Change, in all the many forms it comes in, can be overwhelming. From small adjustments in our routines to larger lifestyle transitions, the feelings of uncertainty that come with change are a natural response that most people experience at some point in their lives.
So, if you’re considering entering an addiction recovery center, know that it’s okay to feel apprehensive as well as hopeful.
Whether it’s your first time reaching out for support or you’re looking into addiction treatment facilities for a loved one, it’s important to understand what lies ahead in the recovery journey. Having a clear picture of the experience and realistic expectations can help assuage concerns and let you move forward with both clarity and confidence.
Keep reading to learn more about what your experience at an addiction recovery center might look like, from entering the facility to settling into a daily routine. Plus, some helpful knowledge from our staff of licensed professionals on how your recovery can evolve at an addiction treatment facility.
What Happens When You First Arrive at an Addiction Recovery Center?
When you first arrive at an addiction recovery center, the staff will typically begin by walking you through an intake assessment.
This crucial step can’t be skipped. It’s an opportunity for staff members to gather valuable information about your medical history, substance use patterns, and immediate needs.
A personalized intake process helps tailor a treatment plan designed specifically for you — one that acknowledges your unique emotional and physical health. At our addiction recovery center, we also consider dual diagnosis to make sure that any underlying mental health difficulties are recognized and addressed at every stage of your recovery.
After your initial assessment, you will be placed into the necessary level of care and stage of our recovery program. For some clients, the appropriate placement is in our Withdrawal Management program. This program is also frequently referred to as the “detoxification process,” and its main goal is to support your healing through the withdrawal period.
A team of medical professionals will monitor your comfort and safety closely at this point in your recovery, whether you are managing an acute withdrawal experience or recovering from physical health damage caused by substance abuse.
For other clients, it may be more appropriate to be integrated into other stages of our program or levels of care. Our goal is to meet you where you are in your unique recovery journey, and our thorough assessment process allows us to do so.
What Will My Days Look Like During a Stay at an Addiction Recovery Center?
Once your immediate mental and physical health needs have been addressed during the Withdrawal Management phase, the next phase of recovery at an addiction treatment center begins. In most centers, this stage is completed in a comfortable residential setting with staff available 24/7.
At Zia Recovery Center, we care for our clients in quiet, safe housing that includes outdoor access, engaging activities, and freshly prepared meals and snacks.
While every addiction treatment facility will have a different approach, let’s explore what a typical day in recovery looks like:
- Morning Grounding Activities
Each morning will start with a grounding, reliable routine. Some addiction treatment facilities begin the day with mindfulness exercises or meditation to set a positive tone for the day. These practices can help you reconnect with yourself and calm your mind, preparing you for the therapy sessions ahead. - Therapy Sessions
Throughout the day, you’ll likely participate in a variety of therapeutic exercises, from individual therapy and group therapy to case management.
These therapies help you understand the root causes of your addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and address any mental health issues that might be contributing to your substance use. Group therapy is a pivotal part of the rehab process because it fosters a sense of community and provides support from peers who are going through similar experiences.
At our addiction recovery center, we also perform daily assessments to stay in tune with how your needs, symptoms, and experiences are evolving. - Holistic Healing
Many addiction treatment facilities also incorporate facets of a holistic approach to healing, or one that addresses the individual as a whole. These activities may come in the form of creative exercises and art therapies, or they may center on physical interventions like yoga or stretching.
Therapies like these offer an outlet for not only the body, but the mind as well. By providing opportunities to acknowledge and care for the whole self, individuals gain valuable tools for achieving balance in their daily lives. - Community and 12-Step Meetings
As part of your journey, you’ll likely participate in 12-step meetings or other community-based recovery activities. These meetings provide an opportunity for sharing experiences, learning from others, and building a network of support that will continue long after rehab. It’s also a safe space for working through emotions and making commitments to sobriety. - Personal Reflection and Free Time
After your therapeutic sessions and group meetings, you’ll have time to reflect and process what you’ve learned. This may involve journaling, exercising, or simply resting. It’s important to give yourself time for personal reflection as you build a strong foundation for a joyful and fulfilling life.
What Happens in the Recovery Process at an Addiction Treatment Facility?
While each person’s journey to recovery is unique, the core goal of every addiction treatment program is to help you build the skills necessary for lasting sobriety. This process doesn’t end after detox or even after you leave the rehab facility.
It’s a lifelong journey that involves continuous personal growth and self-care. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. The positive changes that occur in your time at an addiction recovery center can reverberate out into the years to come:
- Therapy and Skill-Building: Throughout your time at an addiction recovery center, you’ll gain essential tools for overcoming cravings, managing stress, and preventing relapse. Therapy helps you understand the triggers that may lead to substance use, and it equips you with strategies to deal with these challenges in the future.
- Aftercare and Continued Support: After completing the primary treatment phases, many treatment centers offer aftercare programs to help individuals maintain their progress. These programs include outpatient therapy, support groups, and other resources to guide your continued recovery once you leave the center.
- A Supportive Community: It’s also common for people to transition to sober living communities or engage in 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for additional support. Community support not only feels good intuitively but is validated by science, too. Recent studies have illuminated a connection between greater social support and lowered substance use rates following treatment.
- A New Chapter of Life: One of the most powerful aspects of recovery is the opportunity for transformation. Recovery isn’t just about staying sober — it’s about rebuilding your life and creating healthier, more fulfilling behaviors. At our addiction treatment center, we work with clients on life skills like employment readiness to help establish positive habits that support your long-term sobriety.
How Long Does Rehab Last?
The average length of stay in inpatient rehabilitation facilities varies depending on each individual’s needs and progress.
Generally speaking, the initial stay lasts between 30 to 90 days, but it can be longer or shorter based on individual treatment plans. Extended care or outpatient services may be required, particularly for those with co-occurring mental health conditions.
At our addiction recovery center, we personalize care plans for each client. Most often, individuals who have completed their time in the Withdrawal Program move forward first to our Residential Treatment Program, and then to our Intensive Outpatient Program. We house our clients in transitional living homes throughout this entire process.
After completion, clients can enroll in our OP program which we call our Community Aftercare Program, in the form of a social, cafe-style environment.
Preparing for a Successful Experience at an Addiction Recovery Center
Now that you know what to expect in a recovery center, we hope your primary feeling about this change is hopefulness.
If you still have questions or concerns, though, that’s okay, too. Our team is composed of many individuals in recovery who are dedicated to helping others in their recovery journey. We’re available to answer any inquiry you might have.
Plus, we have a few more tips to help you prepare for a successful transition:
- Be Open to the Process: Go into your experience at an addiction recovery center with an open mind and a willingness to engage in treatment. Recovery is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion.
- Let Go of Expectations: Each person’s recovery experience is different. Focus on your own progress and trust in the treatment plan provided by your addiction treatment facility.
- Stay Committed: Recovery can be difficult at times, but staying committed to the process will lead to long-term benefits. Seek help when you need it so you can continue to grow both during and after treatment.