Rehab Centers That Offer Inpatient Treatment Programs

Drug and alcohol addiction is a prevalent issue across the United States. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2024, 48.4 million (almost 17%) people aged 12 and older met the DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. 

If you or someone you love is included in those numbers, alcohol and drug addiction treatment options are available. One of the most common and effective is inpatient rehab. Learning the difference between inpatient rehab and other levels of care, and what substances can be treated, can help you prepare for rehab.

Inpatient treatment is a kind of addiction rehab program that provides round-the-clock care in a designated facility that the client doesn’t leave. The first step in an inpatient program is usually detox. Once you’re medically stable, you can start to participate in therapy and other activities as part of your care plan.

Inpatient treatment is sometimes interchangeably referred to as residential treatment, but there are some differences between the two. Residential treatment refers to any program in which a person is required to live in a designated environment for a specified period. Inpatient treatment is a type of residential treatment that takes place in a medical setting, such as a detox center or hospital. While some inpatient treatment programs may be long-term, many are only for a few days or weeks until the client is ready for a less intense level of care. 

Length of Inpatient Addiction Treatment

Inpatient addiction programs vary in length, depending on the facility, the client’s needs and what insurance is willing to cover. Some common treatment program durations include:

• 3-10 days
• 2-3 weeks 
• 30 days
• 60-90 days
• 6 months
• 1 year

Some inpatient rehabs offer flexible program lengths that can be tailored to your needs or to your clinician’s recommendations. 

Types of Addictions Treated in Inpatient Treatment

All types of addictions can be treated in inpatient rehab, but some facilities may only treat certain substance use disorders or may specialize in dual-diagnosis care or behavioral addictions.

Having a severe substance use disorder or being dependent on a substance, such as alcohol or opioids, that can have dangerous withdrawal symptoms, can make inpatient treatment necessary. Inpatient rehab may also be recommended even with less dangerous substances, such as marijuana or over-the-counter medications, if the person is using multiple substances or has a co-occurring mental health disorder. 

Specialized Inpatient Addiction Treatment Programs

There are also a variety of specialized inpatient addiction treatment programs designed for specific patient demographics, including:

• Faith-based programs
• Gender-specific treatment
• Pet-friendly programs
• Programs for women with children
• Programs for pregnant women
• Veterans programs
• Teen and adolescent programs
• First responders programs
• LGBTQIA+ friendly programs
• Programs for executives and other professionals

These programs address the specific needs of patients in these groups. For example, an inpatient rehab facility for women with children may offer suite-style rooms and on-site childcare, while a program for executives may provide internet access and videoconferencing software. 

The treatments and therapies offered in inpatient rehab depend on the facility and the length of stay. Long-term residential programs will likely offer a wider variety of options than those that are focused solely on stabilization through medical detox. 

Detox Services

Detoxification (detox) helps your body rid itself of the addictive substance and is often the first step in treating a substance use disorder. When you stop using a substance your body is dependent on, you may experience uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. 

Detox services let healthcare providers monitor you during those first few days when symptoms may be the most intense. They’ll check your vitals, watch for potential complications such as seizures and keep you as comfortable as possible. Detox may be part of a specific inpatient program, or you may need to complete detox at another facility before being transferred to the inpatient rehab. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication alongside counseling to treat addiction. MAT is approved for opioid and alcohol use disorders. It helps treat addiction by relieving withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings. Only certain medications are approved for treating substance use disorders, including buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone.

Addiction Therapy

Addiction therapy is a part of most inpatient treatment programs. Therapy can address issues with your behavioral health, mental health disorders and coping mechanisms that contribute to addiction.

Common addiction therapy types include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a goal-oriented talk therapy that helps you analyze your thoughts and emotions to understand how they affect your actions.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT helps you acknowledge realities in your life and behaviors and learn ways to change these patterns and behaviors, such as through radical acceptance and distress tolerance.
• Motivational Interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a type of therapy that helps increase your motivation to change your life and treat your addiction. It’s often one of the first types of therapy used in substance use treatment.
• Contingency Management: Contingency management reinforces positive behavioral change by providing motivational incentives.
• Matrix Model: The Matrix Model is a formal, multi-component program that includes support groups, family therapy, individual counseling and education groups over 16 weeks.

Group Therapy

Group therapy focuses on the shared experience and provides the opportunity to learn from others who are also pursuing recovery. Many people find group therapy to be helpful because it provides a sense of camaraderie and peer support.

There are several kinds of group therapy, including support groups and 12-step groups, and they can be for all kinds of substance use or trauma. Common topics for support groups include:

• Women’s issues
• Emotional abuse 
• Intimate partner violence 
• Anger management
• Mental health disorders

Twelve-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), are common in inpatient treatment and follow a specific set of steps to support long-term recovery.

