Inpatient rehab for drug and alcohol addiction can provide a number of benefits and teach individuals how to obtain and maintain long-term sobriety. In this article, we will discuss what inpatient addiction treatment is, the benefits of this type of addiction program, the different types of treatment methods used during inpatient rehab, and how to decide if inpatient treatment is right for you. When an addicted individual has failed at outpatient, finding a program that offers individualized therapy in a residential setting ensures the best option for success.
Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers
Each person who struggles with a substance use disorder is different, and therefore different treatment methods will be required for each individual. As such, there are several methods of approach when it comes to treating and overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. A common and often highly recommended form of addiction treatment is an inpatient substance use disorder program. Let’s take a look at what inpatient drug rehab is and the benefits it can provide.
What Is an Inpatient Drug Treatment Program and Which Is The Best?
Inpatient addiction treatment is one of the most intensive treatment options for those struggling with a substance use disorder. This type of treatment requires individuals to reside at a residential facility for an extended period of time – often several weeks or months – and undergo daily treatment that focuses on helping people get and stay sober.
There are several different inpatient programs available, including:
- Standard inpatient rehab: This type of program is when a person lives at an inpatient facility for around 30 days and receives daily addiction treatment. Some people may stay longer than 30 days; however, this is often the standard amount of time spent in a basic inpatient program. How long a person spends in this form of treatment will depend on their condition, insurance coverage, and other factors.
- Hospital-based inpatient rehab: This form of inpatient treatment takes place in a hospital setting and provides 24-7 medical support in addition to daily addiction treatment and therapies. Hospital-based inpatient programs are often best for people who suffer from co-occurring disorders such as substance use disorder and mental health disorder and need round-the-clock medical assistance to stay safe and effectively recover. Individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others are often recommended or mandated to participate in this type of treatment.
- Residential rehab: A residential treatment program is similar to a standard inpatient program except that residential programs last much longer than other forms of inpatient treatment. Someone may participate in a residential addiction program for several months, a year, or longer. During their stay, individuals receive daily treatment that is often customized to their specific needs in relation to their addiction and other conditions such as a co-occurring mental health illness.
The best type of treatment that a person will benefit from will depend on their unique condition and needs. For example, someone with a less severe drug or alcohol addiction may best benefit from a standard inpatient program, whereas someone struggling with bipolar disorder and severe alcohol addiction may require hospital-based inpatient treatment for maximum success. Also depending on your insurance coverage will help decide where you go for the best inpatient drug rehab.
What’s the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is another popular form of addiction treatment that offers several benefits for those struggling with a substance use disorder. However, there are several differences between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment.
To begin, outpatient treatment does not require patients to reside at the rehab facility while undergoing treatment. Rather, individuals may attend an outpatient program several times a week for a few or several hours each day. Many outpatient programs are designed to fit into peoples’ work schedules and offer early morning, evening, or weekend options for attending treatment.
Additionally, outpatient treatment programs typically only offer one or two different types of addiction therapy to patients, whereas inpatient programs offer several. For example, an outpatient treatment program may have a person attend group therapy twice a week as well as meet one-on-one with an addiction counselor. In inpatient treatment, patients will likely participate in multiple types of therapy that may include group and individual therapy as well as medication-assisted treatment, detox programs, and various other types of addiction treatment based on their unique needs.
Outpatient treatment is also much less intensive than inpatient addiction programs. While this may be useful for some individuals, a less intensive approach to treatment is often not suitable for people struggling with a more severe drug or alcohol addiction. It’s best to work with a medical professional to determine which type of treatment is right for you before making a decision.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehab Centers
Choosing to participate in an inpatient addiction program is big a decision and should be made with care and consideration. Individuals must leave behind their daily lives, families, and work for an extended period of time, so being fully committed to this type of program is important to ensure the highest success rate possible. When deciding if inpatient treatment is right for you or a loved one, consider the following benefits:
- Provides a comprehensive treatment program that may include detox and long-term addiction rehabilitation
- Enables individuals to receive rehabilitation for both substance use disorders as well as co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar disorder
- Offers a distraction-free environment in which individuals can focus on recovery without outside temptations or interruptions
- Provides around-the-clock medical support
- People who attend inpatient treatment programs often have a lower drop-out rate and stay sober longer than those who only participate in an outpatient program or no treatment
Additionally, many inpatient treatment programs offer customized plans for recovery for each patient. This means that individuals will receive a specific course of treatment that is catered to their unique conditions, needs, and situations.
Types of Treatment Offered in an Inpatient Addiction Program
Inpatient programs often offer several different forms of addiction treatment to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery. The exact type of treatment that a person may participate in will depend on both their condition and needs as well as the rehab facility where they attend an inpatient program. Some inpatient programs specialize in certain types of treatment while others provide a myriad of treatment options.
