Rehabilitation programs – called “rehab” for short – can be helpful for people in the beginning stages of their recovery from addictions to alcohol or other substances. If you want to know more about what rehab is like, keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about rehab – what it offers, what kinds are available, how long stays are, and more.
What Should You Expect in Rehab?
Rehab is designed to give you a structured space to treat your addiction and lay the foundation for long-term recovery. While each rehab has its own distinct character, they typically share some key features, including therapies, group activities, and educational sessions. It is also not uncommon for members of 12-step fellowships to hold meetings in rehabs. Furthermore, most rehabs are governed by rules that govern the conduct of all participants in the rehab. While the rules are important, rehab facilities also tend to foster a supportive community environment. Healthy habits and coping mechanisms are the name of the game.
What Are Rules in Rehab?
Rehab programs have rules that help ensure the safety and flourishing of participants. If you opt for a rehab stay, some of the rules you can expect include:
- Maintaining sobriety throughout your stay
- Attending therapy sessions and group gatherings
- Respecting your fellow participants
- Adhering to curfews and other facility policies
- Abstaining from bringing prohibited items, including certain electronics
What’s the Role of Support Groups in Rehab?
Support groups – including mutual aid fellowships like Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – play a pivotal role at most rehab facilities. These groups give you the chance to connect with others who have had similar experiences with addiction and recovery. Moreover, these groups help you build a support network for when your time in the facility ends. You’ll have no trouble at all finding an AA or NA group in your local community, and they can help you maintain your sobriety after completing treatment.
What Are the Types of Rehab?
If you’re considering entering yourself into rehab treatment, you’ll want to know about the different types of rehab available. Broadly speaking, these types can be broken down into two categories: inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehabs offer you intensive care in a residential setting. Inpatient stays can last from a few weeks, to thirty days, to sometimes several months. It all depends on the type of rehab and your level of need. Inpatient rehab is especially helpful for people with severe addictions who are in need of round-the-clock support. After an inpatient stay, many participants leave with a solid foundation of recovery upon which to build.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient alcohol treatment is a popular option for addiction treatment. Part of its appeal is the fact that it allows you to continue living at home, offering a flexible alternative to inpatient rehab programs. Even while outpatient rehabs offer flexibility, they also provide accountability. Outpatient alcohol rehab centers help you learn about your substance use and develop strategies for maintaining sobriety – identifying triggers, learning coping skills, and finding communities of support in the outside world. Some outpatient programs involve daily sessions at first, with meetings lessening as you continue along your path of recovery.
At-home Treatment
The in-home addiction treatment (IHAT) program offered by Aware is one option for individuals suffering from addiction and seeking lasting recovery from the comfort of home. Aware offers evidence-based support services, including medication management, peer support, community connections, family support, and more. This comprehensive approach can help you stop drinking and stay stopped, all while supporting your overall health and wellbeing.
Aware’s at-home treatment boasts a 78% recovery rate and a completion rate 2.5 times higher than that of traditional rehabs. To date, more than 10,000 people have been treated with the IHAT program, which provides convenience, privacy, and flexibility. With Aware’s help, you don’t have to put your life on hold for treatment.
How Long Is Rehab?
The length of a rehab stay depends on a variety of factors, including: individual circumstances, the type of treatment needed, the severity of the substance use being treated, and more. Some programs are just a week or two, while some others last months, while still others can be up to a year. In short, it all depends. The important consideration is that the time spent there will be sufficient for a proper detox – the process of the substance leaving the body – followed by therapy, skill-building, and the development of relapse prevention strategies.
While there are a few standard lengths for rehab stays, flexibility is often built into treatment plans. Standard lengths include:
- 30-Day Programs: This type of program works best for folks who, for whatever reasons (work, family, etc.), feel they need a shorter stay. 30-day programs are also effective for people struggling with mild to moderate addiction. They typically offer an intensive schedule of therapy, group discussions, education, and relapse prevention strategizing.
- 60-Day Programs: This type of program offers more time and allows participants to go deeper into underlying issues, including co-occurring disorders. The extra time also allows for more intensive strategizing around relapse prevention and building coping mechanisms for daily life.
- 90-Day Programs: This type of program is more comprehensive than shorter alternatives and allows for deeper, more extensive therapeutic measures. For some, simply getting ninety days of continuous clean and sober time can be a game changer.
- Extended Programs (6 Months to 1 Year or Longer): This type of program can be advisable for those with more severe or long-standing addictions. Extended programs focus on sustained recovery through ongoing therapy and lifestyle changes.
What’s a Typical Day in Rehab?
A typical day in rehab includes a variety of therapies all aimed to support your recovery and give you the tools you need to thrive.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy is an important part of many rehab programs. During these sessions, a trained therapist will work with you to address your specific needs, as well as the underlying causes and conditions of your addiction. The therapist is also there to help you develop coping strategies and establish goals for your recovery. Therapeutic models may vary based on the facility, but some strategies may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused therapy.
Group Therapy
Many rehabs also offer group therapy sessions, which provide a safe and nurturing space for you and your fellow participants to learn from each other’s experiences. These sessions are essential for building communication skills and building a sense of community within the facility. Group therapy is also good practice for attending recovery fellowship meetings upon completion of rehab.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is all about family dynamics and relationships, and it can play an important role at many rehab facilities. By bringing family members into your recovery, you can start to repair some of the damage caused by addiction and dysfunction. Furthermore, your family members will benefit from being equipped with the tools to support you on your journey. Having a supportive family behind you will work wonders for your long-term recovery.
How Do You Find a Rehab Program?
To get started on your recovery journey, explore Aware’s in-home addiction treatment (IHAT) program. This innovative approach allows you to receive personalized care in the comfort of your home. Start your treatment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
