Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment – Contributors to Recovery from Drug Addiction

Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease of negatively demanding changes to the ways in which its targets go about their daily lives.  According to the Institute of Medicine (US), “drug-reinforced behaviors are influenced by multiple factors including the pharmacological properties of a drug and its specific neuronal receptors and effector systems, the learned behaviors and cognitions established during repeated episodes of drug use, and the environmental cues that accompany drug-seeking and drug-taking.”

For an addiction recovery, it’s simply, not enough to detox from the drugs and expect things to fall back into their proper places based on willpower, alone.  Addicts need appropriate levels of care supported by the most up-to-date principles for effectiveness and duration based on the patterns of their drug consumption and the severity and persistence of functional problems as a result of their drug use.

Recognizing Treatment Needs

Without long-term support, those in recovery are likely to relapse.

Each year, according to the Institute of Medicine (US), “more than 33 million Americans use health care services for their mental problems and illnesses or conditions resulting from their use of alcohol, inappropriate use of prescription medications, or illegal drugs.”  The longer a person tries to manage their problems without effective addiction treatment services, the worse things get and the more difficult it is to come back from.

Recovery from drug addiction begins with the recognition of a problem related to the use of substances and making the decision to change those conditions.  For a lot of people, recognizing this relevancy comes about quickly as their abilities to work, take care of themselves, manage relationships, or function in society becomes undermined by cravings and uncontrollable use of drugs.  Some people go on for years before they come to decide that the consequences and dangers of addiction outweigh the benefits of continuing to use drugs.

Why Treatment Matters

Some of the most important factors that guide a person into considering treatment are health problems, overdose or the death (possibly overdose) of a friend or relative, pregnancy, family, children, finances, work, or legal problems.   According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is, “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” While abstinence remains a primary goal in addiction treatment, there are many contributing factors to recovery that will help sustain recovery efforts over the long run.

It is important for the person to be able to understand that they are not alone in the most common addiction problems and professional clinicians are there to serve them with the most valuable education, counseling, physical, psychological, emotional, and social support that brings them back to self-efficacy and a healthy, satisfying, and drug free lifestyle.  According to the Institute of Medicine (US), “Methods of treating drug addiction include pharmacotherapy (the use of medications), psychotherapy (group and individual counseling) and social support (such as in the form of employment opportunities and education). “

How Do I Choose Between Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab?

Inpatient or Outpatient?

The type of treatment that is most likely to be beneficial may not need to be in a private and secluded facility, but, according to the NIDA, “Matching treatment settings, programs, and services to a person’s unique problems and level of need is key to his or her ultimate success in returning to a productive life.” The majority of addicts enter outpatient programs based on the considerations of costs and who pays for treatment, availability, restrictions, and other time constraints or obligations they feel unable to break away from.  For many, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Among individuals with substance abuse disorders who get treatment, 40% to 60% will relapse within 1 year.

Some addicts require an intensified and specialized treatment approach that limits those outside influences and renders the addict’s focusing abilities more directly tied to their recovery.  Inpatient services have generally been reserved for the most severely afflicted addicts such as those with co-occurring physical or mental health needs that require around the clock care to maintain stability and engagement in the treatment process.  Other inpatient variables may be lack of safety or support in the home environment, preferred treatment in certain facilities, or a history of repeat and unsuccessful treatment episodes before.