There are many levels of alcohol and drug abuse. For addicts who have been suffering from addiction on a short-term basis, a standard 28-day rehab stint can be extremely effective. Additionally, some health insurance companies will only reimburse patients for up to 28-days for inpatient rehab. Luckily, these days are often enough for addicts to begin getting their life back on track if they cannot stay longer due to money or obligations.
If you are about to go into rehab for this amount of time, you may be wondering what will happen while you are there. What do you learn during each week of 28-days in rehab? Let’s look at a typical rehab stay to learn more.
Week One- Detox and Assessment
If you are still using drugs or alcohol when you start your program, you will of course have to stop. However, it is perfectly fine to come into the facility while you are still in withdrawal. In fact, this is the most common scenario. Your first week will be dedicated to detox, a medical treatment that can last for about seven days or so, depending on the severity of your drug or alcohol use. If you are dealing with the uncomfortable physical symptoms of withdrawal, the medical staff will likely provide you with some type of medication to help. They will make sure you are comfortable during this time.
While you may still be in withdrawal, you’ll begin to attend therapy sessions to learn how the program works. Your therapist will develop the right treatment plan for your specific situation during this time.
Week Two- Intensive Counseling
Week two will consist of multiple therapy sessions for all rehab patients. This typically includes one-on-one therapy with your counselor and group therapy sessions with the rest of the rehab patients. If you are dealing with a mental health disorder, such as OCD, ADHD, depression, or general anxiety, you will be given a dual diagnosis. This allows your therapist to address your mental health condition separately from the drug or alcohol addiction. You’ll talk together to learn how to deal with the triggers and problems that can cause you to turn to drugs or alcohol.
This is also the time that you may or may not be involved in other activities. These may include volunteering within the rehab and holistic activities. You may be given the choice to work towards sobriety using religious and spiritual practices, or you could be asked to use meditation and yoga to regain control of your emotions. Other holistic treatments could include yoga, acupuncture, nutrition, physical wellness, nature walks, equine therapy, and art therapy. Of course, these activities will depend on the rehab of your choosing.
Week Three- Continued Counseling and Family Therapy
The third week of rehab will consist of continued therapy sessions and any other activities you have been involved in. By now, your body will have expelled all of the toxins you have been ingesting, and you should start to feel more clear and level-headed. At this point, your therapist may want to begin therapy sessions with your family. Family members are often greatly hurt by the actions of their addicted loved ones. Many have even broken ties with an addict after repeated lies and deceit. If they are willing, your therapist will want you to sit down together and begin the process of reconnecting. They will help guide the sessions and will be there to moderate the conversation and redirect any arguments that arise. Reconnecting with family is vital during recovery as addicts need a strong support system when they are through with the program.
Week Four- Continued Counseling and Preparing to Exit the Program
As the 28-days come to an end, you will continue therapy sessions with your therapist privately, as a group, and with family. You’ll also continue to attend any holistic activities you may be in. However, your therapist will now talk with you about your exit strategy. If you are not able to go home or you feel that you need additional time, think about attending a sober living home. This will give you the structure you need to stay sober while giving you more freedom to work and restart your daily life. You’ll also talk with your therapist about attending Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings to keep up with your goals.
When you want to get the help that you know you need, call us today at 833-610-1174 to learn more. We’re here and waiting for you!