Living with substance use disorder (SUD) can be challenging. Drug and alcohol addiction can impact daily functioning, relationships, health, and more. It can make even simple things, such as caring for yourself or doing other everyday activities, feel impossible.

Drug and alcohol abuse can also spiral into a life-threatening condition. People living with substance abuse or addiction require comprehensive treatment and compassionate, ongoing support.

While people may understand the long-term benefits of attending rehab, some may not understand what a single day of rehab might be like. So, what can people expect on a typical day in rehab?

This article will explore what a day in rehab may be like.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Find structured and supportive treatment plans at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Rehab? Understanding Levels of Care

People have very different experiences and needs throughout the addiction recovery process. There are several levels of care to meet people’s varying needs in recovery.

Here is a quick overview of several levels of addiction treatment.

Outpatient treatment

Outpatient addiction treatment programs are typically the most flexible level of care. People may continue to work or attend school while attending one or more weekly treatment sessions.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)

IOPs provide structured, intensive treatment on an outpatient basis. People may attend several treatment sessions per week, each lasting several hours.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)

PHPs are the most intensive form of outpatient addiction treatment. People typically attend treatment sessions several hours per day on most or all weekdays. The schedule and treatments in a PHP mirror an inpatient program’s structure but allow people to return home in the evening.

Inpatient treatment programs

Inpatient treatment programs offer the most intensive level of support, supervision, and treatment. People live in the treatment facility while receiving care. They have round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment during detox and beyond.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

What is a Day in Rehab Like?

Knowing what to expect during a typical day in rehab can help people feel more confident when seeking treatment. Here is a look at a typical inpatient rehab schedule.

• Early morning: Get up to enjoy breakfast. Most rehab centers encourage people to eat in the communal dining area.
• Morning: Attend group activities, including art therapy, exercise groups, and mindfulness.
• Late morning: Therapy group session. During group therapy, people share experiences, learn life skills, and work toward goals while connecting with others.
• Noon: People eat lunch in the communal dining area.
• Early afternoon: Individual therapy sessions. People work with a therapist to explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They work on goals and learn relapse prevention strategies.
• Afternoon: Free time. People may read, socialize, visit with friends and family, or relax on their own.
• Evening: People typically eat dinner in the communal dining area.
• After dinner: People may attend education or recreational groups.
• Late evening: People may have additional free time to relax or socialize.
• Night: People get ready for bed and go to sleep.

A person’s daily schedule may differ depending on their needs and recovery goals. Daily schedules may also vary to accommodate 12-step meetings, medical appointments, social work meetings, and other events.

Several factors can affect a person’s daily rehab schedule. These include the type of rehab facility, a person’s medical and mental health needs, and more.

However, knowing a basic overview of a daily rehab schedule can help people feel more comfortable taking the first step toward recovery.

Do I Need Addiction Treatment?

Drug and alcohol abuse can have a profound, negative impact on every aspect of a person’s life. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.

Some signs you or a loved one require addiction treatment include:

• Frequently using more drugs or alcohol than you planned
• Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
• Having social, legal, or financial trouble related to your substance use
• Doing risky things while using drugs or alcohol, such as having unprotected sex, driving, or going to work
• Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
• Isolating more
• Neglecting hobbies, relationships, or responsibilities because of substance use
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using drugs or alcohol
• Having new or worsening mental health symptoms
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using a drug or alcohol
• Feeling like you can’t cut back or stop on your own, even if you want to

Drug and alcohol abuse changes how your brain and body work. These changes can make it very hard–or impossible–to stop using addictive substances when you choose.

Most people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction need treatment to stop and ongoing support to avoid relapse. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of substance abuse or addiction.

Find Treatment Now

If you or a loved one lives with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.