When you first arrive at a drug and alcohol treatment program, you may still be clinging to vestiges of denial about your disease and whether you really belong at the facility. The staff will do everything they can to put you at ease and will evaluate your condition to determine the best way to help you. An individual treatment plan will be drawn up based on your needs.

An intake worker will explain what your daily routine will look like during your stay at the inpatient rehab treatment center. It may include any (or all) of the following:

• Attending 12 step program meetings
• Meeting with an addictions counselor
• Seeing a therapist for individual sessions
• Group therapy sessions
• Instruction on preparing healthy meals
• Going to an exercise class
• Participating in outings and activities

People Who Will Affect You the Most in the Treatment Facility

Out of everyone you meet at the treatment facility, who do you think will turn out to have the greatest impact on your recovery? You may think it will be a particular counselor or a therapist. They can certainly help in your journey of sobriety, but the most important people you will meet in rehab are your peers.

They are on the same type of journey to get well as you are. Everyone in treatment has a story, and your peers are all dealing with shattered self-esteem. They understand what you are going through and can accept you exactly as you are.

Through their support, you can start the healing process. All of you can support each other as you do the work required to deal with the issues that led to your becoming addicted and learning better ways to cope with emotional stress going forward. Whether the root of the problem was emotional or physical abuse, or some other underlying factor, the substance abuse recovery program is a safe, supportive place where you can get the help you need to deal with these issues.

The professional staff will help you develop the tools you need to be a better you, and your peers will provide emotional support during your stay. All you need to get started is the desire for a new life.