For many people the prospect of going to rehab is quite scary, particularly if they have no idea what happens in a rehab setting
When entering inpatient rehab, individuals can expect a supportive and structured rehab environment designed to foster healing, social connection, and emotional growth.
If you or a loved one is thinking about seeking drug addiction treatment at a drug rehab facility, this is the article for you; we’re going to take you through everything you need to know – from the process right through to what items to bring with you.
What is a Typical Day in Rehab Like?
Let’s begin by talking about a typical day going through addiction treatment in a drug rehab facility. The daily schedule is part of a structured programme designed to support recovery, combining various therapeutic and medical interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.
Mornings usually start early, with a healthy breakfast followed by activities that promote physical fitness, such as yoga classes or gym sessions, to support physical health and overall well-being.
After breakfast, patients participate in group therapy sessions. These take place in a therapeutic environment that fosters emotional healing and behavioral change, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to share experiences and learn coping strategies.
Morning – Breakfast and Light Therapies
The majority of addiction rehab facilities tend to serve breakfast between 7:00am and 8:30am. This allows the inpatients enough time to wake up, take a shower, get dressed for the day, and then enjoy a healthy and hearty breakfast.
Once you have eaten your breakfast, you will then be ready to prepare for the day ahead. It is common practice for a rehab centre to provide a journal which should be filled in every morning before your therapy sessions begin.
Your typical addiction treatment therapy sessions will likely begin around 9:00am and 9:30am. These morning therapy sessions are holistic in nature, such as yoga and meditation to help you relax, clear your mind, and be better prepared for the therapies to come. These activities not only support mental well-being but also contribute to improving your physical health, which is an important part of the recovery process.
This is good practice and many rehabilitation experts encourage inpatients to continue with a similarly structured routine after completing their rehab programme.
Next up you will likely begin your morning group therapy sessions. These therapy sessions will be led by a counsellor, though you will be provided with a platform where you can discuss your alcohol and drug abuse with your peers as well.
This is when you can delve deeper into the issues related to your substance addictions. You will be armed with recovery tools, prevention techniques, and as much knowledge as possible to help you recognise and identify the patterns of behaviours that likely fuelled your addiction to begin with.
Afternoon – Intensive group therapy
During the afternoon in a typical rehab centre you will begin to explore the heavier issues in individual therapy sessions with certified addiction counsellors.
As you will have had a healthy breakfast and plenty of time to get your mind working, you can comfortably begin tackling your mental health and the potent addiction triggers that may have led to your drug abuse.
It is in these afternoon sessions that you can begin to experience powerful rehab treatment, such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), rational emotive behaviour therapy, and a combination of other proven therapies, depending on the nature of your addiction and what your addiction counsellors prescribed as part of your individual treatment plan. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is often included, which helps individuals develop emotional regulation skills to manage difficult emotions and reduce conflict during addiction treatment.
These evidence based addiction treatments can be highly effective with helping a person overcome their drug addiction. This is because you will begin to recognise your behavioural responses and then work with addiction specialists to develop healthier alternative responses to said triggers to assist with relapse prevention.
Many rehab clinics may also prescribe family therapy sessions. These can sometimes take place later in the evening to provide flexibility for family members who may need time to finish work and get to the rehab facility.
As it is likely that your family will have been impacted by your addiction, it is believed to be highly beneficial for family members to meet at the treatment centre and engage in group therapy processes.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a crucial element of addiction treatment and plays a central role in many rehab programmes. In these therapy sessions, individuals come together in a supportive environment to share their personal experiences, challenges, and successes on the road to addiction recovery. Led by a trained therapist, group therapy provides a safe space where group members can learn from one another, develop coping strategies, and build a sense of community that is essential for lasting recovery.
During group therapy, participants engage in discussions, activities, and exercises designed to help them understand their addiction and develop practical tools for overcoming it. The group setting allows individuals to see that they are not alone in their struggles, which can be incredibly empowering. By listening to others and sharing their own stories, individuals can gain new perspectives and develop coping strategies that support their recovery journey.
The relationships formed in group therapy often become a vital source of encouragement and accountability, helping individuals stay committed to their treatment plan. This sense of belonging and mutual support is a crucial element in achieving and maintaining recovery, making group therapy an indispensable part of the treatment process.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is an essential part of many addiction treatment programmes, recognising that addiction affects not just the individual, but their entire support network. In family therapy sessions, both the person in treatment and their family members come together with a trained therapist to address the impact of addiction on their relationships and daily life.
