What to Expect in Rehab

We understand that you might be a bit hesitant when heading to Recovery First for treatment for your drug or alcohol abuse. By knowing what to expect beforehand, we hope we can ease your fears and make your experience a positive one.

Getting Here

If you’re flying to our facility, you’ll want to book a flight to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The airport is just 20 minutes away from our Hollywood facility.

If you don’t have a ride, you can catch an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to our facility – just head to the ridesharing area once you pick up your bags.

Local residents who might be taking public transportation can take buses 9 or 12 to stop 291 or 145, right outside our building.

Your First 24 Hours at Rehab

Your first 24 hours at our Hollywood facility will be busy as you go through intake and begin the addiction treatment process. Here’s what you can expect:

• First, you’ll meet your admissions counselor, who will be there for you every step of the way as you adjust to life in recovery.
• You will then be given a number of assessments to judge your physical, mental, and emotional health. Not only do these assessments give us a better idea of your baseline condition, but they also help us devise a personalized treatment plan just for you.
• One of our doctors, led by renowned expert Dr. Seely, will also perform a comprehensive physical and look over your medical history.
• Next will be a urinalysis and drug screen to help us see what’s in your system so we know what to look for in the future.
• Once you’re cleared for treatment, we do have to perform a dignified belongings search to make sure you aren’t bringing in any contraband. This is for your safety and the safety of our other clients.
• Throughout the day, you’ll meet with all of the staff who will be involved in your care, including nurses, your case manager, therapists, and more.
• Finally, you’ll be ready to begin the program. Very often, this begins with medical detox. We know that the idea of drug or alcohol detox can be frightening for many people. We make this time as comfortable as possible, with nursing staff available for you 24/7.

What to Bring to Rehab

When you come to detox and/or residential treatment at Recovery First, Hollywood, we recommend bringing the following:

• Enough clothes to last you through the 5-10 day detox period. (Once you move to residential treatment, you’ll have access to laundry facilities.)
• Reading material.
• Phone/computer.*

Detox treatment offers 3 catered meals a day and snacks and beverages are available at all hours.

During residential treatment, after you get oriented, you’ll visit a neighborhood grocery store each week to purchase groceries. Recovery First will provide you with a weekly stipend of $85. If you feel the need to supplement this amount, you may add an additional $25.

Staff at Recovery First will work with you on meal planning, creating your grocery list, and meal preparation. We understand the importance of developing these important life skills, so you’ll also attend a nutrition group regularly during treatment.

You are allowed to bring cigarettes and vapes to both detox and residential treatment. Cigarettes, vapes, and vape juice must be sealed and in their original packaging when brought into the facility. Cigarettes and vapes are allowed to be used at designated smoking locations and times.

What NOT to Bring to Rehab

You won’t need to bring any food, snacks, or toiletries to detox. You’ll receive 3 catered meals a day as well as access to snacks at all hours.

Toiletries and makeup are not allowed to be brought into the treatment facility. Unfortunately, these items are often used to hide contraband. Recovery First will provide toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap.

All linens, blankets, and pillows will be provided, so there’s no need to bring any of these items from home.

In residential therapy, you will work on your life skills by preparing your own meals but you won’t need to bring any pots, pans, or coffeemakers; these will all be supplied in your apartment.

For the safety of the community, we do not allow food to be brought in or ordered at any location (even if sealed). We work with you to ensure your needs are met to the best of our capabilities.

Drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances are not permitted on the grounds.

A Typical Day at Rehab

What your day will look like depends on whether you’re in our detox or residential treatment programs. Treatment programming varies from day to day.

Example Detox Schedule

• 7 a.m. – Wake up, take medication (as needed), eat breakfast, and get ready for the day.
• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) informed mindfulness.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Either cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), skill development, or nutrition.
• Noon to 1 p.m. – Lunch, medication (as needed)
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Psychoeducation, process group, cognitive behavioral therapy, or interpersonal relationships.
• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Nursing education group, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, or process group.
• 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Skill development or nursing education group.
• 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Psychoeducation, interpersonal effectiveness, process group, cognitive behavioral therapy, or skill building support group.
• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Orientation, afternoon wrap-up, dinner.
• 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. – 12-Step meeting.
• 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Vitals, medication (as needed).
• 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Free time.
• 11 p.m. – Lights out.

Example Residential Treatment Schedule

• 7:30 a.m. – Wake up, breakfast, medication (as needed), and get ready for the day.
• 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) informed mindfulness.
• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Psychoeducational therapy.
• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Process group, psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or dialectical behavior therapy informed interpersonal effectiveness.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Process group, health and wellness, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Noon to 1 p.m. – Lunch, medication (as needed).
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Alumni group, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT informed interpersonal skills, or nutrition.
• 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – Skill development, cognitive behavioral therapy, or family systems family roles and addiction.
• 2:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. –  Wrap-up group.
• 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Free time, Walmart grocery shopping, activities of daily living (ADL).
• 7:30 p.m. – Gym.
• 8:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Medication (as needed)
• 11 p.m. – Lights out.

Rehab Curriculum at Recovery First

At Recovery First, we are proud to take a wellness-based approach toward your recovery. We rely on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness to guide our treatment:

• Emotional
• Environmental
• Financial
• Intellectual
• Occupational
• Physical
• Social
• Spiritual

We also employ use of the Four Agreements:

• Be impeccable with your word.
• Don’t take anything personally.
• Don’t make assumptions.
• Always do your best.

In particular, we utilize the Embracing Change: Recovery for Life curriculum, which combines research-based modalities with interactive therapy, journaling, self-reflection, and more to lead clients in the right direction. It’s a curriculum that’s exclusive to facilities in the American Addiction Centers network. Embracing Change: Recovery for Life allows us to tailor your recovery specifically to your needs.