Your first week of rehab includes intake and medical evaluation on Day 1, detox stabilization on Days 2-3, initial therapy sessions on Days 4-5, and settling into the program routine by Days 6-7. Phone access is limited, comfortable clothes are recommended, and while you can leave, staying gives recovery the best chance.
- 1Day 1 focuses on intake paperwork, medical evaluation, and getting settled into your room with staff introductions
- 2Days 2-3 involve detox stabilization with medical support, adjusting to the daily schedule, and beginning light therapy
- 3Days 4-5 bring full engagement with group therapy, building connections with peers, and processing normal emotional waves
- 4Days 6-7 mark a turning point where the routine feels natural and the program's value becomes clear
- 5Most facilities limit phone access to help you focus, but family contact typically begins in the first week
Walking through the doors of a rehab facility for the first time can feel terrifying. You might be wondering what the days will look like, whether you made the right decision, or if you will even survive being away from your normal life. These feelings are completely normal. Thousands of people have walked this path before you, and knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
At Amity Palm Beach, we have guided countless individuals through their first week of residential treatment. This day-by-day guide will show you exactly what happens so you can arrive prepared and focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Day 1: Arrival and Getting Settled
Your first day is all about intake, assessment, and orientation. Here is what you can expect:
The Intake Process
When you arrive at a residential treatment center like Amity Palm Beach, you will complete necessary paperwork including consent forms, insurance verification, and personal history questionnaires. This process typically takes 1-2 hours. An admissions coordinator will guide you through each step, answering questions and helping you feel welcome.
Medical Evaluation
A thorough medical evaluation happens on Day 1. Our clinical team will review your substance use history, medical conditions, current medications, and mental health status. This assessment determines whether you need medical detox and helps us create your individualized treatment plan. Blood work and vital signs are checked to establish baseline health markers.
Meeting Staff and Getting Oriented
After the medical evaluation, a staff member gives you a tour of the facility. You will see where you will sleep, eat, attend groups, and spend free time. You will meet key team members including your primary counselor, nursing staff, and residential coordinators. At Amity Palm Beach, we introduce you to your peer community through a welcoming process that helps break the ice.
Settling Into Your Room
By late afternoon or evening, you will have time to unpack and settle into your room. Take this time to breathe. You made a courageous decision by showing up. Your only job tonight is to rest and prepare for the days ahead.
Days 2-3: Stabilization and Adjustment
The second and third days focus on physical stabilization and beginning to adjust to the treatment structure.
Detox Stabilization
If you need medical detox, Days 2-3 are often the most physically challenging. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak during this window depending on the substance. At Amity Palm Beach, our medical team provides 24/7 monitoring and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate to keep you as comfortable as possible. You are never alone during this process.
For those not requiring detox, these days still involve adjusting to being in a new environment without the substances your body has grown accustomed to.
Learning the Daily Schedule
Residential treatment follows a structured daily schedule. You will begin learning the rhythm of wake-up times, meal times, group sessions, and quiet hours. Structure might feel restrictive at first, but it actually provides stability. Your brain is beginning to heal, and predictability helps.
A typical day at Amity Palm Beach includes:
- Morning meditation or reflection
- Breakfast and medication administration
- Morning group therapy sessions
- Individual counseling (scheduled throughout the week)
- Lunch
- Afternoon workshops and educational groups
- Recreation time or fitness activities
- Dinner
- Evening groups or 12-step meetings
- Free time and journaling
- Lights out
Initial Therapy Sessions
By Day 2 or 3, you will attend your first group therapy sessions. These might feel uncomfortable at first. Sitting in a circle with strangers and talking about personal struggles takes courage. Remember that everyone in that room felt the same way on their first day. You do not have to share everything right away. Just showing up is enough.
Days 4-5: Engaging With Treatment
By midweek, something starts to shift. The initial shock wears off, and you begin genuinely engaging with the program.
Full Participation in Group Therapy
Group therapy becomes less intimidating as you recognize familiar faces and start understanding the group dynamics. You might find yourself relating to someone's story or feeling brave enough to share your own. These moments of connection are where real healing begins.
At Amity Palm Beach, our groups cover topics like relapse prevention, coping skills, trauma awareness, and building healthy relationships. You will also attend process groups where you can discuss whatever is on your mind with peers who understand.
Building Rapport With Peers
By Days 4-5, you start forming bonds with the people around you. These relationships are incredibly valuable. Your peers understand what you are going through in a way that people outside treatment cannot. Some of the friendships formed in rehab last a lifetime.
