engage in facilitated discussions, either with or without the patient, to address family dynamics that may contribute to the individual’s addiction. These sessions are led by addiction professionals and help family members gain a deeper understanding of addiction and its impact on the family unit.
Sleeping and Eating in Drug Rehab
In residential treatment, individuals are typically provided with a private or shared room where they can sleep, reflect, and write. Roommates often become important sources of support and companionship, discussing recovery and sharing experiences. Most treatment centers require patients to stay on-site for the duration of their treatment, which means meals are prepared by the kitchen staff rather than cooking for themselves or shopping for groceries.
For those in intensive outpatient treatment, living at home is an option, allowing individuals to cook, clean, and maintain their usual routine. However, participants must attend at least three three-hour sessions per week at the treatment center and comply with drug tests and breathalyzer checks to ensure abstinence.
Other Activities
Recovery in drug rehab encompasses more than just therapy sessions. While therapy is central to the process, there is also ample time for physical activity, socialization, and other activities. Some treatment centers offer supervised outings, movie viewings, or participation in recovery-oriented events like AA or NA meetings and charity functions. Nonetheless, most centers require patients to remain on the premises for the entirety of their treatment.
At Sunrise Recovery’s residential treatment program, patients stay on-site throughout their program but also engage in various activities beyond therapy sessions. These activities include:
Although these activities might not seem as exciting as a vacation, they provide valuable opportunities for reflection, interaction with others, physical exercise, and relaxation. By the end of the day, patients are generally ready for a good night’s rest, preparing them for the following day’s activities.
What Are Staff Like in Drug Rehab?
At Sunrise Recovery, the staff includes a range of professionals such as intake clinicians, facility managers, nurses, therapists, and counselors. Behavioral technicians are also on hand to assist patients with daily activities and ensure timely medication delivery. Many staff members have personal experience with recovery, which allows them to offer empathetic and informed support.
Numerous individuals who have undergone their own recovery journey choose to join our team to support others facing similar struggles. For many, the clarity and new perspective gained through sobriety inspire a commitment to helping others achieve the same sense of fulfillment and transformation.
What Is a Day in Drug Rehab Like?
A typical day in drug rehab can vary by facility, but most programs offer 24/7 care for 1-3 months under the supervision of addiction professionals. Residential treatment is often recommended for individuals with long-term or severe substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. Outpatient treatment schedules can also differ, but at Sunrise, it involves attending three on-site sessions per week, covering similar therapeutic topics.
While specific schedules may vary, they generally adhere to a structured routine designed to minimize boredom and maximize engagement. Structure helps distract from cravings and prepares patients for regular life post-rehab.
The day usually starts early with a wake-up call. Patients begin their day with medication rounds from nurses, followed by light exercise or socializing around breakfast. Breakfast is served at a consistent time each day in a communal setting, fostering relationships and connections. After breakfast, patients typically participate in a group therapy session to set the day’s tone. These sessions last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the topic and daily schedule. Following therapy, patients have a break where they can socialize, relax, or request snacks.
Therapy sessions often include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a method endorsed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for treating addiction. CBT helps patients address problematic behaviors and underlying thought patterns that contribute to addiction, identify potential triggers, and develop strategies for managing them.
Lunch is served in a communal setting with meals prepared by the facility chef, designed to meet healthy guidelines and encourage social interaction. After lunch, patients may attend individual or group therapy sessions based on the morning’s topics. Dinner is typically followed by a less structured meeting where patients share their daily experiences, similar to a 12-step meeting, and may feature a guest speaker discussing recovery-related topics.
Evenings include some free time before lights out, during which patients can chat with roommates, read, or journal. Patients are encouraged to maintain a journal to reflect on their therapy sessions and track their progress.
Is Outpatient Drug Rehab Different?
While Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) differ from residential treatment in format, the goals and types of services provided are similar. In IOP, clients attend therapy sessions several times a week and return home afterward, unlike residential treatment where patients stay on-site. IOP participants are also required to complete drug and alcohol testing to ensure sobriety. Although clients live at home during intensive outpatient treatment, they continue to work on building a robust support system and are strongly encouraged to maintain a substance-free environment at home.
In Conclusion
Entering a drug rehab center can be daunting, but it is a crucial and beneficial step in the recovery process. To learn more about our residential and intensive outpatient services, as well as other drug and alcohol rehabilitation options, visit our website or explore the Sunrise blog for the latest addiction information.
