If you have a drug or alcohol addiction and you are fortunate enough to recognize that a problem exists necessitating treatment, you might be wondering what goes on inside the confines of a typical treatment center.

Simply stated, drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment centers are designed to help people abstain from alcohol and drug use, address underlying emotional issues that might be fueling addiction, and to help residents lead productive and fulfilling lives.

There are many types of recovery facilities offering different forms of treatment which include, but is not limited to, short-term detox, inpatient or residential rehab, sober living and outpatient. The structure of these types of treatment vary from facility to facility. Each drug rehab has its own program options, staff qualifications, credentials, cost and effectiveness. Some rehabs structure recovery around the AA concepts, while others may focus on group or individual therapy.

The important thing to understand is that drug and alcohol treatment is not a single modality experience. Use due diligence in your investigation of each facility. Ask questions and if possible visit facilities and take tours.

The following schedule losely represents what a resident might experience during the day at a typical AA based rehab facility.

6:30 am Wake up/chores. Chores are often part of the rehab experience. The experience helps rebuild self-esteem and self-worth.

7:30 am Breakfast. Nutrition is a key element in rehab. Alcohol and drug abusers generally deprive their system of nourishment while in the depths of their disease. Well balanced meals along with vitamin supplements are necessary to replenish the body.

9:00 am Meet with counselor/nurse/physician. Sometimes it is necessary to meet with the medical staff to administer/adjust medication (if patient is on meds) or to converse with the primary counselor regarding status of recovery, progress, etc.

10:00 am Education. Education classes are offered 2 or 3 times throughout the day. The classes are generally comprised of small groups (10-15) and cover drug and alcohol physiology/psychology, relapse prevention, communication skills, vocational skills, AA Big Book study, creative writing and conflict resolution. This is an area where rehabs have wide latitude when they create their education workshops.

Noon Lunch

1:00 pm Education workshop

2:30 pm Gym Excercise, whether it be in the form of a typical gym workout or a brisk walk, is a vital part of recovery. Workouts help flush out the toxins accumulated in the body and have a cleansing effect on the mind.

4:00 pm Education workshop

6:00 pm Dinner

7:00 pm AA Meeting These meeting last anywhere from 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

8:30 pm Recreation (TV, reading, writing, etc.)

10:30 pm Lights out

If you are in the process of selecting a drug rehab for treatment it is important to
interview the drug rehab admissions representative concerning all aspects of their program. Ask them how their day is structured, what type of education classes do they offer, and who teaches them. Find out as much information as you can so that you will be in a position to make an informed decision.