What to Expect When You go to Rehab
To get the most out of rehab, people must give themselves to the process whole-heartedly and participate with an open mind. As a result, they can expect to be busy while in rehab and make some lasting friendships with other people in recovery.
The rehab process may involve a number of components:
- Group and individual counseling
- Recreational therapy
- Medication management, if applicable
- Management of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Family therapy
- Aftercare and discharge planning
- Health care
- Learning to manage diet, exercise, social activities and proper sleep routines
Rehab Rules
The environment and schedule at rehab are structured to provide individuals with a safe and therapeutic environment. Some common drug rehab rules include:
- No cell phones or computers
- No romantic relationships while in the program
- Attendance at all sessions
- No movies, TV or music
- Total abstinence from drugs and alcohol
- Restrictions on leaving the facility
- Phone calls and family visits are regulated
- Smoke breaks may be permitted
What to Bring to Rehab
Individuals who will be attending drug rehab may be encouraged to bring:
- Two-weeks worth of seasonally appropriate clothing, including sleepwear
- A toothbrush and unopened toothpaste
- Unopened (sealed) alcohol-free toiletries
- Reading materials
- Journaling materials
- Approved medications
What Happens After Rehab?
Maintaining recovery requires an ongoing effort and presence of mind. Rehab provides individuals with a plan and the tools for maintaining recovery for the long term. In particular, people are prepared for handling life on life’s terms without having to resort to substance use to cope with the stress and adversity that are normal parts of life.
How Rehab Improves Recovery
Research and experience have shown that most people who attend treatment succeed in stopping their drug use and functioning better in life socially, occupationally and in terms of physical and mental health.
Rehab techniques have been developed over decades and are based heavily on research evidence. The treatment approach is to treat the whole person – the biological, psychological, social and spiritual (not religious) – aspects of compulsive drug use. The experience is transformative so that people find that their drive and need to use drugs to cope with life falls away.
Most people find rehab to be a life-changing experience for reasons that go well beyond the fact that they are finally freed from substance addiction. They learn aspects about themselves that give them clarity on where they fit in the world and how to live life and handle its stressors better than they ever could before. Many people are able to confront and deal with traumatic issues that played a major role in their addiction.