Inpatient Drug Treatment
Inpatient drug treatment is the most effective type of drug treatment available, especially for those who have relapsed in the past and who are addicted to dangerous drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine or prescription medications. Inpatient drug treatment has been proven to be more effective than less constricting types of drug and alcohol treatment such as outpatient treatment because of the distinct level of monitoring and supervision that is provided at an inpatient drug treatment program.
Unlike outpatient drug treatment, an inpatient drug treatment program provides the addict with a place to live during the treatment process where they can receive around the clock monitoring, medical care and support in an environment that does not allow access to drugs or alcohol. This type of drug treatment provides the type of non-stop monitoring and support that is necessary to almost completely prevent the possibility of relapse during treatment and to help an individual overcome even the most difficult addictions both physically and psychologically.
What to Expect at Inpatient Drug Treatment
Chances are that if you are considering inpatient drug treatment then you already have a range of questions related to the type of treatment, how the facility will operate and various other questions regarding what you can expect at inpatient drug treatment. Upon choosing an inpatient drug treatment program you will meet with a program administrator or counselor for a tour of the facility and to learn more about the services offered at the facility. Be prepared with a list of questions that you will want answered when you take your tour. These may include:
- What may I bring with me when I start treatment?
- How can my friends or family members contact me at the treatment facility?
- When will I have visitation?
- Any other questions you may have about treatment-
The staff at the treatment center will ask you a series of questions related to your individual needs, health and addiction. Answer all questions truthfully and to the best of your ability to assure that your counselor has all the details that they can piece together to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for you. It’s important that you allow the counselors and inpatient treatment center staff know about your drug history so that they can best address your needs and work with you to help with your recovery efforts.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly you begin to make transformations in an inpatient drug treatment facility. The treatment center will help you set realistic goals that are attainable and then your counselor or therapist will help you to realize these goals as well as to set new goals along the way. Inpatient drug treatment is not scarey, it’s just a matter of understanding what you are stepping into before you step in that direction.
Benefits of Choosing Inpatient Drug Treatment
There are many benefits to choosing an inpatient drug treatment program over an outpatient program. The primary benefit is the around the clock monitoring and care that is typically provided at inpatient drug treatment programs. This level of monitoring and care is vital when you suffer from a drug addiction that requires medical attention, has resulted in a dual diagnosis that accompanies a mental health condition or if you have previously relapsed during treatment at an outpatient facility.
Inpatient drug treatment programs will help you overcome the physical and the psychological addiction that has caused so much pain so that you can make a full recovery from addiction. Living in the facility assures that you are not faced with temptation such as could be a problem if you were to return home. Additionally, when you are surrounded by people who are also working towards similar goals for recovery you have a better chance of recovery as well.
Inpatient drug treatment centers are staffed with highly specialized counselors and specialists that understand your addiction and the recovery process. Here the addict is given around the clock support for everything from ways to prevent or overcome temptation to medical intervention when withdrawals or physical dependence has become to much to deal with.
Deciding Between Inpatient Drug Treatment and Outpatient Treatment
You may be wondering how you can choose between inpatient drug treatment and outpatient drug treatment. Generally, if you have a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol then you will likely benefit greatly from inpatient drug treatment. Outpatient drug treatment is typically reserved for those who have already completed an inpatient program and who have learned the ways to cope with their physical dependence. Additionally, outpatient drug treatment programs also help more with addictions that are less physically dependent.
Inpatient drug treatment is best for anyone who has relapsed before, has failed at an outpatient drug treatment program, or who has already completed an inpatient program successfully and requires follow up care. Even after you complete an inpatient drug treatment program, you will want to consider long term follow up care such as that provided at an outpatient treatment center, sober living facility or half way house in order to maintain recovery and sobriety.