If you have ever wondered what happens at a rehab center, you are not alone.
Considering entering a rehab program and seeking treatment for your substance use or mental health can feel overwhelming. However, for many, rehab is a part of the recovery process.
Whether you are seeking help for a drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or co-occurring mental health conditions, understanding what to expect while in rehab can help you feel more confident and in control of your decision.
Key takeaways
- Rehab is not one-size-fits-all and includes a range of structured treatment programs, such as inpatient rehab and more flexible outpatient programs.
- Most rehab programs incorporate individual therapy, group therapy sessions, skill-building, and coping skills.
- It is common to have a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Treatment typically addresses both substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
What “Rehab” Actually Means
“Rehab” is a broad term that can include different types of , or even mental health treatment.
Rehab is designed to help people recover from addiction and mental health issues in a safe environment where they can learn the skills they need to keep healing after treatment.
Rehab may take place at an:
- Inpatient treatment or a residential treatment center where you live at the rehab facility
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP), which are also sometimes called day treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- General outpatient rehab or ongoing outpatient treatment
Each level of care offers a different level of structure and support to meet your individual needs.
What happens in inpatient or residential rehab?
In inpatient rehab, also called residential rehab, you live at a rehab center for a period of time.
This setting provides a highly supportive environment, especially for those dealing with severe substance use disorder.
It’s important to clarify that detox is different from rehab, even though some people use the terms interchangeably. While drug and alcohol rehab programs help you to find sobriety, detox is focused on helping you get through the withdrawal process safely before moving on to a different type of rehab where you can learn more long-term skills.
It is typically a shorter-term program, lasting several days, that is for those who are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or who need medical support to come off substances safely.
Inpatient or residential rehab includes:
- 24/7 supervision and support from healthcare professionals
- A structured schedule
- Several therapy sessions daily (often a mix of group, individual, and sometimes family)
- Distance from triggers and outside stressors
- Stable living with support
Inpatient programs are especially helpful early on in the rehab process or when you need extra stability and safety.
What happens in day treatment (PHP) programs?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP), also known as day treatment, is a step down from inpatient treatment.
In a PHP, you will spend most of your day at a treatment center but return either to your home or sober living in the evening.
PHP includes:
- Several therapy sessions a day (mix of group and individual, sometimes family)
- Continued, structured support
- Greater flexibility than inpatient care
- Often medical supervision
PHP is an ideal type of treatment for those who need a structured program but have no issue returning home safely in the evenings.
What to expect from intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in rehab?
In an intensive outpatient program (IOP), you attend treatment several days a week and are often able to keep up with outside responsibilities, like work or school.
Sometimes programs are offered online or in the evening to fit into your schedule more easily.
In IOP, you can expect:
- More flexible scheduling than PHP for outpatient treatment
- Regular group therapy sessions and some individual sessions or check-ins, too
- Ongoing focus on coping skills and relapse prevention
Sometimes people start in IOP, or they step down into IOP from an inpatient or PHP level of care. IOP can help support your addiction recovery while you work to reintegrate into your daily life.
When should I look at general or extended outpatient options?
Less intensive outpatient programs like IOP, individual therapy, or a combination of both may be appropriate when:
- Your symptoms are mild to moderate
- You’ve already completed a higher level of care and are ready to step down to a lower level of care
- You are focused on maintaining long-term recovery and do not currently need intensive, acute recovery help
If you need a higher level of care that lasts all day and is more structured, then PHP might be a better fit. And if you require stable or safe housing or need a more intensive level of support, then an inpatient center may meet your needs.
The First Day at Rehab
The first day at rehab typically includes an admissions assessment, meeting staff, learning about the schedule, getting settled, and therapy sessions.
Walking through the doors
It is completely normal to feel nervous walking through the doors at rehab.
Typically, at least one staff member is there to greet you and assist you with your belongings.
Any remaining paperwork is signed, your items are inventoried, and any belongings that you are not allowed to have are left with the staff. You will also likely complete an admission assessment.
Getting your assessment
One of the first things you will do is undergo an admissions assessment.
Depending on the center, you may complete one assessment with a nurse, another with a medical provider, and also be asked questions by a therapist.
These providers will likely:
- Assess your general overall physical and mental health
- Ask you questions about your substance use history
- Assess present levels of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms
- Conduct basic lab work, such as a urine pregnancy test or drug screen
- Finalize any outstanding paperwork
- Do a brief physical exam
- Count any medications you brought with you and discuss medication orders
All of this information is used to help create your customized treatment plan.
