What Happens When You Go to Rehab?

You have taken an important and brave step and enrolled in an affordable substance abuse treatment program. 

They Will Need To Know Everything About You

When you arrive, you will have a detailed interview with the staff. You need to be completely honest if you want your rehab program to be effective. You will be searched to make sure that you are not bringing any substances into the rehab center. There are some items that you can bring with you to aid in your recovery.

There Will Be Regulations To Follow

Rehab facilities always have many rules you will be required to follow to help you stay safe and sober. You will obviously need to stop using drugs immediately. You will be denied access to most media and your cell phone to protect you from depictions of drug use. You cannot be in the same rehab clinic as a significant other, and you cannot form a romantic attachment with another resident.

You Will Get Assitance With Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawing from drugs or alcohol is a trying ordeal. You may become anxious, depressed or nauseous, and you could experience shakiness and headaches. Sometimes, there are more intense symptoms such as hallucinations or seizures. It is unsafe to try to control these conditions on your own, but your treatment plan will include medications that will mitigate withdrawal symptoms. 

Your Activities and Progress Will Be Monitored

You will almost never be alone in rehab. This can keep you accountable. Most rehab facilities do not have private rooms. You will follow a set schedule each day and will be expected to attend every activity on the schedule.  There will be a limited amount of free time to engage in the physical or intellectual activities of your choice. 

Rehab Will Keep You Busy

Your daily schedule will typically include healthy meals and several types of therapy. You will be expected to attend group therapy sessions, which will encourage you to bond with the other residents and form a support system with them. There will also be one-on-one therapy sessions to allow you to talk about your feelings and develop coping mechanisms to replace drugs or alcohol. You may have other kinds of therapy such as art therapy or even visits from service animals. 

Before you complete the program, the staff will provide you with resources like support groups and mentors (or “sponsors”) that you can utilize in your daily life. All of these approaches will reinforce your recovery after you have completed your treatment.