What is Inpatient Rehab Really Like?

The latest research shows inpatient drug rehab has the edge over outpatient treatment, for long-term drug rehab success. Inpatient drug rehab programs are typically the program of choice for people who have experienced:

In inpatient treatment you have a chance to work with people in a similar situation to you.

• Longstanding drug addictions
• Severe addictions
• Medical complications which include mental illness
• Failed previous attempts at drug recovery

Inpatient rehab requires that the person live at the facility, full-time, for a fixed period of time, after the withdrawal phase is complete. Inpatient drug rehab centers offer much needed medical support through the detoxification and withdrawal phases. On average, an inpatient stay is typically one, two or three months but can vary on as needed. The program is geared toward long-term success for the patient and their family and/or support system.

What to expect during treatment:

Detox – The center will have detox options that can assist in cleansing the person’s system of drugs. Being an inpatient, there is additional medical staff that can assist with this process of detox, which most find extremely helpful.

Medication management – The recovering addict will receive some form of medication while in drug rehab which they may even need to continue once they are home. The staff will manage the administration of this medication very closely.

Controlled environment – The environment is controlled meaning that cell phones, computers and other forms of external communication is restricted. This is done intentionally so the person will have as little distraction as possible.

Therapy – Therapy, which is the number one component of an inpatient drug rehab center: it is designed to help the person overcome the numerous psychological struggles that accompany their addiction. Each person will be required to participate in therapeutic activities such as group and individual sessions.

The Tools for Success-Constant and Consistent Support:

• The person will have round the clock care from a professional, caring staff that is well trained in the needs of a person in recovery.
• The person will remain in a controlled environment that supports their recovery and keeps them away from the dangers of a relapse.
• The staff will be there to assist with any emotional issues and needs immediately.
• All nutritional needs will be addressed, as their good health is essential to their recovery while in rehab and beyond.
• They will be taught the necessary life skills to support them in their recovery when they do return home.
• Rehab provides supervised recreational activities while they are an inpatient, so there is no chance of slipping off the wagon during this transitional time.

To help, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) created this brief guide containing five questions to ask when searching for a treatment program:

1. Does the program use treatments backed by scientific evidence?
2. Does the program tailor treatment to the needs of each patient?
3. Does the program adapt treatment, as the patient’s needs change?
4. Is the duration of treatment sufficient?
5. How do 12-step or similar recovery programs fit into drug addiction treatment?

Recovering addicts are taught to deal with the environmental influences they will face day in and day out which include the temptations and constant reminders of the addiction they’re trying to overcome.

For those who are looking for life-long sobriety and freedom from drug addiction an inpatient drug rehab program might be the wisest choice.