When you’re in a drug rehab program, it can be easy to feel like you’re not getting enough to do. You’re supposed to be in rehab to get clean, so how do you make the most of your time there? If you’re feeling bored or lonely, a drug rehab facility can seem like the loneliest place on Earth. But there’s so much you can do in a program besides sit around and wait for your treatment to end. Try one of these ideas to fill your free time in a drug rehab facility, and make the most of your stay.
1. Go to Therapy
Many facilities offer counseling services that you can use at no cost. Some helpful topics to discuss with a mental health professional might be how you’re feeling while in the facility, triggers that might make you want to relapse, and skills you can practice to stay clean.
2. Take a Class
If you have time, participate in various classes or workshops offered at the facility. Yoga sessions, exercise classes, and other group classes will help you feel much better. You’ll meet new friends, and you’ll have something to focus on besides being miserable. Plus, you’ll build confidence and self-esteem, which can be helpful for staying clean and healthy.
3. Get Organized
Clean up your room, put things in their places, and start using your time in the program to get stuff done. Many facilities have organized activities you can join, like a book club, a gardening club, or an art gallery. You’ll meet new friends and feel productive, and you’ll be able to do things you don’t want to do when you’re high. You’ll also be able to start planning your life after rehab.
4. Read a Book
If you have time, read a book. You don’t have to check out a book from the facility library. You can go online and order a book from your favorite author or read a book from your own bookshelf. Reading will help you feel connected to something larger than yourself and will help you stay focused on the skills you need to develop to stay clean.
5. Keep a Journal
If you have time, write in a journal. You don’t have to show anyone— just write your thoughts down. Blogging will help you stay connected to yourself while also helping you develop the skills you need to stay clean. Reading or writing can help you stay focused and connected
6. Watch Films
If you have time, watch a movie. You can watch a movie you’ve been wanting to see, or you can go to a movie as a group outing. Spending this time with others will help you feel less lonely and films offer a momentary escape.
7. Play an Instrument
If you have time, play an instrument. You don’t have to play an instrument in the facility — you can play an instrument at home. You’ll meet new friends, you’ll feel creative and productive, and you’ll be able to do something you love to stay connected to others.
8. Go Outdoors
If you have time, go outdoors. You don’t have to be in the facility all day. You can go to a nearby park or nature refuge. You can explore the surrounding area. You can collect plants or animals.
9. Make New Friends
If you have time, make new friends. You don’t have to be in the facility with your current friends — you can make new friends. You can browse online groups for drug users, visit a local recreational drug center, or join a local recovery group. Making new friends will help you feel less lonely and will help you stay connected to others while also building the skills you need to stay clean.
10. Take a Walk
If you have time, take a walk. You don’t have to be in the facility all day. You can go for a walk in the nearby nature refuge, go for a walk in your neighborhood, or go for a walk around the facility. Walking will help you feel less isolated and will help you stay connected to others.
Trust the Experts
Addiction and mental health disorders can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently living with one of these issues, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
- Aftercare Services
Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with this on your own. We are here to help.
