When entering rehab for the first time, you’ll likely feel the same anxiety most people feel when going into treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction. In fact, most patients have the same basic question going in: “What is rehab like for a first-timer?”
Overall, what is rehab like?
The type of treatment program you enter will largely determine what your rehab experience will be like as a first-time patient. There are a multitude of programs available. Each offers its own inclusions, schedules and expectations. The primary forms of rehab include:
- Inpatient (residential)
- Partial hospitalization (PHP)
- Outpatient (OP)
- Intensive outpatient (IOP)
- Sober living
Of the above types of rehab, each provides a different level of structure and organization. For example, in an inpatient treatment or a residential program, patients remain in a hospital setting or on a residential campus 24 hours per day and seven days per week for a designated period of time. Generally these programs last 30, 60, or 90 days.
Each of these types of programs work to achieve the same goals of recovery. However, they’re suited to people with varied levels and types of addiction. A patient with history of heroin addiction, or one with lengthy substance abuse background and a co-occurring condition, may be better served through a residential treatment program than an outpatient program. Of course, this is determined on a case-by-case basis. An addiction assessment before entering rehab helps providers make these determinations.
What is rehab like each day in a residential program?
For patients going into residential treatment, day-to-day life in rehab is more inclusive and structured than outpatient-based programs. Below is a general outline of a typical day in rehab:
- Wake up at a set time
- Healthy breakfast
- Yoga, meditation or other activity
- Morning meetings, such as a morning group therapy
- Healthy lunch
- Individual counseling
- Afternoon group therapy
- Specialized education or therapy sessions
- Some free time for individual use
- Healthy dinner
- Evening group therapy or 12-step program participation
- Bedtime at a reasonable hour
While this type of schedule may sound rigid, it helps to provide a sense of daily growth and accomplishment for patients. It also sets the pattern for life after rehab as a productive, fulfilled individual.
Making the Right Decision for Your Future
Going into rehab for the first time is intimidating, but it can also be the best decision you’ve ever made. Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona provides an array of rehab programs designed to provide the level of structure and treatment that individual patients need.
Right now you’re wondering, “What is rehab like?” As soon as you decide to get the help you need, you can start wondering, “What will the rest of my life be like?” If you’re ready to gain the most from your rehab experience, call Pinnacle Peak Recovery now at 866-377-4761 for more information and to verify your insurance.
