Drug rehab offers evidence-based care that can be delivered at various levels. While each journey is unique, there are similarities that apply to all clients. This article will review what to expect.

Levels of Care in Substance Abuse Treatment
What a Typical Day in Partial Care Looks Like
Therapies Used to Treat Alcohol or Drug Addiction
Holistic Therapy Treatment For Substance Use Disorders
How Long Does Recovery Last?
What to Bring and What to Expect on Day One

Key Takeaways

People may put off drug addiction treatment because they are unsure of what to expect. A clear understanding of the process can boost adherence.
The therapeutic process typically involves various levels of care, including partial care, intensive outpatient services, and traditional outpatient treatment. These levels can be primary care or part of a step-down approach.
Most inpatient or residential programs follow a rigorous daily schedule that balances clinical therapy, educational workshops, and wellness activities, focusing entirely on recovery. Holistic and evidence-based approaches are integrated to support overall well-being.
Starting a new program makes some people nervous, but most clinics provide a supportive environment with therapists and group members who support one another’s well-being.

Introduction

SAMHSA statistics published by the National Association of Counties (NAC) reveal that only 15.6% of the 48.5 million people needing SUD recovery actually enter a substance abuse treatment program. Different factors can serve as barriers, including cost and stigma, but for some, it’s the fear of the unexpected. Individuals are unsure of how recovery will change them and what to expect during the treatment process.

This article tells you exactly what to expect, preparing you for what’s ahead- and generally, it’s all good.

Levels of Care in Substance Abuse Treatment

Most drug addiction treatment centers offer various levels of care. Each can serve as a primary treatment or be integrated into a step-down approach.

Capital Recovery provides treatment in an outpatient setting, offering the following services:

Partial Care: Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer a structured treatment environment similar to inpatient care but do not require overnight stays, typically involving 20 or more hours of treatment per week. Clients engage in individual and group therapy sessions, learning coping skills to manage their emotions in a healthy way.
Intensive Outpatient Program: Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) require less time commitment than PHPs, usually involving about 10 hours of treatment per week, allowing individuals to balance recovery with daily responsibilities. Clients typically attend shorter therapy sessions 3-5 days a week.
Traditional Outpatient Treatment: At this level, clients continue seeing a therapist once or twice a week or on an as-needed basis.
Aftercare Planning: After the program is completed, addiction treatment centers continue to provide care and ongoing support resources to ensure clients remain engaged, inspired, and committed to recovery.

What a Typical Day in Partial Care Looks Like

With partial care being the most intensive and often primary form of treatment, it may be helpful to review what to expect on an average day.

Morning

The morning hours of partial care set the stage for the rest of the day. Clients check in and briefly discuss updates since the prior meeting. They engage in grounding exercises, typically integrated with mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation.

In the later part of the morning, they may move on to a psychoeducational group therapy session covering topics like the neuroscience of addiction, emotional regulation, and coping skills.

Mid-Day

This time is set aside for rest and reflection. A lunch break is also included, and clients may participate in preparation and clean up, building social skills and accountability.

Afternoon

During the later part of the day, clients may attend individual therapy sessions with a licensed professional. These sessions typically occur 2-3 times a week. There may also be additional group therapy sessions, as well as holistic activities such as art therapy, equine therapy, and nature outings.

End of Day

At the end of the day, clients return home and begin applying the skills they learned in treatment to everyday life. The balance of structure and independence provides the optimal transition, minimizing stress and triggers.

Therapies Used to Treat Alcohol or Drug Addiction

Various evidence-based treatments may be integrated into addiction care as part of individual behavioral therapy. Common methodologies that focus on substance abuse and mental health include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods used in addiction treatment, focusing on how emotions impact thoughts and behaviors. Shown to reduce relapse rates by 60%, it encourages clients to identify and address negative thought patterns and learn coping skills to deal with their emotions in a healthy way.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Takes a more mindful approach to emotional regulation through distress tolerance.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): Encourages clients to reflect on their values to address ambiguity in the recovery process.
Trauma-Informed Care: Exposure therapy is often used, allowing clients to experience trauma in a safe space so it doesn’t feel as overwhelming.
Family Therapy: Family support is often a crucial element of treatment, as addiction impacts the entire family and can lead to destructive behaviors such as codependency and enabling.

Holistic Therapy Treatment For Substance Use Disorders

Various holistic therapies can be used as complementary therapies to evidence-based approaches. While not traditional, they have been shown to yield beneficial results, including stress relief, improved relationships, and better overall health. The Capital Recovery program often integrates the following practices alongside traditionally proven methods.