The goal of family therapy is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create a supportive environment that fosters ongoing recovery. These therapy sessions help family members understand the nature of addiction, learn how to support their loved one, and develop healthy coping strategies for themselves. By working together, families can strengthen their connections and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Involving family members in the treatment process also ensures that individuals have ongoing support once they leave the treatment centre. This collaborative approach helps everyone involved navigate the challenges of addiction recovery and supports a more successful and sustainable recovery journey.
Mental Health Support
Addressing mental health is a critical aspect of effective addiction treatment. Many individuals struggling with substance abuse also face mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Comprehensive addiction treatment programmes offer mental health support through a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence based therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).
CBT and DBT are proven approaches that help individuals develop coping strategies, manage difficult emotions, and improve their overall mental health. These therapies focus on changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, which can reduce the risk of relapse and support ongoing addiction recovery.
By providing mental health support alongside addiction treatment, rehab centres help individuals address the root causes of their substance use and build resilience for the future. This integrated approach ensures that both addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions are treated, giving individuals the best chance for a healthy, balanced life.
Afternoon – Downtime
After a busy morning and early afternoon of addiction treatment, you will be given some time off during the mid-afternoon to relax and unwind. This time will afford you an opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned, add to your journal, interact with other patients, and kick back.
In the majority of rehab centres you can spend this time as you wish. Some people may watch TV, others will play cards, and you can even enjoy a workout in the onsite gymnasium. Focusing on physical fitness during this downtime can play a key role in supporting mental well-being and recovery, as regular exercise helps regulate mood and improve overall health. At PCP you will also receive dinner provided by our very own on-site chef!
Evening Sessions and Early Night
Once your afternoon sessions and downtime have been completed you will sit down for a healthy dinner. Following that it will be time to take part in further group therapy sessions.
These group therapy sessions are typically based on some form of 12-step recovery programme (such as the AA and UKNA). During these evening sessions, participants often share personal stories, which helps foster trust among members and supports emotional healing. Your typical evening group therapy sessions may run approximately 90-minutes.
Finally, after a long day of therapy you will be allowed to enjoy some more downtime as you settle for bed. Typically speaking, your addiction rehab treatment provider will encourage that you go to bed early, allowing you to be fully recharged for the next day’s sessions.
How Does Rehab Work in the UK?
Alcohol and drug abuse is something that has been on the rise in recent years in the UK, and it is wreaking havoc on many individuals and their families’ lives.
The good news is that there are a number of programmes in place to help people suffering with addiction get into rehab.
There are many effective and affordable drug addiction treatment organisations in the UK that are either privately or publicly funded. The NHS provides numerous services to help those in need – however, for the more severe cases of drug addiction, private residential treatment is likely to be more beneficial.
For those who have a minor addiction problem, there are local drug services funded by the NHS. These include:
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Talk therapies: these therapy types require that the addicted individual talk to a counsellor or psychologist and explore various treatments such as CBT, helping you learn how your thoughts and feelings influence your behaviour.
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Medication-assisted treatment: for those who may have an opioid dependency, substitute prescription drugs may be provided to help with the withdrawal process from the physical addiction.
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Medical detox: a medically assisted detox is designed to cleanse the body of all abused substances and help you get through the severe withdrawal symptoms.
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Support groups: it may be suggested that you meet with local support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and UK Narcotics Anonymous to meet with your fellow peers struggling with addiction in order to discuss the nature of addiction and practise relapse prevention techniques.
Connecting with community resources, such as local support services and aftercare programmes, is also crucial for ongoing support, maintaining sobriety, and rebuilding relationships after leaving rehab.
It is important to remember that the quality and availability of public, NHS-funded services like these will vary from one place to the next. As such, you may find it difficult to get the level of care that you need.
There are a variety of treatment centres available in the UK, offering structured addiction recovery programmes with diverse services, therapies, and amenities. These treatment centres often provide specialised, family-inclusive, and recreational activities tailored to different populations, supporting long-term sobriety.
This is why seeking private inpatient rehab treatment is far more effective, as you will be guaranteed a placement and can receive the care you need as quickly as possible.
Sometimes, private health insurance might cover the rehab cost, but that comes down to your insurance company, the private rehab facility, and a number of other factors.
Many rehabs in the UK offer payment plans in order to help spread the cost of treatment.
What is the Pocess of Rehabilitation?
The rehab process may vary from one rehab clinic to the next, but you can generally expect it to follow a similar pattern. Treatment programs are designed to help individuals transition from active addiction to sustained recovery, providing structured support and therapies tailored to each person’s needs.