The following are a few of the most common forms of treatment used in an inpatient addiction program:
Medically-Supervised Detox
Many inpatient treatment centers either require a person to attend a medically-supervised detox program prior to entering the inpatient program or offer on-site medically-supervised detox. A medically-supervised detox program is when a person withdraws from drugs or alcohol under the supervision of medical staff. This ensures that the person is as safe as possible throughout the detox process and that they also have medical support available if needed.
During a detox program, patients may either taper off substances or go into the program having already quit using substances but are struggling with withdrawal effects. Individuals will undergo a physical and mental assessment to determine their detox needs as well as how long they should remain in a detox program. Throughout their stay in the detox facility, patients will be monitored daily by medical personnel and receive medical assistance as needed. After a person successfully completes a detox program, they can then be transferred to an inpatient treatment center.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, often referred to simply as CBT, is a common type of therapy utilized in the treatment of addiction. CBT incorporates both cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy to help individuals identify, understand, and cope with underlying problems and behaviors that contribute to their substance abuse. A cognitive-behavioral therapist strives to assist patients with unhealthy patterns and behaviors in their current lives as well as develop the tools needed to change these patterns and behaviors for the better.
Benefits of participating in cognitive-behavioral therapy include:
- Increased ability to cope with life stressors
- Assistance in the healing from past traumas
- Reduction or alleviation of symptoms associated with various mental health conditions
- Strengthened interpersonal relationships
- Increased ability to deal with negative emotions and triggers
- Strengthened sobriety
While cognitive-behavioral therapy can be beneficial for nearly all addictions, research has shown that those addicted to marijuana, alcohol, methamphetamine, and cocaine benefit the greatest from this form of therapy. Individuals may receive this type of therapy as part of their treatment in an inpatient facility and can continue cognitive-behavioral therapy even after they are discharged from inpatient rehab.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another common form of therapy used in inpatient addiction programs. MAT is most commonly administered to individuals who are severely physically and/or psychologically addicted to substances such as opioids or alcohol, but MAT can also be used in less severe cases. The purpose of medically-assisted treatment is to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms as patients begin to heal from addiction.
This type of therapy is one of the fastest-growing approaches to addiction treatment. This is especially true in the treatment of opioid and alcohol addiction. Both of these substances can have severe withdrawal effects as well as cause individuals to experience extreme cravings once the substance has been stopped. By incorporating MAT in a treatment program for those addicted to opioids or alcohol, cravings and withdrawal symptoms can be lessened and patients can focus more on recovery.
Common medications used in the treatment of opioid addiction include suboxone, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder may be prescribed disulfiram, acamprosate, or naltrexone as part of a medication-assisted treatment plan.
Other Types of Therapy
In addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy, medically-supervised detox, and medication-assisted treatment, there are several other types of treatments and therapies that may be incorporated throughout the course of an inpatient treatment program. Some of the most widely-used addiction therapies include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Behavioral family therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Animal therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Individual and group counseling
- Art therapy
- Alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture
- Outdoor/wilderness therapy
- Community reinforcement
Most inpatient treatment facilities offer a number of evidence-based therapies to provide comprehensive treatment options that cater to each person’s needs and condition. Upon entering an inpatient program, patients often undergo an extensive assessment to determine the best treatment approach for them. Then, trained addiction professionals put together a unique treatment plan that includes one or several addiction therapies that the patient will participate in during their stay at the rehab facility.
Who Will Benefit from Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Any person struggling with a substance use disorder will likely benefit from an inpatient addiction program. However, there are certain individuals who may benefit the most or require inpatient treatment to truly succeed in getting and staying sober. The following are examples of people who should consider an inpatient program:
- Those with a moderate to severe substance use disorder
- Individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders such as addiction
- and a mental health condition
- Those with co-occurring substance use disorders (two or more addictions)
- Individuals who require special accommodations in order to receive treatment
- Individuals seeking high-intensity treatment
- Those who need specialized treatment
- Individuals who are in an environment where drugs or alcohol is constantly used
Regardless of a person’s circumstances or condition, most inpatient facilities can accommodate an individual’s needs and provide the tools that can help them get and stay sober. If you require specialized treatment or particular accommodations, it’s best to first call the rehab facility you plan on attending to ensure they can meet your needs.
How to Decide If Inpatient Addiction Treatment Is Right for You
Making the choice to participate in an inpatient addiction program is a big decision that can have life-changing results. If you are unsure if inpatient treatment is the right choice for you, there are several professionals you can speak to, including medical professionals and addiction specialists. You can also contact the treatment facility you are interested in attending to speak with one of their representatives. The representative should be able to provide you with more information as to what to expect at the treatment facility as well as offer you guidance as to whether an inpatient program is the best option for you.
To learn more about drug and alcohol inpatient treatment, contact one of our dedicated treatment specialists today.