What to Expect from Drug Rehab

We know that rehab is a big step, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions. That’s why our staff is always available to take your calls and talk through what you can expect from your (or your loved ones) stay with us.

Read on to learn more about our residents’ experiences here at Hawaiian Island Recovery—from detox to recreational activities and more.

If you have a physical addiction to drugs or alcohol, you may undergo a period of detox when coming off of that substance. The symptoms of detox can range in severity and length of time, and it’s not uncommon for residents to be anxious about this first step.

Jimmy Kayihura, our Admissions Director, understands those nervous feelings and explains, “It’s very important for a person that’s looking at recovery and thinking about the detox associated with recovery to know that we offer a medically-supervised detox to be sure that they have a safe and comfortable transition from active addiction into early recovery.”

Withdrawal at home can be painful, and many people give in to the temptation to use drugs or alcohol to find relief from those symptoms. It doesn’t have to be that way. Here at HIR, we have the resources to make your detox experience as comfortable as possible so that you can move forward with your journey to recovery.

When you hear the word “therapy,” what do you envision? Sitting on an uncomfortable chair in a circle of strangers? Lying on a couch and answering a psychiatrist’s questions? What about swimming with dolphins in the wild or learning to play the guitar?

While media can portray rehab as scary or impersonal, residents find that their experience couldn’t be further from those misconceptions. We offer Ocean-based Treatment to allow you to explore your beliefs and feelings in a less conventional setting. Then, our professional staff will guide you through proven therapies, such as EMDR or CBT, to help you process what you’re feeling and guide you as you prepare for a sober future.

We also offer holistic health services including acupuncture, massage, yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition to facilitate healing of your body, mind, and spirit. Mark, alumni of HIR, told us that holistic health services played a crucial part in his healing.

He said,

“Ohana,” meaning family, is a big part of Hawaiian culture. Here at HIR, you’ll experience the beauty of Ohana and the incredible experiences our island has to offer. Residents enjoy visiting the beach, swimming, whale watching, and more. Over time, the staff and other residents will become your friends—and ultimately your family.

One resident shared,

A typical day in recovery is well-balanced between experiential therapy, talking therapy, and holistic health. You’ll start and end each day with an AA meeting, which is a critical part of the 12 step program that has proven to be so successful with our residents.

“In between those bookends,” Eliza Wille, our Program Director, explains, “clients attend therapy sessions—individual and group. There are also experiential therapies they are going to do on a routine basis. In the morning time, we do what we call the heavy lifting. That’s when residents are doing the more emotional and psychological types of interventions. The afternoon is dedicated to the more somatic types of interventions—those that focus on the body.”

We plan each day to ensure you get the most out of your experience—including proven therapies, meaningful relationships, and unforgettable experiences. Over and over, we hear from residents who found HIR to be exactly what they needed to finally break free of their addiction.