Understanding Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance abuse treatment is categorized by either inpatient or outpatient care. While both focus extensively on rehabilitation, they differ in their intensiveness.

Outpatient programs are only for those who have physically recovered from their addiction and can maintain a job or go to school without complications.

Aftercare programs are for those who already possess the skills to stay sober and lead healthy lives as they continue with aftercare treatment.

In contrast, inpatient programs are for persons struggling with substance abuse who have not yet established the stability or the skills needed to detox, recover, or stay sober.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, read on to learn more about inpatient substance abuse treatment and how it can help lead to a healthy recovery.

What Is Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment?

Inpatient substance abuse treatment programs are typically residential programs that consist of different steps that guide the patient to a stable recovery.

Inpatient substance abuse treatment is a form of residential treatment in which patients check themselves into a rehab facility to detox and overcome their addiction.

All patients receive 24-hour support from medical staff and counselors during treatment.

How Do You Prepare For Treatment?

To enter into treatment, most inpatient substance abuse recovery centers require that the patient have their affairs in order before coming to the center to begin treatment.

Specifically, planning time off from work and finalizing living arrangements should be handled beforehand, as should transportation to and from the treatment center.

Are Family Members Involved In Treatment?

Depending on the facility you work with, the substance abuse treatment protocols will differ regarding the degree of family involvement and support that is encouraged.

Some rehab centers are equipped with family counseling, while others only have the means to allow occasional visits or phone calls with family members during the patient’s time in treatment.

What Is Inpatient Treatment Like?

In addition to meeting with psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical staff, there are group therapy activities, and other scheduled activities to limit free time and to distract from substance abuse cravings.

The focus of inpatient substance abuse treatment is to help patients prioritize their sobriety and move out of the detox phase as quickly as possible.

Depending on the program you choose, inpatient substance abuse treatment lasts between one and six months.

By remaining in a controlled environment, medical staff and counselors can work with patients on a rotating basis so that everyone is seen, without patients losing a sense of daily structure.

What Happens During The Detox Period?

The first step of substance abuse recovery is detox. Addiction specialists and other medical professionals will oversee patient health during the withdrawal process. Vital signs will be checked ongoingly.

During this time, cravings for the addictive substances will be strong, causing patients to feel severe and often debilitating physical and emotional discomfort.

Medical staff is available 24-hours a day to assist with any detox symptoms.

Given the severity of the detox process, choosing to go into inpatient treatment is the most effective way to increase the likelihood of getting and staying clean.

Is Inpatient Care Right For Me?

It is essential to understand that, while there is a general process for substance abuse treatment, everyone has their own needs to account for, which may mean that different levels of care are needed at different times.

There is a continuum of care for inpatient substance abuse treatment consisting of detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment.

Sometimes, clients must transfer to different centers depending on their needs and what the present detox center can offer.

Research has shown that early intervention with inpatient substance abuse treatment plays a pivotal role in preventing substance abuse and substance abuse disorders.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse challenges, know that the sooner help is extended, the better the individual’s chances are for getting well, or, ideally, preventing the problem in the first place.

Immediate Help Is Available

Deciding to get clean and sober takes resilience and bravery, and it is a necessary step to protect the health of the sufferer. Reach out to an inpatient facility right away; around-the-clock help is ready to assist.