Inpatient Rehab: What to Expect from Addiction Treatment

Also known as residential treatment, during inpatient rehab a patient stays at a rehab center for the duration of their treatment program rather than returning to their home each night. It is considered a higher level of care and has the greatest success rate for any degree of addiction. Upon admission to an inpatient rehab program, patients can expect to stay on–site for at least a month, and during that time will certainly complete two major phases of care. These are called detoxification (detox) and residential care, and work as an effective combination for combating a substance use disorder.  

During detoxification and primarily, residential care, each community member works together to strive for a better life, drawing support from one another while also learning more about themselves. The degree to which a patient receives this experience will depend on how long their stay is and may even go beyond basic treatment to learn skills unrelated to addiction, but instead based on overall life improvement. For example, many inpatient rehab programs offer job training to help their patients better their employment opportunities for the future.  

The first phase in the treatment process is called detox, and is what makes inpatient rehab a more useful alternative to outpatient rehab. Here, the goal is to break the patient’s immediate physical dependence by denying them access to their drug of choice and waiting for the associated withdrawal symptoms to pass naturally. Handled without the appropriate help, this step can be impossible for a patient to complete and depending on the degree of addiction and the substances involved, withdrawal can pose a serious threat to their health. Fortunately, when managed at a rehab center, the patient will have 24-hour medical supervision and support, ensuring their safety and well-being above all.  

Once the detoxification process has been complete, the patient will begin the transition into residential treatment. Therapeutic modalities utilized during this phase of care will depend on the individual’s needs and what is most conducive to their recovery. Here, a patient can expect to work with a primary therapist to uncover the root causes of their addiction and learn how to cope with potential obstacles that may hinder long-term recovery.  

In addition to traditional clinical strategies, individuals can expect to participate in an array of therapeutic modalities, holistic approaches and recreational activities. It has been shown that with a well-rounded treatment experience, individuals have a more successful journey in recovery. These approaches can include family therapy, relapse prevention, life-skills training, fitness and wellness, yoga, biofeedback, trauma counseling, gender specific groups, outdoor recreation and so much more.  

While detox is often considered the most difficult part of recovery, the tools one receives during residential treatment are essential for building a strong foundation for a life…recovered. Before the conclusion of inpatient rehab, the clinical team will create an appropriate aftercare plan for the patient, providing them with the necessary resources for continued treatment, healing and growth. This can include options such as partial hospitalization programming, intensive outpatient therapy and sober living.  

When selecting an inpatient rehab center for yourself or a loved one, it is important to keep in mind that the individual will be staying on–site for roughly 30 days. For this reason, it is important to make certain the facility they select has an environment that they are comfortable in, as well as the treatment approach and ancillary services necessary to best address their needs.  

When researching different rehab centers, a few important questions to keep in mind are:   

• What types of addictions does this facility treat?  

• • This is crucial because not every rehab center is equipped to manage a variety of addictions.  

• What types of therapy are offered? 

• • There are many different therapy options that are both traditional and nontraditional and their outcomes will differ based on the individual. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to 12-Step integration, holistic treatment, or recreational programming, there are several components that make up the treatment experience.  

• Is there aftercare programming options post treatment? 

• • Treatment is only the beginning of a lifelong journey in recovery. Especially with shorter inpatient programs, a strategically devised aftercare plan is imperative for a patient’s continued success.  

• What credentials and licensing does the rehab center have?  

• • It is important to choose a rehab center that has esteemed accreditations and licensures, such as a JCAHO certification, as well as a highly credentialed staff to provide the best care for their patients.  

• What is the cost and what payment options are available?  

• • When looking at rehab centers, a prospective patient should make sure to find out what payment plans are available and if their insurance will cover treatment. Some rehab centers also offer scholarships and in-house payment options to help with the cost.   

When a person is struggling with a substance use disorder, it is imperative they seek help from a qualified inpatient rehab center. This first step in the recovery journey is essential, as it allows the patient to safely break free from their physical dependence to drugs and alcohol, as well as address the underlying causes of their illness and learn healthy coping techniques that lead to a sober lifestyle.   

Some of the primary benefits for choosing inpatient care include: 

• A safe and comfortable environment  

• A structured schedule to make recovery as effective as possible  
• Freedom from outside relapse triggers, such as toxic family relationships, a stressful work environment or temptation from peers or people they used with.  
• Regular and easy access to medical professionals for health and safety 
• On-site clinical staff to provide around-the-clock support  
• Having the support and encouragement of others who are going through similar experiences. 
• Access to various amenities for self-improvement, wellness and learning to live a drug-free life.   

Most inpatient rehab programs utilize similar strategies to provide detox and care to their patients. Outside of the specific amenities for each rehab center, the main difference between inpatient programs is simply the duration of them. At a minimum, a patient should expect their time on–site to last about a month.  

Many rehab centers go further to offer longer programs that are overall more effect and can better manage situations where a patient is struggling from co-occurring disorders. The time frames that a rehab center may offer inpatient care options include:  

• 30 days or less on–site (known as short-term care) 
• 30 to 90 days on–site 
• 90 days to a year on–site (known as long-term care) 

Typically, the longer someone engages in treatment, the more effective that care will be. However, every individual has different circumstances and needs, and participating in a long-term inpatient program may simply not be practical. Thus, it is imperative those individuals have a well thought–out aftercare plan that offers them the resources they need to continue with their recovery efforts post treatment.  

If you or someone you love needs help for a substance use disorder, you have come to the right place. Brookdale Premier Addiction Recovery’s inpatient rehab center can offer you the care and compassion you deserve, while undergoing detoxification and residential treatment. Our expert team of professionals will work closely with you to create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to fit your needs.  

Do not wait to get help! Call us today at (855) 575-1292 and begin the process of treatment and recovery.