What happens in a de addiction programme? A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The idea of entering a de-addiction centre can feel intimidating, often coloured by myths, fear, and uncertainty. While each facility may vary in its setting and approach, most residential treatment programmes follow a similar daily structure. This consistency is intentional, it reduces stress, builds healthy habits, and creates an atmosphere of safety and predictability, which is vital for individuals recovering from addiction.

The day at a rehab centre usually begins with grounding practices like prayer, breathwork, or stretching, followed by a nutritious breakfast. The morning routine often includes group check-ins and light chores that foster discipline and a sense of community. These early hours are designed to promote mindfulness and establish a structured rhythm for the day.

Afternoons typically involve communal lunch, a short rest period, and group therapy sessions focused on emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and personal growth. Evenings include light refreshments, physical activities like cardio or gym workouts, and a wind-down routine with dinner and group sharing. Early bedtimes are encouraged to support healthy sleep patterns, which are essential for emotional stability and recovery.

A Typical Day at Collective Care

At Collective Care, we follow a structured yet holistic daily schedule that blends evidence-based therapy, mindfulness, physical activity, and community living. Each element of the day is crafted not just to treat addiction, but to help individuals reconnect with themselves in a safe, nurturing space.

Here’s a look at what a detailed day looks like inside Collective Care:

1.Morning: Setting the Tone

7:00 AM - 830 AM

The day begins with making the bed, freshening up, and grounding oneself for the day ahead. This small act of self-discipline reinforces personal care and accountability. A light physical routine combined with breathwork techniques helps activate the body and calm the mind. These mindful mornings support emotional regulation and self-awareness.

9:00 - 930 AM

Personalised Breakfast. Breakfast is served according to individual dietary needs, with a focus on nourishing the body. Nutrition plays a crucial role in both mental clarity and physical recovery.

9:30 to 10:30 AM

Through chores and gardening, residents participate in caring for plants or managing small chores. This cultivates responsibility, connection to nature, and a sense of routine.

2.Midday: Purposeful Engagement

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

This is a self-paced creative window. Clients are encouraged to read, journal, engage in music, or continue personal projects that spark meaning and joy.

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Group games or team-building activities foster community, lighten the mood, and encourage healthy social interaction.

1:00 to 1:30 PM

Lunch time, a shared meal focused on balance, nutrition, and connection.

1:30 to 2:00 PM

A short break for rest, giving the mind a chance to process the day so far.

3.Afternoon: Deep Healing & Self-Reflection

2:00 to 3:30 PM

A key therapeutic group session where residents explore emotions, patterns, and insights. Guided by trained psychologists, these sessions are safe spaces for healing and self-expression.

3:30 to 4:30 PM

An hour of intentional silence, where no activity is permitted. The intention is to normalise the idea of being bored with your thoughts but not try to avoid the boredom or themselves

4:30 PM

A light, energy-boosting snack to prepare the body for physical activity.

4.Evening: Movement, Therapy & Mindfulness

5:00 to 6:00 PM

Physical exercise, whether gym-based or outdoor, is integral to the healing process. It helps release endorphins, build muscle, and rebuild confidence in the body.

6:00 to 7:00 PM

Clients meet with their assigned therapist for one-on-one sessions tailored to their psychological needs. Meanwhile, others use this time to unwind and freshen up.

7:00 to 7:30 PM

Mindfulness-Based Meditation, a guided meditation session to reflect, slow down, and prepare for closure. This daily practice strengthens awareness, emotional resilience, and inner calm.

5.Night: Community & Closure

8 PM

A calm, community-oriented meal where the day winds down over nutritious food and relaxed conversation.

8:30 PM 1030 PM

A light, recreational space for watching movies, documentaries or tv series. This fosters bonding and brings some joy and ease into the recovery process.

10:30 PM

Lights Out. The day ends with a consistent bedtime, promoting healthy sleep hygiene and routine.

Our approach at Collective Care is more than just structured, it’s “intentional”. Whether it’s therapy, movement, gardening, or silent hour, every activity supports the individual in reconnecting with themselves, not as an addict, but as a human being deserving of care, belonging, and dignity.

If you or a loved one is ready to take that step, Collective Care is here to walk with you. Every hour, every day, every breakthrough.