What to Expect During Inpatient Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Inpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment is a crucial step in the journey towards overcoming addiction. It is a type of drug treatment program that involves a person staying in a specialized facility for a designated period of time to receive intensive care and support. Inpatient treatment is often recommended for individuals who require a high level of care due to the severity of their addiction, co-occurring disorders, or other complex needs.

During inpatient treatment, individuals can expect to receive round-the-clock care from a team of trained professionals, including doctors, therapists, and support staff. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to know about what to expect during inpatient treatment. Whether you are considering this type of drug treatment program for yourself or a loved one, this article will help you understand the process and make informed decisions about seeking help.

We will delve into various aspects of inpatient treatment, including the admission process, daily routine, therapy and treatment options, and tips for making the most out of your experience. We understand that entering an inpatient treatment facility can be overwhelming and intimidating, but we hope to alleviate some of your worries and equip you with the knowledge to navigate this journey with confidence.

To begin with, let’s define what inpatient treatment is. Inpatient rehab involves staying at a treatment center for a designated period of time, typically 30-90 days. During this time, patients receive 24/7 care and support from a team of medical professionals. This type of treatment is often recommended for individuals with severe addiction who require a structured and intensive program.

One of the first steps of inpatient treatment is detoxification. This process involves removing all traces of drugs or alcohol from the body. It can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience, but it is essential for the success of the treatment. The detox process may include medication-assisted treatment to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Once detox is completed, patients will begin therapy. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Therapy allows individuals to explore the root causes of their addiction, learn coping mechanisms, and develop healthy habits for maintaining sobriety.

Another important aspect of inpatient treatment is ongoing support. This can include aftercare programs, such as sober living homes, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs provide a supportive community and accountability for individuals to continue their recovery journey after completing inpatient treatment.

It’s also worth noting that inpatient treatment may include other holistic approaches, such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy. These activities can help individuals manage stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Overall, inpatient treatment provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to focus on their recovery without distractions from the outside world. The structured nature of the program allows for a more intensive and comprehensive approach to treating addiction.

In summary, inpatient treatment is a highly effective and comprehensive approach to treating addiction. It involves detoxification, therapy, and ongoing support to help individuals achieve long-term sobriety. If you or a loved one is seeking help for addiction, we encourage you to consider inpatient treatment as a potential option for recovery.

Types of Inpatient Treatment Programs

Inpatient treatment programs are a highly effective form of rehabilitation for individuals struggling with drug addiction. These programs provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals to begin their journey to recovery.

There are various types of inpatient treatment programs available depending on the individual’s needs. Some options include:

  • Medically-Assisted Detox Programs: These programs provide medical supervision and support during the detoxification process, helping to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe detox experience.
  • Inpatient Residential Programs: These programs offer 24-hour care and support in a residential setting. They provide a range of therapies and activities to help individuals address the underlying causes of their addiction.
  • Specialized Programs: These programs cater to specific populations, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those with co-occurring mental health disorders.

No matter which type of inpatient treatment program is chosen, all will typically include a combination of therapy, support groups, and ongoing care to help individuals maintain their sobriety after leaving the program.

In conclusion, inpatient treatment is a highly effective and comprehensive approach to treating addiction. It provides individuals with a safe and supportive environment to focus on their recovery and offers a variety of therapeutic approaches to address the root causes of addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to explore inpatient treatment as a potential option for long-term sobriety.

Dr. Blair Steel

Dr. Blair Steel

Dr. Blair Steel is a licensed clinical psychologist working in the field for twelve years. She went to college in New York City before moving to Southern California and completing her graduate work. She has worked in various roles in treatment, including being a therapist, group facilitator, working in administration, and writing curriculum. Dr. Blair Steel is passionate about addiction and individual and family therapy and continues to love her work in both private practice and treatment centers.