Getting used to new routines is never easy, and with the added anxiety of withdrawals and life after treatment, it can be intimidating starting a new chapter in your life. Rehab gives you the time to work on your mental and physical health and also offers you the tools to change your life for the better and gain a new perspective. This guide will help break down what to expect during your first week of rehab.
What Can You Expect During The First Week Of Rehab?
This first week focuses primarily on your health and safety. During this week, your care team will work to assess your needs and help you adjust to your new surroundings. Depending on your needs your daily plan may change.
Day 1: Admission, and Health Assessments
During your first day expect to go through orientation where you will review the rules, the daily schedule, and what to expect. You may be asked to give your health history, and/or explain your symptoms. It is recommended that you explain your substance use and when you last used it to help the staff assess your risk of withdrawal. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Day 2: Withdrawal Management
Withdrawal Management is different for everyone and depends on the individual and the substance being withdrawn from. Symptoms can include the shakes, and/or nausea. Your care team will work to assess and manage your withdrawals.
Your care team may:
- Check your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Give medicine when needed.
- Help you eat, and rest.
Tell the staff if you feel worse or notice new symptoms. Don’t take extra medicine without their advice. Medical care can help keep you safe during withdrawal.
Day 3: Getting Used to Your Routine
By now, you may recognize your daily schedule. But, you may still feel tired and/or uneasy. This is to be expected and will improve with time.
Your day may include:
- Eating regular meals and taking rest breaks.
- Talking to staff and/or assisting with short tasks.
Focus on self and rest, eat and drink as directed. The first week of rehab will help you get settled and start on the path to care.
Day 4: Learning About Triggers
Your care team may now start talking to you about what leads to substance use. This is often called a ‘trigger’. Stress, certain people, and/or strong feelings can all lead to using.
You may start to:
- Name your triggers.
- Learn different ways to manage stress.
- Set goals for your care.
During this time, you may speak up your concerns. You can ask for help when your feelings seem too hard to manage as these discussions can help plan your life after treatment.
Day 5: Therapy and Support
Therapy may have started by now. This can help you understand yourself and your substance use more. The sessions may also offer skills to better manage stress. Some people may also participate in group therapy.
Your care team may include:
- One-on-one talks.
- Group therapy with other patients.
- Help with stress.
Take part in sessions at the pace that you are most comfortable with. If there is a topic that you feel is too difficult, talk to your team. They can help you come up with other ways to address the topic.
Day 6: Checking Your Progress
Your care team may want to see how you are doing by looking at how well you slept last night.
Use this time to:
- Ask questions about your care.
- Report any ongoing symptoms.
- Talk about your next goals.
Recovery takes time and you may have good days and hard days. But, a slow day does not mean you have failed so just tell your team how you feel.
Day 7: Planning Your Next Steps
By day seven your team might review your progress. They might explain what comes next. You might stay in the program or move to another level of care. This choice depends on your needs.
Your next steps might include:
- Therapy sessions.
- A plan to manage triggers.
- Follow-up support.
Ask how to stay safe after you leave the facility. Also, ongoing care can help you manage urges and deal with setbacks.
Conclusion
The first week of rehab focuses on your health, safety and early care. You might have health checks, rest periods and therapy sessions. Each day helps you prepare for the stage of treatment. Cove Detox offers information, about addiction treatment options. You can use this information to learn about care and decide on your step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the week of rehab hard?
It can be hard as your body and mind adjust. Your care team can help you manage symptoms and stress. Rest, regular meals, and support can help you cope with daily changes.
2. Can I have visitors during the week?
Each facility has its rules. Ask staff about visits and phone calls. Some centers may limit visits during the early stages of treatment.
3. Will I have withdrawal symptoms?
You may have symptoms, based on the substance you used and your health. Tell your care team how you feel.
4. What happens after the week?
You may stay in treatment, attend therapy or move to another level of care. Overall, your team will help plan the steps.
