When drug or alcohol abuse gets out of control, it can affect how someone makes decisions and thinks, endangering their life. While outpatient treatments may be appropriate for some individuals with addiction, others who face more severe, problematic, and dangerous addiction issues require inpatient therapy.
In a rehab facility, people can receive assistance with lingering detox symptoms in a secure and supervised space. Additionally, they can engage in activities that promote their recovery.
What’s Inpatient Therapy
Inpatient rehab centers, also known as residential treatment centers, provide live-in facilities for individuals whose alcohol or drug abuse has reached a critical stage and poses a significant risk to their lives. These centers offer the following services:
- Comprehensive Treatment: Residential treatment covers all aspects of the patient’s recovery. They provide individual and group therapy sessions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), holistic practices, recreational activities, and educational workshops.
- Diverse Staying Time Options: The patient’s needs will depend on how long they are in their inpatient rehab. It can range from short-term stays of 15 days to 30-day inpatient drug rehab to longer-term programs that can extend for several months.
- Family Involvement: Many residential treatment centers offer family therapy sessions and structured family visitation times. This family involvement can be a cornerstone in the emotional support structure needed for long-term recovery.
- Built-In Peer Support: The communal living aspect naturally fosters a supportive environment. Sharing your experiences with others facing similar challenges can provide important emotional support.
Criteria For Inpatient Rehab
The criteria for considering inpatient rehab will vary depending on the rehab center and the specific needs of the individual. However, some standard criteria are typically considered when determining if inpatient rehab is appropriate.
1. Severity of Addiction
Healthcare professionals recommend inpatient rehab to individuals with severe addiction problems. Individuals often have a long history of substance abuse, multiple unsuccessful attempts at recovery, or a high level of dependency on drugs or alcohol.
2. Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
According to SAMHSA, people with mental health disorders are more likely to experience a substance use disorder. Substance abuse tends to be a coping mechanism in diseases like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Inpatient professionals treat both the addiction and the illness with comprehensive treatment.
3. Medical and Safety Concerns
Substance abuse can lead an individual to significant medical complications and pose a risk to their life. Inpatient therapy will ensure medical supervision to prevent relapse and management of drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
4. Failed Outpatient Treatment
Usually, an individual appeals to inpatient therapy when outpatient has been unsuccessful. Inpatient therapy may be the intense and structured approach they need.
5. Lack of a Stable Support System
Inpatient rehab is beneficial for individuals who lack a recovery-supportive environment. These unstable situations include enabling family members or a home environment that is not drug-free.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient therapy presents a wide range of benefits for those who have a severe addiction problem. Evidence shows that live-in facilities are ideal for cocaine addicts and patients with suicidal tendencies. Also, inpatient patients have achieved at least three months of abstinence after completing the treatment.
Some of the benefits of these programs are:
- Structure and Supervision. Inpatient residential programming includes a routine designed for the patient to create a healthy routine gradually. This includes having three meals a day and a sleeping schedule. The patient builds this routine in a supervised space away from any triggers or situations that could lead to relapse.
- Tailored Therapies. Patients have their cases and circumstances, and no one-size-fits-all approach exists. Inpatient professionals diagnose and assign therapies, sessions, and activities depending on the patient’s needs.
- Holistic Activities. Inpatient centers offer activities that address the individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. These activities include yoga, meditation, exercises, and art therapy.
- Creating Community Sense and Peer Support. In inpatient facilities, patients can exchange experiences and connect with others undergoing the same recovery process. These opportunities include support groups, shared living spaces, peer mentorship and recreational activities.
- Aftercare. With vocational support, family involvement, and life skills training, patients can prepare for life outside the facility.
Challenges and Considerations
While effective for many individuals and with high success rates, inpatient rehabilitation still presents challenges. Here are some of them:
- Adjustment to a Structured Environment. Patients can find it challenging to adapt to the specific rules and routines of the facility, mainly if they’re accustomed to a more flexible or chaotic lifestyle because of their addiction.
- Difficulties in Group Dynamics. The company of peers can provide a supportive and understanding community. However, it can also present challenges related to group dynamics, conflicts, and potential negative peer influences.
- Separation from Loved Ones. Patients often have to be physically separated from family and friends for an extended period. This separation can be emotionally challenging, especially on birthdays and holidays.
- Financial Considerations. A rehab facility can be costly, and economic considerations may challenge some individuals. Exploring insurance companies’ options, payment options, and financial assistance programs is essential to alleviate this challenge.
- Transitioning Back to the Outside World. Reintegrating into daily life, managing triggers and temptations, and maintaining sobriety will require continued support and ongoing aftercare planning.
The Bottom Line
Inpatient therapy is a life-changing scenario for someone recovering from addiction. After overcoming addiction, it is common to require a period of adjustment to a different daily schedule. This adjustment also involves managing the emotions and situations that initially led to the addiction.
However, inpatient therapy is a hopeful opportunity to recover physically, mentally, and spiritually. Individuals can return to their everyday lives with appropriate treatment and a strong support network from family, friends, and even inside peers. If you’re considering an inpatient treatment center for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest drug rehab center. Remember, if you need help, there are a lot of people by your side ready to lend a hand.
