What Drug and Alcohol Rehab is Really Like
If you or a loved one is thinking about getting help for drug or alcohol use, it’s normal to feel nervous. Many people wonder what rehab is really like before they take that first step.
So, what is rehab like? Alcohol and drug rehab is a structured, supportive environment where people receive medical care, therapy, and daily guidance to help them stop using substances and begin healing.
While every treatment center is different, most rehab programs follow a clear routine designed to support addiction recovery and mental health.
At Reprieve Recovery’s Florida addiction treatment program we create unique addiction treatment plans for every person we treat. Some plans may include services like inpatient medical detox or residential treatment when necessary, in which case we coordinate care with our partner facilities which offer those services.
Once detox and or residential treatment is completed, our clients then graduate to our PHP and IOP treatment on our campus.
What Happens When You First Get to Rehab?
Most people begin the treatment process with an intake and assessment. This helps the treatment team understand:
- Your substance use history
- Any mental health conditions
- Physical health needs
- Past treatment experiences
If needed, you may start with medical detox. Detox helps your body safely clear drugs or alcohol while managing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, sweating, or cravings. Medical detoxification provides 24/7 healthcare support to keep you safe and comfortable.
Once detox is complete, you move into the main inpatient rehab program.
Levels of Care and Therapy in Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization and other rehab levels, like IOP are about much more than just not using drugs or alcohol. It focuses on healing the mind and body while building skills for long-term recovery.
Most addiction treatment programs include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Education about substance use disorders
- Mental health support
- Family involvement and therapy
- Relapse-prevention planning
- Wellness and holistic therapies
Everything is guided by a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
What Happens in Rehab Therapy Sessions?
Therapy is a big part of addiction treatment at Reprieve Recovery.
Here’s what people typically experience in a private rehab like ours:
- Individual therapy: One-on-one time with a therapist to work through triggers, trauma, and goals
- Group therapy: Sharing experiences, building peer support, and learning from others
- Family therapy: Repairing relationships and improving communication
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Learning how thoughts and behaviors affect substance use
- Holistic therapies: Mindfulness, movement, or creative activities that support wellness
These therapy sessions help people understand their drug or alcohol addiction and build healthier coping skills.
A Typical Day in Addiction Rehab
A typical day in alcohol and drug rehab follows a steady routine that keeps people focused and supported.
A day in a rehab program might include:
- Morning check-in or meditation
- Breakfast
- Individual or group therapy
- Educational workshops
- Lunch
- More therapy sessions or activities
- Time for reflection or journaling
- Dinner
- Support meetings like Narcotics Anonymous
- Free time for rest or hobbies
Having structure helps reduce stress and supports the recovery process.
How Long Does a Rehab Program Last?
There is no single rehab length that works for everyone.
Rehab programs may last:
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days or longer
The right level of care depends on:
- How long you’ve used substances
- Whether mental health disorders are present
- How strong cravings are
- Past treatment history
Most people move from detox or residential to an outpatient program or sober living to continue care while returning to daily life.
What Happens After Rehab Ends?
Recovery doesn’t stop when rehab ends. Most rehab centers help create an aftercare plan that may include:
- Outpatient treatment
- Sober living homes
- Ongoing therapy
- Peer support groups
- Relapse-prevention tools
This support helps people stay connected and continue their recovery journey.
Why Mental Health Care Matters in Rehab
Many people entering drug rehab or alcohol rehab are also dealing with a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or bipolar disorder.
These conditions often play a role in why substance use began and why it became hard to stop. Without treating both, people may continue to struggle with cravings, emotional distress, or relapse.
That’s why effective addiction treatment includes mental health care as part of the treatment process. Addressing both substance use disorders and mental health conditions helps people better understand their triggers, build healthier coping skills, and stay engaged in recovery.
When mental health and addiction are treated together, people have a stronger foundation for long-term recovery and improved overall wellness.
Choosing the Right Rehab Center for Addiction Recovery
Not all rehab centers are the same. When choosing a treatment facility, look for:
- Licensed treatment providers
- Medical detox availability
- Evidence-based therapies
- Mental health support
- Aftercare planning
Reprieve Recovery offers personalized treatment plans from start to finish that can include medical detox and residential with our partner programs and continuing care in our PHP and IOP rehab to build a solid recovery foundation.
How Does Rehab Cost?
The cost of rehab depends on several factors, including your insurance coverage and the type of treatment program you choose.
Many people are surprised to learn that health insurance often covers part, and sometimes most, of their detox and rehab costs.
Outpatient levels of care, like Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and IOP are more affordable than residential treatment. Once a person is clinically appropriate for them, PHP and IOP can help them get more total days of addiction treatment and make the most of their health insurance rehab benefits.
What you pay can be affected by:
- Your insurance plan
- Deductibles and copays
- Length of stay
- Level of care (residential vs. outpatient)
- Any additional mental health services
To get a clearer idea of your options, you can verify your insurance online to see what services may be covered and what your estimated costs might look like. Many treatment centers also offer payment plans for those without insurance.
How Reprieve Recovery Can Help
At Reprieve Recovery, people receive compassionate care in a rehab setting that supports both substance abuse treatment and mental health healing.
With medical detox, therapy, and ongoing support, we guide you toward long-term sobriety and a healthier life.
If you or a loved one is ready to begin treatment, reach out to us today to explore personalized addiction treatment at Reprieve Recovery.
Sources
What Is Drug Addiction Treatment? — National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)