Emotional Waves Are Normal
Around this time, many people experience intense emotions. You might feel homesick, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. Some days you might cry for reasons you cannot explain. Other days you might feel moments of hope you have not felt in years.
These emotional waves are completely normal. Your brain chemistry is adjusting, and you are processing feelings that substances have been numbing for months or years. Let the feelings come. Talk to your counselor. Write in a journal. The waves will calm.
Days 6-7: Finding Your Footing
By the end of the first week, most people experience a noticeable shift.
The Routine Becomes Familiar
What felt foreign on Day 1 now feels familiar. You know where to go and when. You have your favorite spot in the common area. You recognize everyone's names. The structure that once felt restrictive now feels safe.
Seeing the Value
Around Day 6 or 7, many people have a moment of clarity. Maybe it happens during a powerful group session or a conversation with your counselor. You start to understand why you are here and what recovery could mean for your life. This does not happen for everyone on the same timeline, but when it does, hold onto it.
Family Contact Begins
At Amity Palm Beach, family involvement is an important part of treatment. By the end of your first week, you may have scheduled phone calls with loved ones or begun preparing for family therapy sessions later in your stay. Reconnecting with family from a place of early recovery is different from the calls you might have made while using.
Addressing Your Fears
Before we wrap up, let's address the questions that keep people from picking up the phone.
Can I Bring My Phone?
Most residential programs limit phone access, especially during the first week. This is not punishment. Constant access to social media, texts, and calls can derail your focus and open doors to triggers. At Amity Palm Beach, you will have designated phone times to connect with approved contacts. Many people find that limited phone access is actually a relief.
What Do I Wear?
Pack comfortable, casual clothes. Think yoga pants, t-shirts, sneakers, and layers for varying temperatures. You do not need to impress anyone. Your facility will provide a packing list with specific guidelines. Leave valuables at home.
Will I Be Bored?
The schedule is full. Between therapy sessions, groups, meals, recreation, and personal time for journaling or reflection, you will be busy. Most people are surprised how quickly the days pass. If anything, you might wish for more downtime.
Can I Leave If I Hate It?
If you are in voluntary treatment, yes, you can leave. But here is the truth: the first week is the hardest. The discomfort you feel is not a sign that rehab is wrong for you. It is a sign that healing is happening. Almost everyone who completes treatment says they are grateful they stayed when they wanted to leave.
Talk to your counselor before making any decisions. Give yourself a chance.
Take the First Step
Your first week of rehab will challenge you. It will also give you tools, connections, and hope you cannot find anywhere else. Every person who has built a life in recovery started with a first week just like the one described above.
At Amity Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida, our residential program is designed to support you through every step of your first week and beyond. Our compassionate team provides medical supervision, evidence-based therapy, and a welcoming community where healing happens.
You do not have to have everything figured out. You just have to show up.
Call (888) 664-0182 to speak with our admissions team. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you take the first step toward a new life.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the first day of rehab?
Day 1 includes completing intake paperwork, a comprehensive medical evaluation, getting oriented to the facility, meeting staff members, and settling into your room. Medical teams assess your physical health and create an individualized treatment plan. Most people feel nervous, but staff are trained to make you comfortable.
Can I bring my phone to rehab?
Most residential treatment centers limit phone access during the first week to help you focus on recovery without distractions. At Amity Palm Beach, we have designated phone times so you can stay connected with loved ones while maintaining the therapeutic environment needed for healing.
What should I pack for rehab?
Pack comfortable, casual clothing suitable for therapy sessions and activities. Bring personal hygiene items, a few family photos, a journal, and any approved medications in original bottles. Avoid bringing valuables, revealing clothing, or items that could be triggering. Your facility will provide a detailed packing list.
Can I leave rehab if I want to?
Yes, you can leave voluntary treatment at any time. However, the first week is often the hardest, and leaving early significantly reduces your chances of lasting recovery. Most people who feel like leaving during week one are glad they stayed. Talk to your counselor before making any decisions.
Will I be bored in rehab?
The daily schedule at most residential programs is full from morning to evening. Between group therapy, individual counseling, educational workshops, meals, exercise, and recreational activities, you will have little downtime. Many people are surprised by how quickly the days pass.
Sources & References
This article is based on peer-reviewed research and authoritative medical sources.
- Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide — National Institute on Drug Abuse (2024)
- Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction — NIDA DrugFacts (2024)
- What to Expect in Drug Rehab — SAMHSA National Helpline (2024)
Amity Palm Beach
Amity Palm Beach Medical Team
