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What Happens in Alcohol Rehab: A Day-To-Day Guide to Treatment

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Alcohol rehab can look different depending on the level of care, but it typically consists of various therapy sessions throughout the day, as well as free time for reflection and peer interaction. This article explores an average day in treatment at Capital Recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • A typical day in alcohol rehab follows a structured schedule with check-ins, therapy sessions, and mealtimes.
  • Various therapies are integrated, including family, individual, and group therapy, teaching clients coping mechanisms so they can deal with their emotions without drinking.
  • After the initial stage, clients typically move on to intensive outpatient care, traditional outpatient rehab, and aftercare. However, other aftercare stages can also be primary forms of treatment.

Table of Contents

Introduction

According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), of the 2.1 million people with an alcohol use disorder, only 7.6% got the help they needed. While various obstacles exist, some don’t get treatment because they don’t know what to expect. The fear of the unknown adds to other anxieties, and the addiction prevails.

Clients support each other during group therapy

This article can help reduce some of the anxiety that occurs when taking the first step, explaining what a typical day in rehab might look like.

What Is the Difference Between Rehab and Detoxification?

The rehabilitation process involves addressing the underlying cause of addiction through therapy, skill-building, and behavioral work. Evidence-based therapies are typically used to teach clients healthy coping skills so they can deal with their emotions without alcohol.

Rehab should not be confused with detox, a drying-out period which often occurs before clients start therapy. A medical detox process is used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and reduce the risk of complications. Once stabilized, clients can focus on their emotions.

What Are the Levels of Care at Capital Recovery Health?

Rehab can happen at different levels depending on the intensity of care required. At Capital Recovery, the highest level of care is our partial hospitalization program (PHP). We also offer intensive outpatient rehab and traditional outpatient services, which can follow PHP or serve as primary levels of care.

Here’s what each level entails:

  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Offers a structured environment during the early stages of recovery. Clients attend several hours a day, several days a week, for a full-time approach to care. At Capital Recovery, clients typically stay at our supportive living facility to ensure stability.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Clients attend shorter sessions, typically about 3 hours a day, 3-5 days a week. This program offers a flexible schedule that can easily be planned around work, school, and other responsibilities. Evening and weekend programs are often available.
  • Outpatient Rehab: At this stage, clients attend sessions weekly or biweekly to support sobriety and emotional regulation.
  • Aftercare: We provide ongoing support for clients after they complete the first stages of alcohol addiction treatment with relapse prevention strategies, alumni programs, and connections to local recovery groups and sober living environments.

What Is Supportive Housing During PHP?

At Capital Recovery, clients often live in our Pittsfield Housing facility while attending PHP. After the day’s sessions, they return to the treatment facility to sleep and eat. Unlike residential treatment, they aren’t confined, but house rules apply.

Supportive living during PHP offers several benefits in the treatment process.

  • The structure provides stability and reduces relapse risk.
  • Real-world integration helps clients develop coping mechanisms.
  • Peer support ensures a supportive environment, letting clients know they are not uniquely broken.

What Does a Typical Day In PHP Look Like?

A day in PHP is structured, with check-ins, therapy sessions, and a routine schedule.

  • Morning: Clients check in. They may briefly discuss new developments since the last meeting. This may also be a time to bring up medication adjustments, if needed.
  • Therapy Sessions: Clients attend therapy sessions, which can vary day to day and based on client needs. They typically include a mix of family, individual, and group therapy.
  • Mid-Day Lunch: Lunchtime gives clients a break and a chance to socialize.
  • Afternoon: Therapy sessions may continue into the afternoon, but they are often more holistic, allowing clients to experiment with meditation, art, and recreational activities.
  • End of Day: Clients may attend a brief meeting to discuss what they learned and prepare to return home.
  • Arrive at Supportive Housing: Clients return to their housing facility and may attend support groups, such as AA 12-step meetings.

What Types of Therapies Are Used?

Group therapy is a main part of what happens in alcohol rehab

Various therapies may be integrated into treatment, including family, individual, and group therapy, as follows:

  • Individual Therapy: Clients meet with their therapists for one-on-one meetings. Therapists integrate evidence-based therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which, according to Science Direct research, is used in over 90% of community-based clinics, along with trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing. A tailored approach ensures individualized care.
  • Group Therapy: Reduces feelings of isolation and helps clients understand they are not uniquely broken.
  • Family Therapy: Families are often included in the therapeutic process so they can learn more about their loved one’s condition and help create a healing home environment.

How Do I Get Started?

Getting started with alcohol rehab typically involves a thorough assessment, detox, if necessary, and the development of a treatment plan.

  • Initial Contact: Clients can contact our facility directly by phone or fill out an online form, and one of our representatives will call you back. We will gather information about you and your addiction and can conduct an insurance verification.
  • Assessment: If you decide to move forward, you will come into our clinic for a thorough assessment. We will evaluate your mental and physical health, learn about your medical history, and assess the severity of your drug abuse. This will help us ensure care is safe and effective.
  • Medical Detox: If necessary, you will begin our detox program, ensuring you are stable and prepared for rehab.
  • Treatment Plan: You will work with a therapist to develop a treatment plan suited to your goals and lifestyle.

Capital Recovery Provides the Support You Require

Taking the first step isn’t easy, but we will be here for you every step of the way, guiding you through the alcohol rehabilitation process. Our treatment center combines evidence-based and holistic practices, taking a whole-person approach. We offer support services tailored to your needs to ensure a lasting recovery.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you overcome substance abuse.

FAQs

Do I need detox before starting PHP?

Detox is necessary only if you are physically addicted to drugs or alcohol. It will help you stabilize and prepare for rehab.

What’s the difference between PHP and inpatient rehab?

Inpatient programs require clients to stay at the facility 24/7. PHP provides more freedom, even when it includes supportive housing. Clients have more flexibility, although house rules apply.

What happens after PHP?

After PHP, clients generally continue on to our IOP program to receive further treatment at a less intense level.

What types of therapy are used at Capital Recovery Health?

Capital Recovery provides various types of therapy, including individual, group, and family therapy as well as medication management.

Is PHP right for everyone?

PHP works well for people who are medically stable (post-detox) and don’t require 24-hour clinical supervision, but still need a high level of structured support. A clinical assessment determines whether PHP or another level of care is the right fit.

Sources

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