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

Having a mental health disorder makes someone more than twice as likely to have a substance use disorder. When a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder need to be treated at the same time, it’s called dual-diagnosis treatment. 

Common dual diagnoses include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders and bipolar disorder.  Treatments used during an inpatient dual-diagnosis program are tailored to the individual but may include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Individual counseling
• Psychoeducation
• Medication management
• Peer support groups

Addiction and mental health are often closely related, with mental health symptoms often triggering substance use and vice versa. Counseling can help a person work through the triggers and situations in their life that may have led to addiction and substance abuse behaviors. The goal of counseling is to find long-term strategies to manage these triggers and situations without substances.

Alternative Therapies

Many inpatient rehab centers also offer alternative therapies as part of their programming to provide a holistic treatment strategy. These may include:

• Yoga 
• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Tai chi
• Reiki
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Adventure therapy
• Equine therapy

Alternative therapies are never a substitute for evidence-based care, but they can complement traditional substance use treatment and support holistic well-being. 

Relapse Prevention

A major part of substance use treatment is acknowledging that addiction doesn’t have a cure, and long-term recovery requires ongoing treatment and a commitment to sobriety. Relapse prevention helps you learn new skills and tools to prevent relapse, including:

• Healthy coping mechanisms
• How to identify your triggers
• What the warning signs of a relapse look like
• Where to reach out for support
• How to build a support system
• How to cope with stressors that can lead to substance abuse

Aftercare Planning

Aftercare planning involves working with your care team to identify and coordinate what services and supports you need to help you transition to day-to-day life and prevent relapse. Aftercare planning may include:

• Entering a step-down program like a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP). These programs are less intensive than a standard inpatient program but still provide structure and support during recovery.
• Participating in a 12-step group, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. These programs can help you build community and prevent relapse.
• Living in a sober living home or transitional housing. These facilities help ease the transition to everyday life through continued daily structure and peer support.

Getting help for substance abuse can positively affect nearly every area of your life, and inpatient treatment programs provide a unique environment that lets you take full advantage of their medical oversight and therapies. 

One of the first benefits you’re likely to notice during an inpatient treatment program is improvement in your physical health. Once you’re through the detox phase and withdrawal symptoms have started to fade, you may experience more energy, increased mental clarity and a decrease in health-related side effects of substance use. 

Inpatient rehab programs can also positively affect your mental health, potentially decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety and making it easier to enjoy the activities and relationships you used to. Many people find that they feel more social, perform better at work and have more positive relationships. 

When it’s time to choose a treatment facility, many people are hesitant to pursue inpatient rehab because it’s a bigger time commitment than outpatient treatment. However, inpatient substance use treatment provides an environment free from distractions and outside influences so you can focus all of your time and energy on recovery.

Choosing inpatient treatment also means you don’t have to worry about covering the cost of living expenses while focusing on your recovery. The room, utilities, food and therapies are all generally included in the price. Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient treatment centers can provide a similar level of care to inpatient treatment for those who can’t leave their work or families, but you’ll still need somewhere to stay at night.

It’s difficult to provide an average cost for inpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs because the price is dependent on:

• Length of stay
• Where you get treatment
• The type of treatment facility
• What kind of treatment you need
• Your insurance coverage
• Payment options at the facility

For example, a 7-day inpatient detox program will likely cost significantly less than a 3-month inpatient dual-diagnosis program. 

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, a 30-day inpatient program can range between $5,000 and $20,000, with an average cost of $12,500. Some inpatient rehab programs also charge an additional admission fee of $3,000 to $4,000.

These numbers can seem overwhelming, but insurance coverage and other payment options can make care more affordable. It’s best to talk with a representative from your insurance company and the facility to verify your coverage and determine how much your treatment will cost out of pocket.

When you’re comparing inpatient rehab treatment centers, it can be helpful to know what qualities to look for in potential inpatient treatment facilities.

Accreditation & Licensing

Accreditation and licensing are both very important aspects of a reputable and reliable inpatient treatment center. Accreditation is important because it verifies that the facility is providing proper care and using evidence-based treatments. Look for licensing through your state’s Department of Health, as well as accreditation from The Joint Commission or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Some rehabs may have additional accreditations or partnerships with area organizations.

Positive Reviews

Online testimonials, in-person recommendations, word-of-mouth recommendations and other positive reviews from others can indicate that a treatment center is reliable and provides great care. Positive reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp and other search engines are a good sign, and you may be able to find testimonials on the facility’s website. 

Keep in mind that rehab can be challenging, and everyone’s experience is different. If you have questions about a particular review or testimonial, contact the rehab directly to get more information.  

Certifications & Staff Training

Certifications such as SAMHSA certifications, state or local certifications and awards are also great indicators of a quality inpatient substance use treatment program. Evidence of proper staff training, proof of vetting during hiring and medical staff certifications should be easy to find when researching a facility. 

