Daily life in an inpatient rehab program isn’t much like the way it’s depicted on reality television shows. While rehab certainly isn’t “fun and games,” it can be both enlightening and enjoyable when approached from the right perspective. If you or someone you love attends an inpatient program, you’ll likely make lifelong friends, meet powerful therapists, learn a lot, cry a little, laugh often and most importantly, change your life forever by putting your recovery first.

In this article we’ll discuss exactly what happens on a daily basis at an inpatient Rehab Admission center for drug or alcohol addiction. We’ll cover everything from meals and chores to medication and therapy, communication with friends and family, the counselors you’ll meet and the daily activities you’ll take part in. We’ll also tell you a little bit about what you can expect on your first day, and what items you should bring with you when you go.

Once you understand what really happens during drug treatment, you’ll see that it’s actually an effective and appealing way to get clean and stay clean for life.

You Must Detox Before Attending Inpatient Rehab

Detox isn’t nearly as bad as you might think

Unless the inpatient facility that you’re considering has an in-house medical detox center, you’ll need to go through detox prior to being admitted. This is because it’s critical that all drugs are no longer physically in your system. For most people this takes about 5 to 10 days, but in some cases detox can last as long as 2 weeks.

During detox you’ll be medically evaluated to determine what substances you’ve been using, in what quantities and for how long. This information is important because in rare cases it can be dangerous to withdraw from certain chemicals such as alcohol or benzodiazepine.

Because the physiological process of detox and subsequent withdrawal can be uncomfortable, symptoms will be addressed as appropriate, including with medication. Various therapies will also be provided to help cope with the difficult emotions and drug cravings that occur during withdrawal. These therapies are also designed to help prepare you for inpatient treatment.

The Admissions and Intake Process

What happens when you first get to inpatient treatment?

When you arrive for treatment at an inpatient center, you’ll check in with an admissions specialist. In many cases this will be a person you have already talked to over the phone or possibly met in person. They’ll ask you some basic questions about your detox experience and how you’re currently feeling, and they’ll discuss with you any suggestions or treatment options recommended by doctors or therapists at the detox facility.

Because your health is a top priority, you’ll be quickly medically evaluated; i.e.: blood pressure, temperature, etc. Your current medications will be discussed and entered into your treatment plan, and any special needs will be addressed during this time.