Inpatient or residential treatment provides both medical and non-medical care 24 hours a day, generally in non-hospital settings.
If you or your loved one is considering a residential inpatient center for drug or alcohol addiction treatment, you may be wondering how a typical day looks like.
In general, the inpatient treatment centres are organized with routine activities and therapeutic sessions. These planned and structured days help to reduce uncertainty and provide a supportive environment for the recovery process.
Each treatment centre will have its own plans and routines. Though there will be variations in daily activities particular for each rehab centre, a typical day could look like the following:
In the morning:
Usually each morning starts early with a healthy breakfast. In some treatment facilities participants have a choice of a yoga or meditation classes to help start the day in a relaxed state of mind.
After the morning breakfast and health routine, there could be a group or individual session led by a counselor or a therapist. These daily meetings, in the safety of a controlled therapeutic environment, will help the residents to recognize patterns of behavior that needs to change or certain triggers to avoid after they return home.
In the afternoon:
Most intensive series of therapeutic sessions take place in the middle of the day provides. These could include:
Individual Therapy sessions
Inpatient treatment facilities often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions. This form of therapy provides an environment for the participants to open up and share anxieties and fears they may have. It will also guide the therapist to identify appropriate tools and alternative behavioral responses to these sources of anxiety.
Group Therapy sessions
Group sessions are meant to support the individual through sharing personal stories and experiences with fellow patients which allows emotional healing. The group members could develop a bond or a sense of friendship and an understanding for each other’s struggles.
Family Therapy Sessions
Family support is an important aspect of the treatment plan in an inpatient facility. During a family session, a number of issues can be brought to light, and often suppressed or pent up feelings are addressed. Family therapy sessions factor in future support for the patient once they get discharged.
Relaxation and Free Time
A couple of hours of free time in the afternoon is set aside to be used by the residents whichever way they choose.
Some people spend free time journaling or reading whereas some others prefer this time for prayer, meditation or just to relax.
In the Evening:
After dinner in the evenings, usually a 12-step program session is made available. The meetings provide a respectful and anonymous environment in which fellowship can be fostered.
Bedtime is encouraged to be at a reasonable hour, as a way to cultivate healthy habits.
If you or your loved one requires inpatient treatment and rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to find the right place. Contact a treatment facility close to you and talk to the counselors to identify the right treatment option for your situation.