What to Expect on a Typical Day in Rehab

Deciding that it’s time to get treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) can feel a bit like going on a trip without a road map: you’re ready to move forward, but you’re not quite sure how you’re going to get there. If you’re preparing to enter rehab, it’s normal to wonder what a typical day in rehab is like. 

It’s normal to feel some anxiety when entering treatment, and your care team will work with you to ease any fears that you have about the treatment process. When you go to rehab, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan based on your needs, which will determine what happens in rehab from day to day.

In this article, we’ll explore what to expect in rehab, including examples of daily schedules, how rules on cell phone use and visitation differ from facility to facility, and how you can take the first steps toward getting help today. Call American Addiction Centers at

A Typical Day in Drug or Alcohol Rehab

When you arrive at your treatment facility, a substance use counselor will ask you questions to determine your needs as a part of the intake process. Most people get started with inpatient or outpatient medical detox, where you will clear substances from the body and receive support as you prepare your mind and body for rehab.¹

Your substance use counselor will help you determine what level of rehab is the best fit for you. If your schedule allows, inpatient drug and alcohol rehab can help you get away from the stressors and triggers of day-to-day life. Also known as residential care, inpatient treatment requires that you live at the facility while receiving treatment. Inpatient treatment can be short- or long-term depending on your needs.²

Outpatient addiction treatment programs do not require that you live at the treatment facility and can be a good choice for those who are unable to attend inpatient treatment. Outpatient rehab can follow a set programming schedule (for example, intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs and partial hospitalization programs for addiction) or run on a by-appointment basis depending on your needs. Your substance use counselor may recommend utilizing sober living, 12-Step programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous), or other support groups in tandem with your outpatient treatment.²

Morning Schedule in Rehab

During a typical day in rehab, you’ll begin with breakfast and administration of any morning medications. Next, you might have group or individual therapy, as well as a large group meeting to discuss any issues or celebrations in the treatment facility.

Mid-Day/Afternoon Schedule in Rehab

In the afternoon, you’ll have lunch, followed by time to exercise, the opportunity to journal or meditate, as well as additional therapy sessions depending on your interests and needs (e.g., equine-assisted therapy, music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy). Depending on your program, you may also have free time to spend as you please. As you move toward the end of your treatment program, you may also work with your substance use counselor to develop an aftercare plan during this time.

Evening Schedule in Rehab

Evenings in rehab are typically relaxed and low-key. You’ll have dinner, administration of evening medications (if applicable), and then you might have a 12-Step meeting or additional group therapy session, followed by quiet time and lights out.

Sample Schedule for a Day in Drug or Alcohol Rehab

A typical day in rehab might look like:

• 7:00–Wake up, get ready for the day, take morning medicine (if applicable).
• 8:00–Breakfast.
• 9:00 to 10:00–Individual or group therapy session.
• 10:30 to 11:30–Individual or group therapy session.
• 12:00–Lunch, take midday medicine (if applicable).
• 1:00 to 3:00–Exercise (yoga classes, Pilates classes, hiking, swimming, and open gym time may be available, depending on your treatment facility).
• 3:00 to 5:00–Free time (meditation, journaling, crafting).
• 5:00 to 6:00–Complementary therapy (equine therapy, music therapy, family therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, etc.).
• 6:15–Dinner, evening medicine (if applicable).
• 7:30 to 8:30–Group therapy or 12-Step meeting.
• 8:45 to 9:30–Quiet time in rooms.
• 10:00–Lights out.

What to Do During Free Time in Rehab

In many rehab programs, you’ll have some blocks of free time that you can use to reflect on your treatment, read, meditate, exercise, hike, practice hobbies, and more. Participating in these activities is important for recovery.

In addition to the general stress-relieving benefits of practicing hobbies, enjoying free time can help you establish healthy habits that assist in maintaining your sobriety after your formal treatment concludes.³

Mindfulness meditation has been proven effective for preventing relapse, and exercise is currently being researched as a potential treatment for substance use disorders in conjunction with behavioral therapy.^4,5

Electronics in Rehab

Whether electronics are permitted in your facility will depend on several factors. Some facilities do not permit the use of electronic devices at all, while others may permit devices at different levels of care (for example, inpatient treatment may not allow cell phones, while outpatient treatment may allow phone use). Others may permit TVs, laptops, iPads, phones, etc. 

In many cases, triggers from outside of rehab can make their way into your recovery through electronic devices. While there are some pros (connection with loved ones, for example), the negatives may outweigh the positives.⁶ You’ll need to speak with your substance use counselor to learn whether you’ll be permitted to bring electronic devices to treatment.

Visitation During Inpatient Rehab

Much like the use of electronics, visitation rules vary from one facility to the next. Visitation allowances can depend on the level of treatment. Looking at the facility guidelines may help determine your facility’s visitation policy. You may be permitted to have visitors after a certain amount of time at rehab or on certain days of the week.

Start Your Recovery Journey

At American Addiction Centers (AAC), our team of admissions navigators is here to help you learn more about how you or a loved one can get the treatment you need to begin recovery. You can browse our rehab directory to learn more about treatment options in your area, contact us at to learn more about American Addiction Centers, and verify your insurance coverage now. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Reach out to us today and get the help you need to get and stay sober.