A 7-day rehab package is a short but intense programme designed to lay the groundwork for recovery. It focuses mainly on detoxing drugs or alcohol from your system and giving you some initial pointers and guidance on how to maintain sobriety. While it is a brief period, it can be a critical first step in breaking the cycle of addiction.
The benefits of a 7-day rehab package
While limited in time, a 7-day treatment programme can still be a great starting point for your recovery journey. Some of the main benefits include:
- Immediate support to help you through the toughest part of withdrawal
- Focused attention, giving you concentrated support and guidance right when you need it most
- An easy introduction to treatment, especially if you are unsure about committing to a longer treatment programme
- Education on addiction and a foundation for future treatment
- A confidence and motivation boost
Here’s what you can expect from a 7-day rehab package:
1. Medically supervised detox
The main goal of a 7-day rehab package is to get you through the initial detox phase safely. Trying to quit drugs or alcohol on your own can be very dangerous, but a medically supervised detox can guide you through withdrawal safely.
Detox is a cornerstone of every worthwhile rehab treatment programme and usually looks something like this:
Initial assessment
When you arrive, medical professionals will take some time to understand your health, substance use history and any other issues you might be dealing with. This helps them create a detox plan that’s just right for you.
Stabilisation
During this phase, you’ll get the medical support you need to handle withdrawal symptoms. This might include medications to help with discomfort, fluids to keep you hydrated and good nutrition to help your body start healing. The goal throughout is to keep you comfortable and safe.
Monitoring
Throughout detox, healthcare professionals will keep a close eye on you, check your vital signs regularly and manage any complications that come up. These observations enable them to adjust your treatment as needed and deal quickly with any issues.
Emotional support
Detox can be tough emotionally, so you’ll have access to counsellors and therapists who can help you cope with the psychological aspects of withdrawal. They will be there to support you and help you start looking at the reasons behind your addiction.
Transition planning
As you near the end of the detox period, the focus will shift to planning your next steps. This might involve setting up ongoing therapy, arranging outpatient treatment or even looking into a longer-term inpatient programme beyond the seven days.
2. Initial therapy sessions
Rehab therapy is the next step in effective recovery, as it allows you to start addressing the underlying issues behind your addiction. In a 7-day rehab package, there isn’t much time to delve too deeply, but various rehab therapies used in these early stages can still give you some useful tools and information to take with you after discharge. Some of the key aims include:
Building trust
Your therapist will spend time getting to know you and making you feel safe and supported. Trust is key, even in these short sessions, for honest conversations about your addiction.
Identifying triggers
You and your therapists will work quickly to identify some of the main triggers for your substance use. This may include stress, certain people or specific emotions.
Developing avoidance and coping strategies
You may learn some basic coping strategies to help manage cravings and stressful situations. These are tools you can start using right away to help you stay on track.
Exploring emotions
There will be some time to touch on the emotions and experiences connected to your addiction. It is a starting point to help you begin understanding your feelings better.
Setting short-term goals
Your therapist will help you set some short-term goals for the next steps in your recovery. These may be about returning to work, fixing relationships harmed by addiction or finding local treatment services in your area.
Building a support plan
Even in this short time, you’ll start thinking about who can support you after you leave the programme. This may include family, friends or support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
Creating a basic relapse prevention plan
You will also work on a simple plan to help you avoid relapse. This will include recognising your triggers and knowing what to do if you start to feel like you might slip.
3. Aftercare and relapse prevention
Even with a short 7-day rehab package, some addiction treatment centres provide free aftercare for their clients. This may involve ongoing therapy and other types of support, and it is really important, especially if your initial stay in rehab was only short. The main goals of aftercare include:
- Helping you stay on track and avoid slipping back into old habits
- Working through the deeper issues connected to your addiction through ongoing therapy
- Connecting with therapists, counsellors and other people in recovery
- Allowing your therapists and counsellors to keep track of your progress and ensure your treatment plan continues to fit your needs as they change
- Reinforcing healthy lifestyle habits
- Providing accountability and motivation
- Giving you access to important resources like an Alumni Network
Who can benefit from a 7-day rehab package?
A 7-day rehab package can benefit people with various types of addiction, including alcohol, drugs, opiates, benzodiazepines, methamphetamines and prescription medications. This may be the right option for your needs if you:
- Need immediate intervention
- Have a mild to moderate addiction
- Are unsure about committing to long-term treatment
- Require a quick reset after a recent relapse or loss in motivation or confidence
However, it is important to know that the withdrawal period from some substances can be far longer than seven days, particularly if you have a severe, long-standing addiction. For example, alcohol rehab can include an extended detox period due to severe withdrawal symptoms called Delirium Tremens, which can be long-lasting and potentially life-threatening.
Some forms of drug rehab, such as those for benzodiazepines, can also require a more extended detox and treatment period due to the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. It is important that you discuss your specific needs with an addiction treatment professional to determine if a 7-day programme is suitable for you.
Find a 7-day rehab package today
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and needs help, we can help you find a 7-day rehab package to kickstart your recovery. These programmes are designed to provide immediate support and stabilisation, setting the foundation for continued care. We have connections with rehab centres across the UK and can help you find the right 7-day package for your recovery needs. Contact us today, and we will help you assess all your options.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.