8 Characteristics of the Best Inpatient Drug Rehab Programs

The best inpatient drug rehab programs provide an array of treatment services to those suffering from addiction to harmful substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription drugs. While the best programs are designed with patients in mind, no two drug rehab programs are generally alike. These are just some of the characteristics that create a foundation for recovery in the best inpatient drug rehab programs throughout the country:

1. Treatment Approaches are Tailored to Patient Needs

Addiction is a very complex disease that affects each patient differently. As such, the best inpatient drug rehab programs recognize that no two patients are the same and that treatment approaches must be tailored specifically to meet patient needs. The setting, medications, counseling and therapy must match the needs of the patient in order to be most effective.

The best inpatient programs work with each patient based on their own needs and situation.

2. Treatment is Readily Available when the Patient is Ready

Many inpatient drug rehab programs battle with this single, highly important factor in recovery—treatment must be available to the patient when the patient is ready. If treatment is not available when the patient is ready, the risk of continued drug use and the loss of the patient is greatly increased.

3. Treatment Focuses on the Patient as a Whole, Not Just the Addiction

The best inpatient drug rehab programs provide treatment for more than just a patient’s addiction—according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these programs also focus on treating, “any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems,” that the patient may have.

4. Treatment is at Least 90 Days and Often Times Longer

Effective treatment spans a period of at least 90 days in order to fully change a user’s behavior and thought processes. This time period is often much longer for those who have been using drugs for a very long time and, as such, the length of a treatment program should be tailored to the progress of the patient.

5. Treatment Includes Behavioral Therapy

The best drug rehab programs include an array of behavioral therapy options such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and other means of counseling in order to provide the patient with, “motivation to change, providing incentives for abstinence, building skills to resist drug use, replacing drug-using activities with constructive and rewarding activities, improving problem-solving skills, and facilitating better interpersonal relationships.”

6. Treatment is Continuously Modified Based on Patient Needs

As patients recover and gain traction in their sobriety, treatment must be continuously modified and tailored to the new and changing needs of the patient. The best inpatient drug rehab programs assess patient needs and modify the treatment plan accordingly on a regular and on-going basis.

7. Treatment Includes Adequate Detox Prior to Counseling & Therapy

Detox is vital to recovery but it must take place in a way that is not interruptive of the counseling and therapy that the patient is to receive. The best programs provide adequate time for safe, monitored detox prior to counseling and therapy so that the patient can enter treatment with a clean mind and positive attitude.

8. Treatment Provides Opportunity for Enrichment & Patient Growth

Programs that provide opportunity for patient growth, learning and enrichment offer patients the best chance of continued sobriety outside of treatment. Enrichment and similar growth opportunities can help patients to adjust to society when they leave rehab.