Speaking from my experience, rehab always sucked bad in the beginning. But I almost always met people and connected with them quickly which made things go a lot smoother.
In the places where I stayed, it was also 2 to a room. No TV's other than one in the main hall. Food's never that great - it's essentially hospital food so it is nutritious - just not delicious. There's a smoking area outside of the cottage. No lighters are allowed for safety reasons so they have these doohickies that are installed in the walls. It's like a car lighter sort of. You push a button, a circular area heats up and that's how you light your cigarette. Your 'sharps' are kept locked away until you need them. 'Sharps' are razors, hairdryers, grooming products that contain alcohol, etc. Basically anything that could be harmful to you or other patients.
You spend your days in classes. Sounds easy but it can be grueling. Lots of emotional and mental work. You can get as snippy as you want - it's ok. You're allowed to have emotions there lol. You will definitely have an occasional time where you need to hide out in your room for one reason or another. Where I've stayed, they've been ok with that as long as you don't do it too often.
But will you be catered to like some princess? Absolutely not. Treated like a red-headed stepchild? I hope not! But whenever it's been time for me to discharge, I am excited, but sad at the same time. I'm leaving a safe zone and heading back out into the real world. It can be scary depending on how long you're hospitalized. For this reason, aftercare is super important.
Bring books. And a cozy blanket you use a lot at home. If you smoke, bring a couple cartons with you as you don't know how long you're going to be in there. Leave valuables at home - you don't have to look gorgeous in rehab. But you do need to be comfortable.
Hope this helps some. Good luck to you :).
hi rhere...i have been in an out of at least 40 different rehabs..some for alcohol..some for pills...i find them all pretty much the same as far as noone has a private room..there are usually 2 to a room..there are never any tv's in your room unless you go to beverly hills...there is usually one tv in the lounge for everybody and the time is limited to when you can watch it..usually only at night,after classes.about 8 pm.. everyone wants to be left alone when they detox..i find most places will give you the first day you get there to stay in bed and sleep..after that, they insist that you get out of bed and attend classes...no matter how sick you are...i mean what are they going to do if you dont get up? throw you out? they just bug you constantly to get up and participate....as i said, most rehabs are basically the same, except some are alot newer and cleaner...i've rarely found the food good,with the exception of a few detoxes that actually had a salad bar and buffet....dont be nervous...you will get thru it..and noone hates detox more than i do...good luck ladydi4140