What is Drug and Alcohol Rehab Like?

Rehab center in Florida, Photo credit: Google Images

Rehabs: Places of Healing and Recovery
​If you are struggling with addiction and desiring to transition into a life of recovery, you may wonder, “What is rehab like?” You may be worried about the daily activities, rules, and how the staff treats clients at rehab centers. Do not allow your fears about rehab to stop you from recovering and reclaiming your life. Read forward to learn about what rehab is like.

 How Do I Know if I Need Rehab?
You may be questioning if you need to go to rehab. You may be thinking, “I can stop any time I want to,” “I am just a social drinker who needs to cut back,” “I use prescription pills, not street drugs,” or “This is just a phase that will pass.” If you have been unable to quit substance use despite experiencing negative life consequences, you may benefit from going to rehab.
Other symptoms of addiction may include: 

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using substances.
• Being preoccupied with using substances.
• Using substances to cope with negative emotions.
• Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effects. This is called “tolerance.” Engaging in risky behavior to get substances (e.g., stealing, prostitution, or other criminal behavior).

What Do People Do When They Go to Rehab? 

• Check-In

You will participate in an intake interview when you first arrive at the rehab center. You will be asked basic biographical information and questions about your substance use and health history. Answering these questions honestly will help you get the most out of the program.

• Detox

After the check-in process, you will go through the detoxification process. If you are detoxing off certain drugs (e.g., alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, etc.), you most likely will experience withdrawal symptoms. Medical staff will be present to help you safely and comfortably go through this process.

•  Counseling

Three primary methods of psychotherapy that are used in rehab centers are:
1. Individual Counseling
You will work one-on-one with a counselor to focus on the underlying issues of the addiction such as childhood trauma, life stressors, low self-esteem, co-occurring mental illness, destructive thinking patterns, addictive personality traits, etc. The counselor will also work with you on relapse prevention techniques
2. Family Counseling
Addiction is a family disease. Family counseling will help heal present wounds caused by the addiction and past wounds that may have triggered the addiction. It also helps inhibit the future of codependent family systems.
3. Group Therapy
Group therapy involves members working together to support and learn from one another. Sessions often involve sharing experiences, struggles, and solutions. A counselor leads these sessions by facilitating discussions, highlighting important points, and ensuring healthy group dynamics. 

• Aftercare Planning

At the conclusion of your stay at a rehab center, you will work with your counselor to develop an aftercare plan. This may include living in a sober-living facility, attending an outpatient program, attending support groups, and engaging in healthy activities.

 What is Inpatient Rehab Like?
Going to an inpatient rehab may sound scary because it involves living at the facility under the supervision of the staff and not being able to interact with your loved ones for that time. However, their structure is highly beneficial for recovering from addiction. Rest assured that they do not mimic the settings of hospitals or jails. Instead, they are places of mental, physical, and spiritual healing. Here is a typical daily routine in rehab:

• Marvelous Mornings

You will wake up at a scheduled time each morning. A healthy breakfast will be served, and you will be given medications and supplements. The rest of the morning will consist of activities such as a group therapy session or a yoga/meditation session.

• Adventurous Afternoons

After lunch is when the most intense therapy takes place. This includes individual therapy, anger management, stress management, grief counseling, etc. Experiential therapies such as art, psychodrama, adventure therapy, and recreation therapy are commonly hosted in the afternoon.
 · Easy Evenings
The evening will consist of dinner and attending another group session or 12-Step Meeting. Bedtime will be scheduled for a reasonable hour.

 Take the First Step on the Recovery Journey
The idea of going to rehab and getting into recovery can sound scary. You may be wondering how you will survive in the world without using drugs and alcohol. Know that recovery is possible and that you have the power to create a better life for yourself. Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Take the first step by calling Enlightened Solutions Recovery Center at (609) 270-1151 to embark on your recovery journey.

*Note: This is a sample piece, not written for an actual client.