Walking through the doors of a rehab center for the first time can bring a mix of emotions. You may feel scared, uncertain, and maybe even a little hopeful.
At the same time, you may be wondering if you’re truly ready for addiction treatment. Don’t worry. Your treatment center is a safe and supportive space where you can make a positive recovery.
What’s the first day of rehab like, and how do you navigate the intake process?
In this article, we share what to expect during your first week at the facility.
Table of Contents
The First Day of Rehab – What’s It Like?
The first days of rehab are often the hardest. It’s when you adjust to new schedules and new faces. Feeling nervous is normal, but soon, you’ll start to settle into a healthier environment.
1. The Intake Process
The intake process begins when you first call our helpline. During this call, our intake expert asks you about your needs, medical history, and treatment goals.
You’ll be assessed by medical professionals, who will recommend the treatment options that will be the most effective.
At Illinois Recovery Center, we always tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
2. Insurance Verification
Next, we will review your insurance coverage and explore your financial options. We believe that cost should never get in the way of addiction treatment. Because of this, we ensure your payment method isn’t financially burdensome.
Illinois Recovery Center proudly accepts most insurance companies. In case you don’t have insurance, we can discuss alternative options.
3. Arrival and Orientation
Once you arrive at the treatment center, you’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome from our staff. You will be oriented to the whole treatment process.
The goal of the orientation is to prepare you and your family for your recovery journey.
This is the best time to ask questions about the rehab program. If you have any concerns about the treatment plan, be sure to tell us.
4. Meeting New People
The orientation is also when you’ll meet other patients, your assigned roommate, and in some cases, your peer mentor. These people will be part of your support system during your time at the rehab center.
Next, you’ll be introduced to the healthcare professionals who will be with you every step of the way.
5. Rehab Facility Tour
Touring our treatment facility is one of the best parts of the intake process.
Illinois Rehab Center is located in a sprawling 12-acre lot surrounded by lush greenery. It spans over 50,000 square feet and houses amenities, like a fitness center and a full-length basketball court.
Our facility blends medical necessities with a home-like environment. We want you to feel safe and comfortable as you undergo substance abuse treatment.
6. Schedule Assignments
Finally, you receive the full schedule of the addiction treatment.
We take your preferences, objectives, and individual requirements into account. Since the drug rehab program is tailored to your needs, you’ll likely get a personalized plan.
What to Expect During Detox
Detox is usually the first part of treatment for those with substance use disorder. It’s when we clear your body of any substances.
Detox can be difficult due to the withdrawal symptoms. However, this depends on your circumstances.
In case of a severe alcohol addiction, for example, detox can be life-threatening without medical supervision. You may have mild symptoms the first few days, and they intensify within a week.
Throughout this time, doctors will provide you with everything you need to ease your symptoms and ensure your stability.
What Does a Typical Day at Rehab Look Like?
After the detox, you’ll start attending various therapy sessions. Each day of addiction treatment is carefully planned to provide you with the tools for long-term recovery.
Here’s how a typical day at rehab may go.
1. Early Wake Up
Healthy habits start to form when you wake up early each day. Every morning, you’ll rise with the sun and prepare for a rigorous addiction treatment program.
The early wake-up call helps you build a consistent routine, which is crucial for your mental health. Plus, it allows you to use your time more intentionally.
2. Morning Activities
Next comes wellness activities.
You may attend a group yoga or meditation session, or head to the gym for some exercise. Some programs also hold prayer activities that can calm your mind.
3. Energizing Breakfast
After the morning activities, you can head to the dining area for a well-balanced breakfast.
We believe food heals the soul. Breakfast gives you the energy you need to undergo our treatment programs.
4. Therapy Sessions
After breakfast, you’ll head to your group therapy sessions. You’ll interact with other patients under the guidance of an expert counselor.
In group therapy, you take turns opening up about your feelings, past experiences, and substance abuse. This builds a sense of community and support as you go through addiction recovery.
5. Healthy Lunch
Lunch consists of healthy dishes that promote your healing and recovery. It replenishes nutrients in your body and addresses any potential health issues you may have developed through substance use.
6. Specialized Therapies
After lunch come specialized therapies. These could be individual sessions focused on the challenges you’re facing, such as anger management or grief counseling.
Specialized therapies can also include fun classes, like art therapy or music therapy.
In some cases, a speaker may arrive to talk about technical lessons. Examples are job hunting, or how to succeed after recovery.
On top of this, your loved ones may also arrive for family therapy sessions.
7. Dinner and Downtime
After a filling dinner, you’ll get a few hours of downtime before heading to bed. You can use this time to head to the gym, curl up with a book, or watch a movie.
Be sure to sleep early and ready yourself for the next day of activities!
8. Weekend Outings
Weekends are exciting at the addiction treatment center. Those undergoing inpatient treatment get to go out for holistic therapy sessions.
For some facilities, this means going on hikes, bikes, and other outdoor activities. There’s no shortage of fun events that can help you heal and recover.
Tips for Coping With First-Day Emotions at Rehab
Your first day at rehab can feel overwhelming, but remember that you’re at a place where people genuinely care about your well-being.
In this section, you’ll find helpful tips that can help you get through your first day of rehab.
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s completely normal to feel uncertain on your first day. Acknowledge your feelings and remember that change is always difficult at first.
- Speak to Staff: Don’t be afraid to ask questions you have about the treatment programs. Our friendly staff are here to guide you through the whole process.
- Go With an Open Mind: Open yourself to the positive change to come. Do it for yourself and nobody else.
- Give it Time: Give yourself the space to adjust. Remember, healing takes time.
- Make Friends: Introduce yourself to other patients. Simply saying hello can make you feel a sense of belonging.
Understand that your first day at rehab is the beginning of a new life. You were brave to come here and you should celebrate this first step!
Worried About Your First Day in Rehab?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Illinois Recovery Center, we walk you through every step with care, clarity, and compassion.
(888) 472-5004Call now to speak with someone who truly understands. Your recovery starts with a single step.
Illinois Recovery Center’s Services
Illinois Recovery Center is a home away from home, a place where you can change and rebuild your life. As a premier treatment provider, we have diverse therapies to ensure each patient receives personalized care.
Below are just some of the services we offer.
1. Medical Detox
Medical detox uses prescription medication to ensure your safety as you flush substances from your system. It lowers your chances of withdrawal symptoms and minimizes your cravings.
2. Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab is the best option for someone with a severe drug addiction. The goal of inpatient rehab is to remove those struggling with addiction from unhealthy environments.
You’ll stay at the center 24/7 for a few weeks to a few months until you’re able to live in sobriety.
3. Outpatient Treatment
In outpatient treatment, you’ll attend therapy sessions similar to inpatient treatment. The only difference is you get to return home at the end of each day.
Outpatient treatment is an affordable option that’s perfect for those who can’t stay at the facility full-time.
4. Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis happens when you have co-occurring disorders. This means you’re struggling with both addiction and a mental health disorder.
Treatment for this is more specialized as it addresses addiction and mental health problems at the same time.
5. Aftercare
Some people may still need help even after they graduate from the treatment program. We can provide extra support to you or your loved one. Let us find you a supportive environment through our aftercare program.
Conclusion
The first day of rehab is one of the most difficult moments for some. However, it does get better once you’ve adjusted to your new life at the facility.
Our best advice is to reach out to one of the staff in case you have questions or concerns. We’re here to guide you and help make your recovery journey safe and comfortable.
Don’t be afraid of what’s to come. With a little effort, you’ll be able to transform your life and live in sobriety!
