Rehabilitation is a process. The journey from addiction to sobriety is not a short one. It takes time, hard work, and perseverance. Some may enter rehab for different reasons: for example, because they want to take control of their lives and quit their drug habit; because they need help managing the side effects of withdrawal; or because they are on probation and have been given this as an option by the judge instead of jail time.
When you enter residential alcohol or drug treatment facility, what should you expect? In this blog post, we’ll talk about what to expect from 28 days in rehab. And then, if your goal is to break the addiction, it’s important for you to know how long treatment lasts and whether it’s likely to work for you.
Things to Expect From 28 Days in Rehab
You Will Go to Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or other 12-step programs are the most common types of rehabilitation programs. Most inpatient rehab facilities offer either a daily or weekly schedule of meetings. Drug rehab often follows this same model. Your day might start with a healthy meal and morning relaxation time, then move on to attend one of the many meetings that are held throughout your stay.
You Will Be Detoxed
Detoxing is medically monitored and usually starts on the first day or two of your rehab stay. Detox symptoms may include: Extreme fatigue, nausea, headache, sweating Thirst and insomnia are also common during detox. To help manage these withdrawal symptoms, you’ll be given medications to help with cravings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Different types of drugs have different detox periods, so it is important to run this by your treatment team.
You Will Be Enrolled in a Program
You will begin a rehabilitation program designed to correct the underlying aspects of your addiction that caused it, as well as help you get your life back on track. This may include education classes and therapy. As part of your treatment, you’ll probably also learn to live a healthier lifestyle and develop skills to combat cravings, like problem-solving and coping techniques that can then be used regardless of drug use.
Your Peers Will Support You
In addiction treatment, people often make the most progress when they are surrounded by others who are in a similar situation. This is known as peer-to-peer support. With a peer support program, you can receive encouragement from people that have been in your shoes before. They understand what you’re going through and will be there to offer support and guidance throughout your time in rehab. Peer support programs also help prevent relapse.
You May Have Health Issues
Depending on how long you’ve been using drugs or alcohol, you could be suffering from other medical problems that require treatment—this is called co-occurring disorders. For example, if you are an alcoholic and have liver disease, it’s likely that your drinking has caused the liver damage, and your doctor will prescribe medications to treat the condition while you continue with your rehab program. It’s also possible that you have developed other health problems as a result of your drug use. Before you enter rehab, you should discuss any medical conditions with your doctor and explain that treatment is imminent. Having this conversation will help your doctor decide which medications are safe to take while still in treatment.
You May Experience Feelings of Isolation
One of the last things you want to do is isolate yourself from all who are dear to you. You will be away from everyone in your life, and this can be stressful. This is why it’s important for you to make friends as soon as possible upon leaving rehab. Make an effort to get involved with various programs and activities that will keep you busy while also making new friends in your new town or city.
You Will Have New Responsibilities
As part of your treatment, you may be required to perform a certain number of hours of volunteer work or other responsibilities. For example, you may have to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings three times per week. Or, you might be asked to deposit a certain amount of money each week into a savings account.
This practice is called “accountability” and serves as an added incentive for you to live a sober life after your treatment ends. It also boosts your chances of success. In addition to these activities, you may be asked to participate in certain drug or alcohol education classes.
You will become more confident in coping with a life without addiction, and this will help you stay sober after you leave treatment. In conclusion, you should expect to be treated with respect and dignity while in treatment. It’s important that you feel safe, so find a facility that feels comfortable to you. You will be there for 28 days or longer. Take care of your health and take part in programs that are designed to help you lead a full, happy life after rehab. If you or a loved one is looking for addiction treatment, we can help, call now 844-639-8371.