Yoga: May reduce stress, cravings, anxiety, and depression.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Teaches clients to observe cravings and emotions without automatically reacting to them.
Art Therapy: Promotes self-expression and self-confidence.
Equine Therapy: Horses are sensitive to human approaches and can help relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
Recreational Therapy: Holistic and recreational activities can include art therapy, music therapy, nature walks, and fitness workouts to promote overall wellness. Hiking and other group activities help people rediscover enjoyment, rebuild routines, and regulate their moods.

How Long Does Recovery Last?

The duration of recovery varies depending on the severity of addiction and accompanying mental health conditions. Here are some ranges that typically apply:

Partial Care: 2-6 weeks
Intensive Outpatient Programs: 8-12 weeks
Traditional Outpatient Care: Several months to a year

What to Bring and What to Expect on Day One

While outpatient rehab doesn’t require packing all daily essentials, you should bring:

Insurance and Documentation: These may be necessary for the intake process.
Medications: Bring along any medications you may need to take during the day. Ensure they are properly labeled to indicate they are legally prescribed and belong to you.
Comfort Items: Dress comfortably and bring along a bottle of water, snacks, a sweater or light jacket, and a journal if you so desire.
Restricted Items: Learn about what not to bring. For example, electronics may be limited in rehab to help residents focus entirely on their recovery and interact with peers.

Day one will be mostly about orientation and getting to know each other. You’ll meet your therapist and the other group members and learn about your treatment plan. You may also start some meetings, typically focusing on relapse prevention.

The first day can be difficult, but the right drug and alcohol rehab facility will offer a safe environment, a home-like setting, and supportive members and therapists. A community atmosphere in rehab fosters camaraderie, where peer support significantly reduces feelings of isolation and shame.

Capital Recovery Supports Your Wellness Journey

Capital Recovery of Boscawen, New Hampshire, is a premier option for outpatient care. We offer various treatment options, individualized to the client’s needs. Our PHP-specific approach integrates evidence-based and holistic therapies, enabling individuals to balance treatment with daily responsibilities to achieve lasting recovery.

FAQs

Is PHP covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases, you can use insurance coverage for drug or alcohol addiction treatment. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures that services are covered, comparable to other types of medical care. However, coverage can vary by provider.

What if I have a co-occurring disorder like anxiety and depression?

Mental health issues often exist alongside drug abuse as people use illicit substances to self-medicate. As a result, many treatment centers take a dual diagnosis approach, treating addiction and its underlying causes. Symptoms can be addressed in PHP, in both group therapy and individual sessions.

How do I know if PHP is the right level of care for me?

PHP is a good fit for individuals with a strong support system who don’t need 24/7 supervision but require more structure and support than standard outpatient programs. It’s also suited to individuals stepping down from inpatient rehab. A medical professional can help you determine which level is best suited to your needs.

Sources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health/national-releases/2023
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).” https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-3rdEd-508.pdf
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Treatment and Recovery.” https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Stigma and Discrimination.” https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/stigma-discrimination
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Receipt of Services for Substance Use and Mental Health Issues among Adults: Results from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DR-FFR2-2016/NSDUH-DR-FFR2-2016.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. “Best Practices and Barriers to Engaging People with Substance Use Disorders in Treatment.” https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/best-practices-barriers-engaging-people-substance-use-disorders-treatment-0
Boness, C.L., et al. “An Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Application of the Society of Clinical Psychology Criteria for Empirically Supported Treatments.” PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10572095/
Recovery Research Institute. “‘We Do Recover’: More Evidence That Tens of Millions of Adults in the United States Have Recovered from a Substance Use Problem.” https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/millions-americans-in-united-states-report-recovery-from-substance-use-problem/
Hendriks, V., et al. “Understanding the Process of Drug Addiction Recovery Through First-Hand Experiences: A Qualitative Study in the Netherlands Using Lifeline Interviews.” PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10426251/
Vo, Q.T., et al. “Trends in Treatment Need and Receipt for Substance Use Disorders in the US.” PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11704973/
Witkiewitz, K., et al. “Yoga: A Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment and Recovery.” OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-06-04-047
King, J., et al. “Art Therapy’s Engagement of Brain Networks for Enduring Recovery from Addiction.” PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743619/
Penn State Brandywine. “Yoga May Enhance Traditional Recovery Programs, Researchers Find.” Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-yoga-traditional-recovery.html
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). “The ASAM Criteria.” https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria
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