What to Expect From Rehab
The first step in addiction recovery is recognizing the problem and understanding where to get help from. Rehab programmes can be one of the most helpful treatments for drug and alcohol dependence, usually in residential facilities. You do not have to determine which facility or treatment option best fits you by yourself, as an assessment can usually be done by a doctor, mental health professional, or support worker who can help you decide.
So, what can you expect from a rehabilitation programme?
Rehab is a highly effective step in your journey to recover from addiction, not just because of the controlled environment you will be in, but also because of the support you will have throughout the entire process from experienced professionals.
Find out more about daily life at New Leaf Recovery and what to expect at rehab by reading this week's blog or watching our new video, below.
Checking In
When arriving at a rehab facility, you will often have to complete an intake interview, which enables the team to find out more about you and your circumstances. This information will then be used to customise your treatment plan - so it’s vital you answer them honestly.
Detox and Withdrawal
One of the main, first steps in a rehab facility will be the detoxification process, and this, even though lifesaving in the long run, can be the most difficult part of the programme.
Withdrawal can create both psychological and physical symptoms, these can include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fever
- Shakiness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia and nightmares
All these symptoms can be managed by the professionals working within the rehab facility. So don’t worry if you’re scared or apprehensive, as there is always support along the way.
A Typical Day in a Rehab Facility
Your days typically follow a structured routine when in rehab. This generally consists of full treatment and therapy timetables, as well as designated times for meals, exercise, and socialisation in relaxed living areas.
Mornings
You will generally wake up at a set time in a rehab facility in order to keep to a laid-out routine that has been made for you. Nurses and Doctors will give out medications to those who need it, and these are usually to manage withdrawal symptoms or to help treat mental health conditions.
Because part of the program focuses on the recovery process, some rehab facilities offer morning classes such as yoga or meditation to aid you in developing new and healthy habits.
After breakfast, you will attend your first session of the day, which tends to be a group therapy led by a counselor or therapist that focuses on topics related to the treatment process. These sessions will aid you in your rehabilitation as they will help you recognise patterns of behavior you can change or certain triggers to avoid post-treatment.
Afternoons
After lunch, the most intensive treatments are generally provided, which will either include individual therapies, educational courses, therapeutic sessions, and group therapies.
- Individual therapies: These are times for reflection where you are given free time to choose activities for yourself, with physical exercise being a popular one for managing mood swings during withdrawal. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another therapy used for the individual and is one of the most effective methods used in rehab It is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
- Educational courses: These are used in rehab facilities to educate the individual on mental health, addiction, and nutrition.
- Group therapies: These provide chances for individuals to get together with others who are experiencing similar struggles and share stories to allow for healing. Individuals then create a sense of camaraderie with their peers and this in turn creates at atmosphere of trust within the controlled environment.
Evenings
This is the part of the day for wind down and reflection. After dinner, there may be another group session that provides a safe, respectful environment for individuals to foster what they have learnt in the day and their progression so far. Bedtime is encouraged to be at a sensible hour because of the benefits sleep can have on the individual, such as increased alertness and more energy for daily treatments.
Post-Rehab
Rehab programmes are not only designed to get you through the weeks within the facility, but to prepare you for life after rehab and to keep you on your path to recovery well after you leave. At discharge from the facility, the care team will discuss post-treatment recommendations with you.
The hard work will continue outside of the facility, where you will find yourself surrounded by daily struggles while trying to maintain your new positive coping strategies and behaviours. It’s important to remember that even though the recovery process will always be personal and differ for each individual, there will always be support available to aid you in your rehabilitation.
Take the Tour
At New Leaf Recovery we would always encourage any potential clients to come in for a tour. Our staff are more than happy to help and want you to feel comfortable whilst at New Leaf. Contact us on 0300 999 0330 today, or get in touch through our contact form.
Whether or not you are able to come and visit us here at New Leaf Recovery, we would encourage you to watch our video below to get an inside look into life at New Leaf, virtually meet your support team, and see what we can do to help you in your recovery.
