Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment

Drug addiction, alcohol addiction and other forms of substance abuse can be both serious and dangerous for the user and for those around him or her. For many, coping with addiction without around-the-clock support and medical care is not only dangerous, it can also be difficult leaving the individual prone to relapse and the harsh reality that they cannot get sober on their own. Inpatient substance abuse treatment, the most invasive and effective method of treatment for substance abuse, is often the first step in the right direction for those seeking recovery.

What is Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient rehab provides a temptation-free, supportive environment.

Inpatient substance abuse treatment is the most widely accepted method of treatment for most types of drug and alcohol addiction. The highest level of care, support and monitoring is achieved in this type of treatment community. There are a number of potential benefits that come with making the decision to seek residential help including:

• Around-the-clock monitoring and support which reduce the risk for relapse
• Safety in a controlled atmosphere where drugs and alcohol are not permitted
• Medical intervention should the need arise during withdrawal or if there are other health complications
• Support when times get tough and you think you cannot go another day
• Individual and group counseling to help restore balance
• Aftercare to provide a means of safe transition back into society following treatment

Who Needs Inpatient Treatment

Are you wondering if inpatient substance abuse treatment is right for you? According to NIDA, “residential treatment can be very effective, especially for those with more severe problems.” If you suffer from a substance abuse disorder that is very strong, has caused dire problems in your life and you cannot seem to figure out how to quit using on your own, you may be a good candidate for inpatient treatment. The following circumstances further implicate the need for inpatient substance abuse treatment:

• You have tried to quit on your own and have relapsed many times
• You have tried to attend support groups or counseling but relapsed
• You have made commitments to quit but always fall back onto your old habits of drug use
• You have been hospitalized for overdose but continue to use
• You have been hospitalized for infections or other complications as a result of your drug use and continue to use
• You are using drugs or alcohol with family members who you live with
• You have been in a shorter duration treatment program before but have relapsed
• You have a mental illness that also requires treatment
• You suffer from more than one drug addiction such as alcoholism and painkiller addiction
• You have been arrested for drug use and continue to use
• You know the consequences of drug or alcohol use but you choose to use anyway
• You don’t have a strong support system at home

Not everyone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol will require the extensive monitoring and treatment that is offered in a residential treatment setting, but for some, such care is vital to their overall success in recovery and in achieving sobriety.

What Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Costs

The costs associated with residential treatment vary greatly from one program to the next. Even the cost of treatment from one patient to another can vary greatly depending on a variety of different factors. Unfortunately, many addicts opt away from getting professional help simply because they are afraid of the cost of professional treatment. While you can expect to have a number of factors to consider when choosing inpatient substance abuse treatment, don’t let the cost deter you from getting the help that you need.

The following factors are included in the overall cost of inpatient treatment and can cause costs to vary from one program to the next:

• The type of treatment being provided – luxury programs of course are more expensive than free programs
• The type of amenities provided – again, luxury programs with luxurious amenities are more expensive than those that do not offer such amenities
• Length of the treatment – shorter programs are usually less expensive but not necessarily less effective; this depends on the individual and other factors
• Location of the treatment facility – high demand locations generally have higher costs
• Level of care provided – when medications are included, costs go up

In addition to this facility based factors that can contribute to the overall cost of treatment, individual factors can also influence the cost of inpatient substance abuse treatment. Such factors include:

• The health of the patient
• Whether there are underlying co-occurring conditions such as mental illness or other instances of substance abuse
• The type of addiction being treated (some are more difficult to treat than others)
• The individual commitment and involvement of the user and how well he or she progresses through treatment

Is Insurance Accepted?

Most inpatient substance abuse treatment centers will accept insurance or other means of assistance to make the treatment more readily affordable and available to those in need. Unfortunately, not all insurance plans provide coverage for substance abuse treatment. Before choosing treatment, talk with your insurance provider about the coverage that you have and determine whether you have any medical coverage for addiction treatment. Most plans will at least provide assistance in covering the cost of detoxification. Further insurance coverage may help with things like medication, medical care and in some cases can cover the cost of individual counseling and therapy. Each plan and policy is different, and each facility chooses to accept or not to accept insurance.

Types of Treatment Provided

• Detox – here, patients will receive medical care, intervention and support that helps them to overcome physical dependence and prepare for the healing that comes with counseling and therapy. Because users cannot readily focus their time on psychological healing when their minds are overcome with cravings and the desire to use, detox is usually the first step in an inpatient substance abuse treatment program.
• Individual Counseling – here patients encounter a number of different treatment options with a focus on helping the user to heal psychologically on their own terms. The counselor will guide the conversation but overall the user is welcomed to discuss any and all aspects that they feel pertain to their past, present or future drug use, abuse and recovery.
• Group Counseling – here patients work with others to create bonds and grow relationships in treatment. A group moderator will help to ensure that all members of the session remain on topic and respectful to others while gaining the most benefits out of the discussion or activities taking place.
• Therapy – here patients will work with a counselor or therapist to learn new behaviors, to overcome challenges in recovery and to prepare for life outside of treatment. Many different types of therapy are offered in inpatient substance abuse treatment programs including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy.
• Aftercare – here patients receive an array of resources and support that will assist them in remaining sober and staying on the right path. Aftercare often consists of job placement assistance, continued support, continued counseling and therapy, housing assistance, sober living and similar means of follow up care that will help the individual to reintegrate into society post addiction treatment.
• Support – here, in groups such as NA and AA or similar programs, the individual will work with others on remaining balanced and sober. The support that is found in an inpatient substance abuse treatment program will not only provide a foundation for recovery, it can also be a lifelong tool that will help to reduce the risk of relapse in the years to come.