Meeting your treatment team for the first time
Your treatment team consists of several professionals. They might include:
- Nurses
- Doctors or advanced-level providers such as nurse practitioners
- Therapists
- Interns
- Technicians
- Case managers
- Other helping staff, such as the kitchen crew
This team is there to help you throughout your recovery journey. Be sure to ask questions and reach out for help as needed.
Learning the schedule
Structure is key in any rehab program.
You will receive a schedule outlining your daily therapy sessions, meals, activities, downtime, medication windows, and more, depending on the treatment center.
Settling in for treatment
If you are in a residential treatment program, you will typically be given time to settle into your room, rest, and have a snack or meal.
However, this can vary depending on what time you arrive. For example, if your admission time is earlier in the morning, you may be expected to participate in group sessions that afternoon.
If you are not in a residential program, you may still receive a tour on your first day to learn where the bathrooms are, where the food options are on-site, and where staff offices are, in case you have further questions.
Therapy sessions
Once you have gone through the admissions process and have had a chance to get settled, you will likely jump right into therapy groups or individual sessions.
What Does a Typical Day in Rehab Look Like?
A typical day will move through a structured schedule of check-ins and medications, therapy, breaks, and downtime if you are in a residential program.
How does the day start during treatment
A typical day may start with a morning check-in, a group meeting, or both.
This helps to set the tone for the day, provide communication, and address any immediate needs right away.
If you are in a residential or PHP program, you may also start your day with any medications. Many PHP programs also offer medication management during the day as part of the treatment plan.
Individual therapy sessions
Individual therapy sessions are where you work one-on-one with a therapist to address personal challenges, trauma, and goals.
If the rehab location has several therapists, you are often assigned a primary therapist. The frequency of individual therapy sessions may vary by treatment center.
Group therapy sessions
It is normal to feel worried or anxious about group therapy.
It can feel intimidating to be vulnerable in a group setting with peers that you do not know very well. However, many find it one of the most powerful parts of treatment.
In group therapy sessions, you can:
- Share experiences with peers
- Practice communication and coping strategies
- Build a sense of connection
Sessions are designed to feel safe, not judgmental, and there is often a safe word you can use if things become too overwhelming.
Guided skill-building
A major focus of addiction treatment is learning practical skill-building tools, such as:
- Ways to manage triggers
- Developing and practicing coping mechanisms
- Improving emotional regulation
Many centers have a curriculum that they follow and rotate through different topics and skills each day or week.
Downtime in the evenings
While you will have break times in IOP and PHP, most of the day is focused on various therapy settings.
However, if you are in a residential rehab program, your evenings may include various reflections, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, movies, karaoke, and other structured or unstructured activities.
The Types of Therapy in Rehab
There are several different types of therapies used in treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are among the most common.
How is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used in rehab?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change harmful thought patterns that can contribute to substance abuse.
How is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) used in rehab?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focuses on skills such as emotional regulation and distress tolerance. DBT includes several key coping skills for recovery.
How is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) used in rehab?
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you work to develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and cravings, versus trying to avoid or suppress them.
What is Motivational Interviewing, and how can it help during recovery?
Motivational interviewing is a communication style clinicians and staff use to help you explore your reasons for change.
It can help strengthen your internal commitment to addiction recovery.
Why is family therapy used in rehab?
Family therapy can help repair relationships and involve loved ones in the healing process.
What does it mean when a rehab says they are trauma-informed?
A trauma-informed rehab facility recognizes how past trauma impacts behavior and is set up to ensure that care is compassionate, safe, and minimizes re-traumatizing clients.
Mental Health Treatment in Rehab
Many treatment centers, like Sandstone Care, recognize that substance use doesn’t usually exist in isolation.
Other mental health conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder, affect substance use. We work to treat you holistically and address both the substance use and your overall mental health.
Can you go to rehab for mental health, or just substance use?
Yes. Many treatment centers address both mental health and substance use.
What does “dual diagnosis” mean?
Dual diagnosis is a term used to refer to someone who has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition.
Dual diagnosis is common in those with substance use. Rates vary somewhat by study, with a 2022 study estimating that 36.5% of those with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition.
How does rehab treat conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma alongside substance use?
Rehab centers understand that underlying mental health conditions affect substance use and vice versa.