Clinicians should hold an appropriate license in that state, such as a license as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). Inpatient facilities may also employ nurses, doctors, psychiatrists and behavioral health technicians. 

Questions to Ask Inpatient Rehab Centers

Before vetting a facility or scheduling a walk-through, write down the questions you have and the answers you receive to help you make your decision later on. Questions that may help you gauge if a facility is right for you include:

• Do you offer private rooms?
• Can I bring my pet with me?
• Do you offer separate programs for men and women?
• Can I have visitors?
• Do you offer dual-diagnosis treatment?
• What types of insurance do you accept?
• What lengths of treatment do you offer?
• What does a typical day in treatment look like?
• What amenities do you offer?
• What kind of training and certifications does your staff have?
• What makes your facility stand out from other addiction treatment centers?
• What kinds of therapy do you offer?
• What do your aftercare services look like?

Whatever individual needs and concerns you have, don’t be afraid to ask to make sure a facility is right for you.

Inpatient substance use treatment can help you understand how you got to this place and provide the care you need to turn your life around. Whether you have an alcohol or opioid addiction that requires medically supervised withdrawal or you want to commit to an inpatient treatment program to remove any distractions, there’s a treatment center that’s right for you. 

If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery journey, call the free, confidential helpline at RehabNet.com to get started.

Here’s an example of what you may expect when you enter an inpatient program:

• First, you will likely begin with detox, if needed, to help your body through withdrawal and rid your body of the addictive substance. This will last a couple of days to a week at most.
• Next, you’ll move to a private or shared room, depending on the facility. This is where you’ll stay during treatment.
• The program will usually be very heavily structured with mornings spent in therapy sessions, counseling, or group therapy followed by a lunch and rest period in between. You’ll likely have a free period, group sessions, alternative sessions, and leisure time in the evenings.
• This will vary depending on the program you attend, but you can count on a regular structure and schedule to help you gain a sense of familiarity and adapt new patterns in your life.

The benefits of inpatient rehab programs are endless. You can count on many different areas of your life benefiting from this kind of addiction treatment.

Benefits may include:

• Reduction of substance abuse
• Improved physical health
• Improved mental health
• Reduced crime
• Reduced risk of infectious diseases
• Improved social function
• Improved professional life
• Improved relationships
• New relationships
• New hobbies and interests

When it’s time to choose a treatment facility, many people are hesitant to pursue inpatient rehab because it’s a bigger time commitment than outpatient treatment. However, inpatient substance use treatment provides an environment free from distractions and outside influences so you can focus all of your time and energy on recovery.

Choosing inpatient treatment also means you don’t have to worry about covering the cost of living expenses while focusing on your recovery. The room, utilities, food and therapies are all generally included in the price. Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient treatment centers can provide a similar level of care to inpatient treatment for those who can’t leave their work or families, but you’ll still need somewhere to stay at night.

There may be a number of inpatient rehab centers to choose from, so it can be helpful to know top qualities to look for in potential inpatient treatment facilities.

Accreditation and licensing are both very important aspects of a reputable and reliable inpatient treatment center.

Look for licensing through the state department of health, as well as accreditation from The Joint Commission or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Accreditation is important, because it helps to ensure proper care is being provided at a facility and evidence-based techniques are being used.

Positive reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp, and other search engines are also very important in finding a great treatment facility.

Online testimonials, in-person recommendations, word-of-mouth recommendations and any other positive reviews from other people can indicate that a treatment center is reliable and provides great care.

Certifications such as SAMHSA certifications, state or local certifications, and awards are also great indicators of a good facility.

Evidence of proper staff training, proof of vetting during hiring, and medical staff certifications should also be easy to find when researching a facility. These can all help give you peace of mind that you’re receiving proper care from qualified providers.

Before vetting a facility or scheduling a walk-through, write down the questions you have and the answers you receive to help you make your decision later on. Questions that may help you gauge if a facility is right for you include:

• Do you offer private rooms?
• Can I bring my pet with me?
• Do you offer separate programs for men and women?
• Can I have visitors?
• Do you offer dual-diagnosis treatment?
• What types of insurance do you accept?
• What lengths of treatment do you offer?
• What does a typical day in treatment look like?
• What amenities do you offer?
• What kind of training and certifications does your staff have?
• What makes your facility stand out from other addiction treatment centers?
• What kinds of therapy do you offer?
• What do your aftercare services look like?

Whatever individual needs and concerns you have, don’t be afraid to ask to make sure a facility is right for you.

As you can see, there are many moving parts involved in inpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. With many different kinds of treatment, lengths of treatments, and facilities to choose from, there is certainly treatment out there for every individual’s needs.

If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery journey, give our helpline a call today.