Admissions
The addicted individual (or one of their loved ones) contacts the rehab clinic and they are enrolled. This first step is a big one, however, treatment providers make this process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Intake and Assessment
When the patient enters the rehab clinic, they complete the necessary admin processes. During intake, staff will check vital signs and collect family medical history to help inform and tailor the treatment plan. This is when the treatment providers ensure that no forbidden items are brought in and that the patient gets off to a safe and comfortable start.
During the initial assessment process, medical and clinic staff will interview the patient as a crucial step in gathering information to determine the best kind of rehab programme for them. This is when the treatment centres further assess what substances the patient has been abusing (e.g., prescribed medication / illegal drug addiction), identify existing mental health issues, and customise their alcohol rehab or addiction treatment accordingly. The information gathered during this stage is then used to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Detox
The medically supervised detox stage is the process by which the patient is purged of all harmful substances. That way, the patient can wipe the slate clean and start fresh. During this time medical staff will be present to help guide the patient through the painful withdrawal symptoms – making the process as safe and comfortable as possible.
Alcohol detox is often the first step in alcohol addiction treatment, and it is essential for safely managing withdrawal symptoms.
During the detox process, individuals may experience symptoms such as nausea, headaches, anxiety, and fatigue. With medical detox, these symptoms are carefully monitored and managed, ensuring the individual’s safety and comfort. Once the detox process is complete, individuals are better prepared to begin therapy and engage fully in their treatment programme.
Starting with a safe and effective alcohol detox sets the stage for successful addiction recovery, allowing individuals to focus on developing the skills and strategies needed for long term recovery.
Inpatient Care
During inpatient care (or residential rehab), the patient resides in the rehab facility and undergoes various treatments and therapies to help them with their recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. The treatment program may address both substance use and behavioural addictions through tailored interventions designed to support long-term recovery.
Again, these treatments will vary significantly from one clinic to the next, but they are all ultimately designed to help the addicted individual learn more about themselves, understand the nature of their addiction, and develop valuable life skills to help them combat and recover from their alcohol and drug addiction over the long term.
Do all Addicts Need Residential Treatment?
No. It all depends on the individual, how severe their addiction is, and how much support they have around them. In some cases, a person may be able to work through their addiction on an outpatient rehab programme. However, inpatient / residential treatment is often the most effective and thus highly recommended.
What Treatments do Patients Receive in Rehab?
The treatment options available in rehab vary significantly from one individual to the next. This is because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery and each case is treated individually. Treatment programs are tailored to individual needs and may include a variety of therapies and activities to enhance effectiveness.
Here are some examples of the treatment options available during inpatient rehab:
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Meditation
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Art therapy
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Self-love therapy
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Music therapy
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CBT
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Yoga
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Walks in nature
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Prayers meetings for religious people
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Family therapy
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Individual therapy
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One to one sessions
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Trauma resolution
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Peer group support
Behavioural therapy is perhaps the most commonly prescribed type of treatment for addiction and is frequently used during substance abuse rehabilitation. This is because it helps the addicted individual recognise and process the behaviours that may have led to their substance abuse in the first place.
What to Take With You into Rehab
What you can take with you into rehab is quite limited and varies from one facility to the next, for yours and your fellow inpatients safety. Here’s an example of what you can bring with you:
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A list of names and contact information for those you want involved with your treatment
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While you can bring a wedding ring or sentimental jewellery with you, it is advised that you leave all valuables at home
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Any current prescription medication
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A small amount of cash
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Identification
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Pictures of your loved ones
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Reading materials
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Comfortable clothing
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Fitness wear (for participating in physical fitness activities such as yoga or jogging during rehab)
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‘Dress attire’ for any formal family occasions
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Any other clothing deemed appropriate and comforting
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Personal hygiene items and regular toiletries
Make sure you speak with your inpatient treatment facility before you enter to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of what can and cannot be brought into the centre with you.
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What is the Average Time Spent in Rehab?
The amount of time spent in rehab can vary anywhere from 1-day to over 6-months. However, the average and most typical time spent in residential rehab is between 30 and 90-days.
Who Decides When the Rehab Ends?
Ultimately, someone can leave at any time they wish. Unless rehab as been court ordered, anyone over the age of 18 can leave when they want to, though the rehab facility staff will do everything they can to persuade them otherwise.
The first and second day is the most common time for people wanting to leave. This is because it sinks in that they will be away from their loved ones for an extended period of time.
Those who make it past the few days are most likely to want to leave treatment after 48 to 72-hours when they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from highly addictive opioids and benzodiazepines.
Following that, people are susceptible to leaving rehab after 7 to 14-days; either because they believe they have been cured or simply want to use drugs and alcohol again.
