A Day in the Life: What Does a Typical Day in Inpatient Rehab Look Like?
7.4 million Americans aged 12 or older had a disorder for substance abuse in 2016 alone. If you are one of them, you’re far from alone.
Thankfully, there are treatment options available. This includes inpatient drug rehab, to help you get back on the right track. It can be an intimidating step for many individuals, especially when they have no idea what to expect.
Yet inpatient rehab isn’t something to fear. To help put your mind at ease, we’ve put together a look at what these programs are and what a typical day looks like.
What is Inpatient Drug Rehab?
Inpatient drug rehabilitation is a program held at a rehabilitation facility. Participants live on campus for the duration of this program. This provides a well-organized, stress-free environment centered on healing and recovery.
Separating patients from the outside world removes uncertainties, fears, and negative outside influences. It gives each individual the opportunity to focus on his or her recovery.
A Day in Rehab: What to Expect
While no two programs are exactly the same, there is a standard framework. Below is a breakdown of what a day in an inpatient rehab program for drug abuse looks like.
A Typical Morning Routine
A huge part of rehabilitation is teaching patients a new and healthy routine. According to science, humans are habitual creatures. Once we form a habit, it can be hard to break.
This is why inpatient rehabilitation has a structured schedule. You will have a morning routine centered around healthy habits. The key is to repeat them day after day until they become your norm.
What to Expect Each Morning
Don’t expect to spend much time sleeping in. Most programs start bright and early. Expect a healthy breakfast and perhaps a morning class.
These classes may include yoga, meditation, or a similar routine. The goal is to offer an activity you can do on your own after you leave the program.
This wake-up routine is typically followed by a session led by a counselor or therapist. During these sessions, you will learn about the treatment process. This includes engaging in some form of the 12-Step Model.
These daily sessions are often as introspective as they are tutorial. Most addictions are more complex than a person’s physical dependence on a substance. It’s important to explore your own thoughts, emotions, and self.
Understanding and forgiveness are essential to taking back control of your own life. This includes recognizing your own habits and behaviors that lead to substance abuse.
Doing this will allow you to recognize and avoid the things that lead you down the path of addiction.
A Glance at What to Expect in Your Afternoon Agenda
After lunch, you will find even more therapy sessions and activities. These help you gain the knowledge, stability, and resources to remain sober post-program. This includes:
Group Session Therapy
While group therapy may seem intimidating at first, there is power in knowing you are not alone. When you work with others who share your struggles, you can support one another. This includes learning together how to overcome them.
Participation in these sessions is key to healing the pain that leads to substance abuse. These sessions encourage camaraderie and connection. They also offer the opportunity to share your personal story with others.
One-On-One Therapy
One-on-one therapy often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT for short. This form of therapy explores what causes you to lean on substance abuse. These causes are “triggers”.
CBT then teaches you how to cope with these triggers in a healthy way. Patients find these sessions to be a safe place to discuss feelings, fears, and thoughts.
Through these honest sessions, you will learn to better understand yourself. You’ll untangle the internal turmoil that may be preventing your own happiness.
Family Therapy
Drug addiction isn’t something that only affects the user. It’s a struggle that often impacts his or her family and friends. Because of this, healing is necessary. Not just for the patient but also the relationships he or she may have wounded in the wake of their addiction.
Family therapy encourages the participation of the patient’s family members. This can be an emotional and difficult phase of recovery. This is why patients complete this step in the safe and supportive environment of the rehab facility.
In these guided sessions, the patient will learn to forgive and find forgiveness to move forward with his or her life.
Specialized Therapy Sessions, If Necessary
In some cases, specialized therapy sessions may be in your schedule. These sessions center around specific needs that may not be in the standard program.
This includes stress management, counseling for grief, anger management, or other struggles.
Alternative Therapy Sessions or Activities
Most programs do more than sit patients down, dissect their emotions, and teach them how to cope. Many also include alternative forms of therapy. This includes physical activities that help develop healthy outlets, such as:
- Equine therapy
- Music therapy
- Dance therapy
- Various exercise activities
The key to inpatient therapy is to identify the underlying issues fueling addiction. This includes treating the body, mind, and soul. You will address issues and establish healthy ways to cope when you leave the program.
Resources for after-care support and treatment are also provided before leaving the program.
Find a Rehab Program for You or a Loved One
If you or a loved one is in need of an inpatient drug rehab program in San Diego, California, we can help. Take a look at your drug rehab options on our website to find a facility best suited for your needs.
From recovery programs to after-care, rehabilitation is an ongoing process. It’s important to find a strong program and support system to help you get and stay sober.
If you have questions or you aren’t certain where to start, contact us today. We’ll be happy to help you find the resources you need to get started on a path to a happier and healthier life.
