An addiction day centre is a treatment service where the person spends much of the day taking part in therapy and activities, but goes home to sleep every night. It offers more intensity and structure than outpatient appointments, without the need for admission to a residential centre. If you are wondering exactly what it is and whether it might suit you or a family member, we explain it here.
What an addiction day centre is
When people search for what a day centre is, the first results are usually services for older people. In the field of addiction, the term means something else: a therapeutic setting halfway between outpatient treatment, where you attend individual sessions, and residential treatment, where the person lives at the centre for months.
Its value lies in the structure. Having a timetable, a group and a team to turn to helps to organise the day, reduces empty hours and high-risk situations, and makes it possible to gradually replace substance use with healthier routines without losing contact with the family or with home.
Who is a day centre for people with drug dependence for?
It is usually indicated when:
- Outpatient appointments are not enough and the person needs daily support to stay off substances.
- Residential admission is not needed, or is not possible.
- There is a stable home to return to every night and a family involved in the process.
- Alongside drug dependence there are other addictions, such as gambling, or mental health disorders that call for closer care. You can read more about behavioural addictions and dual diagnosis.
If the person needs to get away from their surroundings or does not have a home with support, another service may be more suitable. You will find the different options on our treatment centres page.
What a day at the centre is like
Every programme is different, but the day usually combines:
- Individual therapy with a key professional.
- Group therapy, to share difficulties and progress with other people going through a similar process.
- Family sessions, because recovery also changes life at home.
- Occupational and wellbeing activities, such as yoga or music therapy, which help to manage anxiety and rediscover interests.
At the end of the day, the person goes home. There they put into practice what they have worked on during the day, and the next day they can talk it over with the team. This coming and going between the centre and everyday life is one of the keys to this type of treatment.
FSC Addiction Day Centre: a pioneer in Spain
The Fundación Salud y Comunidad (FSC) opened its Addiction Day Centre in 1989. It was the first of its kind in Spain and has been running without interruption ever since. These are its main features:
- Hours: the centre is open from 9:00 to 17:00 every day, and for the weekend service users receive guidance and support with their activities.
- Team: specialist psychologists and educators, as well as instructors who lead activities such as yoga or music therapy.
- Approach: individual, family and group therapy, with therapeutic and occupational activities, within a framework of intensive support and a high level of structure.
- Length: six to eight months for the full treatment, always personalised and tailored to each case.
- Profile: people with drug dependence, often with other addictions, such as gambling, or with another mental health problem, who have good family support and a stable home.
- Return to work: it has a specialist programme to prepare for going back to work.
People can come directly or be referred by an outpatient centre that is already supporting them. In the second case, when treatment ends they return to that centre for long-term follow-up, and the two teams stay in constant contact. When advisable, treatment can be combined with a stay in FSC’s supervised flats.
When to ask for help
Consider seeking help if substance use has become a daily thing, if attempts to stop on your own are not working or if occasional appointments are not enough for you. If you are a family member, you can call too: it is often the family who take the first step. And if there is dependence on alcohol or tranquillisers, it is not advisable to stop suddenly without medical supervision.
At the free first appointment in Barcelona we work out with you which service fits best: outpatient treatment, the day centre or another type of programme. Call +34 93 424 04 00.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a day centre and residential admission?
At a day centre the person spends the day in treatment and sleeps at home; in a residential service they live at the centre during their stay. The day centre keeps the link with the family and home, while residential admission offers a complete break from the usual surroundings.
How long does treatment at a day centre last?
It depends on each person and each programme. At the FSC day centre, the full treatment lasts between six and eight months, and it is always adapted to individual needs.
Do I need a referral to attend the day centre?
Not necessarily. You can come to the FSC Addiction Day Centre directly or be referred by an outpatient centre that is already supporting you; in that case, long-term follow-up continues afterwards at that centre.
Can people with gambling or mental health problems attend?
Yes. It is common for the people who attend to have, in addition to drug dependence, other addictions (for example, gambling) or an additional mental health problem, and treatment takes this into account.
What happens at weekends?
As well as daily attendance at the centre, from 9:00 to 17:00, the team guides and supports each person in planning their weekend activities, which is often when the risk of substance use increases.