What to Expect in Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Here we are defining inpatient drug and alcohol treatment—what it is and if you or someone you know may need it. Here we are providing guidance for those wondering if this is what they need and what they can expect upon admission to inpatient treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

Addiction to drugs and addiction to alcohol are just some compulsive and addictive behaviors that are being addressed and treated in an inpatient addiction treatment facility. Also known as an addiction rehabilitation treatment facility, these are places where families and people struggling with addiction go to so that they get treatment for themselves or their loved ones.

What’s important to note is addiction treatment centers are different from hospitals or other care or mental health facilities. Hospitals primarily focus on acute medical care and may not offer the specialized treatment and environment needed for addiction recovery. It’s important to choose the right facility based on the specific needs of the person seeking treatment for addiction.

Defining Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Drug and alcohol treatment, often referred to as drug treatment or alcohol treatment, offers multiple levels of care to individuals seeking help, with the highest level being inpatient treatment, commonly known as “rehab.” When it comes to inpatient treatment, individuals can benefit from medical detox services if needed.

An inpatient treatment or addiction rehab facility is different from outpatient programs due to the following:

1. Residential Setting: Inpatient treatment is provided in a residential facility, commonly known as a rehab center. Patients live at the facility 24/7 for a specified duration, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months. It’s important to note here that the duration varies depending on several factors, such as the center’s program, the resident’s case or the severity of the addiction, as well as their progress through the program.
2. Intensive Care: It offers highly structured and intensive care. This includes medical detoxification (if needed), individual and group therapy, counseling, and other treatment services. At Bridges of Hope, for instance, we provide these intensive care and counselling services. We also go above and beyond by working closely with the family and providing family and couples/marriage counselling sessions. Treatments are comprehensive and we work on addressing their holistic needs. This starts from their physical health to the deep-seated behaviors and values system.
3. 24/7 Supervision: Patients receive round-the-clock supervision and support, making it a suitable option for those with severe addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or a need for a highly controlled environment. In this setting, we then build a relationship based on trust and a singular goal of recovery. This is critical in addressing the needs of the residents.
4. Limited External Distractions: The controlled environment minimizes external distractions and triggers that could contribute to relapse. This allows them to focus on the inner work that they need to do. They would have to deal with their own triggers and thought processes without reaching for drugs or alcohol or resorting to addictive behaviors.
5. Isolation from Usual Environment: We temporarily remove patients from their usual environment and daily life. This helps in breaking the cycle of addiction. They are in a safe and secure environment away from their usual triggers. This will allow them to focus on their recovery and in developing healthier coping mechanisms. While they are isolated from their usual environment, they are not alone. They are surrounded by specialists and counsellors to help them work through their emotions, triggers, and cravings. They have the support of the whole community and their peers who have been in their shoes. Therefore, they can best provide counselling and support.

Inpatient Treatment Process

The treatment process typically begins with an evaluation of the person seeking help. At Bridges of Hope, we provide a suite of complete physical, psychological, and psychiatric assessments. These assessments are essential for our Recovery Specialists and medical team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s unique circumstances and requirements at the physical, mental, and behavioral levels.

In an inpatient setting, the evaluation encompasses an individual’s medical and mental health, as well as their substance use history. Furthermore, the team may reach out to family members to gain insights into the family dynamic. It’s important to note that during drug and alcohol treatment in a rehab setting, programs such as those by Bridges of Hope conduct a holistic, team-based approach. As a result, it address the individual’s overall well-being, rather than treating isolated issues.

The treatment team can include various professional. This comprises of physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, licensed family therapists, licensed addiction counselors, nutritionists, and case managers. We assemble this diverse team to provide comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological, emotional, and relational aspects. The aim is to create an individualized treatment plan that offers the best chance of sustained recovery and overall well-being for the person seeking help.

What to Expect When Admitted in an Inpatient Treatment Facility

Typically, detox is the first step in healing the individual from drug and alcohol abuse. Once they enter the inpatient rehab facility, our program and medical teams evaluate them.

At Bridges of Hope, we understand that detox is the vital initial step on the path to recovery. Our approach ensures 24/7 medical monitoring. This occurs until our treatment team determines that the resident is stable and ready to transition to our residential treatment. Our residential treatment begins and we conduct comprehensive programming designed based on their specific needs. Once we’ve addressed their more immediate medical symptoms, they can now embark on their therapeutic journey in the residential setting.

Within our drug and alcohol treatment residential program, residents can find a welcoming community. Here they can actively engage in therapy, partake in enriching activities, and access an array of essential services.

Throughout the individual’s inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, they will have the opportunity to experience a range of services, including:

• Group Therapy
• Individual Therapy and Evaluations
• Mental Health Evaluation and Therapy
• Medical Treatment
• Wellness Activities
• Exercise
• Family Programming
• Nutritional Care
• Drug and Alcohol Treatment Education
• Case Management Services
• Continuing Care Planning

Our effective drug and alcohol therapy encompasses various counseling methods, such as individual, group, and family counseling. Individual counseling in our drug treatment program focuses on goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating progress. At Bridges of Hope, we’re providing evidence-based therapy that guides individuals on their journey to recovery.

How to Recognize if an Individual Needs Inpatient Rehab

Individuals who can benefit from entering an inpatient addiction rehab most likely have the following characteristics or needs.

• they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms;
• they have recently relapsed; and
• they have tried a lower level of care such as outpatient rehab, but were unsuccessful.

If you would like to learn more about inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, please contact us at Bridges of Hope at 09175098826. We are available 24/7 and can process urgent admissions.