Strong programs are structured to provide:
- Integrated therapy sessions that focus on both substance use and mental health
- Medication management, when needed, to reduce cravings and help treat mental health conditions
- Holistic approaches to improve well-being, such as opportunities for meditation, yoga, or outside walk and talks
Rehab for Teens and Young Adults
Teens and young adults have different needs than adults due to where they are developmentally.
At Sandstone, we believe in age-based care and have a rehab programs specifically for teens and adolescents as well as program options for young adults.
How are teen and young adult programs different from adult programs?
Programs for teens and young adults differ from adult programs in that they are developmentally appropriate.
For example, programs for teens understand the importance and influence of peer pressure, identity, and emotional growth.
Programs for young adults recognize the major life transitions that can occur at this stage, such as leaving home and choosing a career path.
How does rehab keep you on track with school during treatment?
Many programs include academic support to help clients avoid falling behind and re-integrate into their school setting.
This can look like:
- Time set aside each day for schoolwork
- Help staying in touch with teachers or school counselors
- Support with homework, assignments, or missed work
- Tutoring or extra academic help
- Help making a plan to return to school after treatment
Rehab can help teens and young adults stay connected to school while they focus on their recovery. This support can make it easier to keep up with classes, avoid falling too far behind, and return to school with a clear plan.
Who else you will meet in rehab
You will meet and connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Connecting with peers can help you feel less alone. You may share experiences, learn from others, and build a support system with people who understand what you are going through.
Group therapy and daily activities can also help you practice communication, trust, and healthy relationships.
How do rehabs keep families involved when a teen or young adult is in treatment?
Family involvement can depend on the teen or young adult.
Be sure to check the age requirements for consent in your state and clarify any expectations you have, as older teens may be able to restrict what information is shared.
However, generally, at most rehab centers, family therapy is crucial to building support outside of rehab. Additionally, families can often check in with clinicians and the care team to see how things are going and ways to support their teen or young adult.
Questions You May Have Before Starting Rehab
It is normal to have several questions before starting rehab.
Many worry about things like whether or not you can use your phone and how to manage work or school.
Can you use your phone during rehab?
Phone policies can vary by rehab center.
If a rehab center allows you to have a phone, you will likely need to cover any cameras with a special tape. This helps to ensure privacy within the treatment center.
Some rehab centers may allow you to keep your phone with you at all times unless it becomes an issue; some might have designated phone hours, and some might restrict its use entirely.
Can I keep up with work while I’m in rehab?
Keeping up with work or school depends on what type of program you are in.
If you are in an IOP program, especially one that meets in the evenings or online, you might be able to continue working or attending school.
For PHP and inpatient rehab programs, it typically isn’t feasible to continue with work or school temporarily.
However, oftentimes there are leave programs available at your place of work to ensure you do not lose your job while you are in treatment. Additionally, most schools will work with you and allow time off to complete treatment.
Will people judge me for going into substance use treatment?
While there will always be judgmental people, rehab centers are structured to be welcoming and supportive.
It is unlikely that you will be judged by fellow clients and staff while in treatment. Most people recognize how hard it can be to realize you need help and are supportive.
Will I have to share things I’m not ready to share?
While you are encouraged to share, you are never forced, and you can share at your own pace.
Groups often also have a safe word you can say if you start to feel uncomfortable.
How do I know if my addiction is “bad enough” to be in rehab?
There is no one sign to know if your addiction is “bad enough” to be in rehab.
However, generally, if your substance use is affecting your ability to function or live your life, it is worth exploring treatment options.
What if I try rehab and it doesn’t work?
It is important to remember that recovery isn’t linear, and just because you relapse after rehab does not mean that treatment cannot help you.
Sometimes it is necessary to adjust your level of care. This can look like stepping up in care to PHP or a residential program or stepping down in care to IOP or other outpatient care.
Everyone’s treatment journey is different, and sometimes that means navigating several setbacks before finding a consistent, healthy lifestyle.
Ready to take a closer look? Here’s how to explore your options without pressure
Exploring treatment programs does not mean that you need to commit to one right away.
Many treatment providers offer confidential consultations where you can ask questions and understand your options, including insurance coverage, and next steps.
At Sandstone Care, we offer an instant insurance verification tool for our evidence-based programs. We also have an admissions team available 7 days a week over the phone. Call us at (888) 850-1890.
