What is Inpatient Treatment?
Beating an addiction to alcohol or drugs is difficult, and you will need all the information you can get to help you return to sobriety successfully. One of the most important things you should know is what is inpatient treatment, and whether it is the right treatment for you.
Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, offers the highest level of care for people suffering from an addiction. Patients who undergo this treatment will stay live full-time in a licensed drug care facility throughout the duration of their treatment. They will be given constant supervision, medical assistance, and counseling.
Types of Inpatient Treatment
Addiction is a devious disease that manifests in different ways for every afflicted person, which means that there is no “silver bullet” that can act as a treatment method. In order to be effective, inpatient treatment must be tailored specifically to each person’s addiction use, medical condition, and sobriety goals. There are several types of inpatient treatment programs that differ in duration, intensity, and structure. In order to find out which one is right for you, a licensed drug care counselor must give you a thorough evaluation.
Low-Intensity Residential Programs
These inpatient programs offer the least restrictive and structured type of treatment. While patients live in the facility 24/7, they will only receive around one to two hours of clinical services per week. The rest of their day is allotted to counseling, outdoor activities, or solitary time.
Intensive Inpatient Programs
Intensive inpatient programs provide round-the-clock medical care and supervision. Patients have a stricter and more structured daily routine to help them remain sober.
Long-Term Inpatient Programs
The typical residential treatment program lasts around 30 days. However, some people may require longer treatments to help them stay clean and prevent a relapse. Long-term inpatient programs can last anywhere from 6-12 months. Patients undergo extensive counseling to help them return to a sense of normalcy after their program is over.
What are Recovery Housing Facilities?
After residential treatment, there are people who need a safe and structured environment to help them maintain their recovery momentum. Often, these people have a toxic home environment or otherwise return to situations that trigger a relapse.
Recovery housing facilities such as sober living homes provide the safe living conditions that these people need to remain clean. The housing duration will depend on the patient’s needs and can last anywhere from several months to more than a year.
Is Detox a Necessary Step before Inpatient Treatment?
For most people, detox is a necessary step before they can fully commit to inpatient treatment. Detox is an important first phase because it flushes out all the addictive substances from the person’s body. Getting clean is essential for a person to stay clean.
Most people who need inpatient treatment suffer from severe addiction, which leads to severe withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, different withdrawal symptoms can manifest depending on the type of substance that caused the addiction. This means that the protocols for inpatient treatment for opioids will be different from those for alcohol.
While detox is generally unpleasant, the withdrawal symptoms are rarely life-threatening. However, for people with underlying chronic conditions, medical attention may be necessary to ensure that the detox is completed safely.
What to Expect During an Inpatient Treatment Program
When a person decides to become sober, the immersive and structured experience of residential treatment can be the key to help them overcome their addiction. After detox, there are several types of therapy that can be used during inpatient treatment to help a person overcome their addiction. Some therapy methods include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Medication-assisted therapy
- Group therapy
- Recreational therapy (indoor and outdoor)
- Complementary therapy such as meditation, yoga, or journaling
- Contingency management
- Relapse prevention
Choosing an Inpatient Treatment Facility
Finding the right inpatient treatment program is a personal decision, and you should take the time to consider all your options. Here are the advantages that you need to look for:
- Placing a focus on recovery in a controlled and safe environment
- A licensed and trained multi-disciplinary staff
- Removing distractions and triggers as much as possible
- 24/7 access to counseling and medical support
Often, those who opt for inpatient treatment are also suffering from mental health issues. These is called co-occurring disorders. The presence of mental health issues tends to worsen the addiction, and vice-versa, creating a vicious cycle that is almost impossible to break without help.
Co-occurring disorders pose a unique challenge for both patients and care providers. It is critical to find a facility with staff that have the training and know-how to handle such cases.
Costs of Inpatient Treatment
What to Expect During an Inpatient Treatment Program
The cost of your inpatient treatment program will depend on several factors, namely:
- Level of care
- Range of services provided (medication, additional counseling, etc.)
- Insurance coverage
It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine whether your policy covers inpatient treatment for addiction.
Finding the Right Inpatient Treatment Facility for You
As you begin your recovery journey, it can feel hard and lonely. You may feel isolated and frustrated, especially if you do not have a strong support system at home. However, know that you are not alone. Recovery is possible, and there are many resources available for you. Visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website to find out more.
