What to expect from rehab
During rehab, we'll help you to overcome your addictive behaviours and take steps towards a lasting recovery.
Starting addiction rehab can feel daunting, particularly if you’re unsure what the process involves. It’s normal to feel anxious about taking this step. Rehab is designed to provide a safe, structured and supportive environment where you can stabilise physically, understand your addiction, and begin building healthier coping strategies.
At Priory, you’ll be supported by experienced specialists who deliver compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs and circumstances.
What is rehab?
Rehab is a structured addiction treatment programme that supports people to reduce or stop addictive behaviours and address the underlying causes.
Rehab can support people struggling with:
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug addiction, including cocaine, cannabis, ketamine and prescription medications
- Behavioural addictions such as gambling, gaming, internet use, pornography and shopping
Treatment takes a whole-person approach, considering your physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships and longer-term goals.
Reaching out for help
The first step is to speak to a professional. You can contact your GP or get in touch with Priory directly.
Priory offers a free, confidential, no-obligation addiction assessment, either over the phone or in person. During this assessment, a specialist will:
- Explore your current challenges and history
- Discuss how addiction is affecting your life
- Understand your goals and concerns
- Recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway
The assessment is supportive and non-judgemental. Its purpose is to help you feel informed, reassured and clear about your options.
What to expect during treatment
Your treatment plan will be personalised. It may include detox, therapy, wellbeing support and, where appropriate, family involvement.
Detox (if required)
If you’re physically dependent on alcohol or certain drugs, a medically assisted detox may be recommended at the start of treatment.
Detox will:
- Take place in a specialist clinical environment
- Include 24-hour monitoring from an experienced multidisciplinary team
- Typically last between 7 and 10 days
- Involve medication, where appropriate, to ease withdrawal symptoms
Some people complete detox as a standalone intervention. Others continue into further structured treatment once physically stable, such as inpatient rehab, day care, outpatient therapy or online support.
Your team will help you decide what is most appropriate based on your needs and personal circumstances.
Therapy
For many people, therapy forms the core of rehab. It helps you understand the emotional, psychological and behavioural factors linked to your addiction.
Therapeutic approaches may include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)-informed techniques
- Mindfulness and grounding strategies
- Relapse prevention planning
- Coping skills development
Most inpatient programmes include structured group therapy alongside individual sessions where clinically appropriate.
Family support sessions
Addiction can affect family members and loved ones. Where appropriate, treatment may include family support sessions to help:
- Improve communication
- Develop shared understanding
- Establish healthy boundaries
Family involvement is always discussed with you first and tailored to what feels supportive and appropriate.
The 12-step approach
Many Priory addiction programmes draw on elements of the 12-step model. You may also have the option to attend fellowship meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, either on-site or within the community, depending on your preferences.
Wellbeing activities
Alongside therapy, inpatient and residential programmes include wellbeing activities designed to support emotional and physical health. These may include:
- Yoga and gentle movement
- Meditation and relaxation groups
- Exercise sessions
- Art or drama therapy
- Complementary therapies, where available
These activities can help regulate stress, build routine and encourage healthier habits.
A typical day in rehab
Rehab provides structure and routine, which many people find stabilising. While each programme differs slightly, a typical day may include:
- Morning check-ins or mindfulness
- Group therapy sessions
- One-to-one therapy (when clinically recommended)
- Psychoeducational workshops
- Scheduled breaks and regular mealtimes
- Wellbeing activities
- Optional 12-step meetings
- Personal time for rest and reflection
This balance of structure and flexibility supports engagement in treatment without feeling overwhelming.
How long rehab takes
The length of rehab varies depending on your needs and the level of support required.
Many people benefit from a 28-day inpatient programme, often including a 7 to 10-day detox followed by intensive therapy. However, treatment length is flexible and may include:
- Extended residential stays
- Shorter structured programmes, where clinically appropriate
- Outpatient therapy or online treatment, which can continue alongside work or family responsibilities
Your initial assessment will help determine the most suitable approach and duration for you.
Life after rehab
Treatment does not end when a programme finishes. Many Priory programmes include up to 12 months of free aftercare, which may involve:
- Weekly support groups
- Ongoing relapse prevention planning
- Follow-up sessions
Some people also continue with outpatient therapy or digital support to maintain progress. Aftercare is designed to help you feel supported as you transition back into everyday life.
Get help today
Addiction is treatable, and seeking support is a positive step forward. Priory offers fast access to specialist addiction treatment across the UK.
You can arrange a free, confidential assessment to explore your treatment options and discuss what support might be right for you.
