Is substance abuse rehabilitation like brain washing?

I work at a substance abuse facility I'm not a counselor or anything more like a babysitter lol I sort of just oversee the house and make sure everyone is on task. These clients are so obedient and conforming to every single rule. There is no way I could follow the strict rules they have to follow. Rules like guys can't talk to girls unless with another person, they can't forget their pen or cup for med time, or even just reporting that there is a magazine of some sort laying around. I understand it's all about structure but it is just crazy how obedient they are.