What to Expect During Your Stay at a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centre

If you’re thinking about going to a rehab centre, or if your loved one is, it helps to understand what to expect. Many people find that addiction recovery is easier when they know what to expect, and being prepared can help ease the anxiety of taking that first step.

Most facilities follow a similar schedule, but each centre has unique amenities and services. The first day is usually dedicated to intake, settling in, and orientation. During this time, you’ll meet your treatment team and get to know the other clients with whom you’ll be sharing your journey.

Building a Support System for Recovery

You’ll also start to build a support network that will be vital throughout your recovery. Individual and group therapy sessions allow you to work through the underlying causes of your addiction. Different modalities are used, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, and motivational interviewing.

During this phase, you’ll start to develop new coping skills and learn how to deal with cravings and triggers. You may begin to work on repairing relationships that have been damaged by drug and alcohol use, and you’ll gain confidence in your ability to live independently without drugs and alcohol.

Therapy and Treatment Modalities You’ll Experience

Most facilities have evening meetings or 12-step programs, and many include recreational activities, such as billiards, ping-pong, basketball, soccer, and more. Typically, dinner is served at around 5 p.m., followed by a discussion or meeting and then some downtime before bed. Some facilities have a set “lights out” time to promote restful sleep.