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A day in the life of rehab
- paulettecrowley
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Leading up to rehab, your life may be in a state of chaos. Both you and your loved ones can be swept up in the crisis of addiction and are usually focused on getting into a rehab such as Ocean Hills as soon as possible.
But although people often know that rehab is what they need to support them into a life of sobriety, they might not know much about how it works. So, what exactly happens in the day of the life of rehab?
What is rehab?
A residential rehab is where people stay 24-hours a day for a period of time so they can recover from addiction and get back on their feet again. This is what Ocean Hills offers – a private residential rehab programme where guests stay with us for up to four weeks while they get well.
The beauty of rehab is that guests get to step out of their life and have a complete break from their situation, including people, places and things that might be obstacles to getting sober. They don’t have to think about their personal or professional responsibilities, leaving them completely free to focus on getting well and building a healthy new life.
While Ocean Hills rehab offers a complete reset and a chance to rest, importantly, it also provides intensive professional support with a therapeutic programme to help you build a life of sustainable sobriety. It’s a chance to start again in a way that rarely exists in our busy world, and be truly held to give it your best shot.
Ocean Hills is staffed with highly experienced specialised clinicians who hold addiction and mental health qualifications. The therapy programme is built on evidence-based methods that our guests can use to support them into the next phase of their sobriety.
A day in the life of rehab
While every day offers something different at Ocean Hills, the days will always include a focus on routine, structure and self care, which is often missing in the lives of people struggling with substance abuse.
Here’s how a typical day in rehab unfolds:
7am - 9am
Wake up and start the day with a walk along the beach.
Breakfast, which includes a nutritious smoothie and other healthy, delicious foods to rebuild your health and give you energy for the day ahead. Most food preferences are catered for, as are allergies and intolerances.
Reading suggested addiction recovery literature that will educate and inspire you to get ready for the day.
9am
Therapy programme
We begin with a morning check-in and mindfulness activities, which will include addiction education and skill-building methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and other neuro-science therapies to dig deep into addiction.
A snack is always served during our morning sessions to keep up your energy levels.
12.30pm
Lunch
A hearty, healthy meal cooked with fresh food by our staff to serve to you straight away.
1-2.30pm
Rest
Rest and sleep is much-needed – especially after a busy morning – allowing the body and brain time to recover and strengthen from the ravages of addiction.
2.30pm
Therapeutic activities
Rehab therapy sessions are demanding, so we like to balance the day with holistic recreational and nurturing activities to our guest’s days. Some afternoons will feature a healing yoga session, art therapy, therapeutic massage or other self-care activities.
4pm
Gratitude
This is a time to cultivate a mindful practice of gratitude – an important part of the day at Ocean Hills and for long-term sobriety.
6pm
Dinner
Another freshly-cooked delicious and nutritious meal to round off the day.
7pm
Evening activities
These range from attending support groups in the community or participating in the Ocean Hills Aftercare meetings. Both of these groups are a way to form strong, supportive connections with other people in recovery, which is essential to maintaining sobriety.
And don’t forget the (sober) fun, which is built into our weekly routines, especially on Friday nights and at the weekends. We take our guests out for activities such as 10-pin bowing, hot pools, restaurant meals, trips to magnificent Hawke’s Bay beaches, movies and even the odd bit of shopping.
10 pm
Sleep
Our guests are usually ready for bed after an intense day at rehab. They need an early bed time to get the restorative healing and reset which sleep provides.
Need-to-know’s about rehab
Technology
Guests are permitted to use their phones or computers daily at allocated times.. Although it’s important to be able to connect with family and friends, we keep technology to a minimum so our guests can solely focus on sobriety.
Premises
Ocean Hills is a boutique private rehab located on Napier’s forefront. The premises are premium and offer all the comforts of home and beyond. There’s a maximum of four guests and everyone has their own private room. Safety and privacy are of paramount importance - we have a full security system and our premises are not marked from the outside.
Family and friends
Though it’s important to give yourself time and space to heal in rehab, we also recognise that seeing your loved ones is important for your wellbeing. We have time set aside on weekends where visits and short outings with family and friends can be arranged.
24-hour support
Rehab is about intense support, which is why we have qualified staff available 24/7 for guests to chat with. You’re never alone at Ocean Hills.
There is much more to what it’s like to stay in rehab – nothing can quite describe the journey of healing and bonding that takes place – but you can guarantee that you will be in the best of hands as you get sober and learn to stay that way.
Most of all, Ocean Hills feels like a home away from home. Founder Elaine Atkinson says she has strived to create a place of sanctuary and healing. "I want our guests to feel completely safe, comfortable and nurtured while they make big, positive changes to their lives.”
To find out more about the Ocean Hills programme, phone Elaine on 027 573 7744 or contact the team here.