Guide To Rehab: What To Expect In Inpatient Rehab
You or your loved one might be considering inpatient rehab to treat a substance use disorder, mental health concern, or a dual diagnosis. By knowing what to expect in inpatient rehab will help you make an informed decision about your treatment needs.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), inpatient facilities “offer 24-hour structured and intensive care, including safe housing and medical attention.” During inpatient rehab, you live within the facility during your treatment.
Inpatient rehab might also be called “residential treatment.” You get all of your treatment needs for substance use disorder under one roof as you reside with peers sharing similar treatment goals.
Treating substance use disorder and addiction takes both time and a healthy environment. You need time to detox and go through withdrawal. Learning healthy habits also takes time, and you might need to replace negative coping skills with positive ones. Inpatient rehab can also keep you safe from triggers and stressors at home that could lead to relapse.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehab
- Avoid triggers and relapse
- Peer support
- Access to medical and clinical staff 24/7
- Learn new life skills
- Try different treatment methods
- Having a structure and routine
In addition, inpatient rehab helps to keep you compliant with your treatment plan. During the early parts of treatment, you might be more susceptible to giving up. Keeping appointments with your therapist or attending group support meetings is much easier during inpatient rehab.
How Long Will I Be in Inpatient Rehab?
Forming healthy habits, detoxing from substances, and managing underlying mental health issues can take time. While 30 to 90 days might seem like a long time, you will benefit from your time in a safe environment so that you know how to manage triggers and avoid relapse when you leave the facility.
What Is a Typical Day in Inpatient Rehab Like?
Most inpatient rehab facilities will follow a schedule filled with some of the following:
- You might also learn healthy eating habits during inpatient rehab.
- Eating healthy meals is essential to manage detox, and these habits will help you avoid relapse outside the facility.
- You might have scheduled group meetings, either as therapy or a support group.
- Many inpatient rehab facilities can introduce you to 12-step and other recovery meetings.
- You might also have group therapy; a therapist will facilitate treatment among you and your peers together.
- One-on-one counseling can help you deal with specific underlying issues related to your substance use disorder.
- A therapist can help you process the emotions that lead to your addiction and the events leading you to seek treatment.
- Addiction and substance abuse can impact several areas of your life.
- You might need help learning how to get and keep a job, pay the bills, cook, or keep a healthy household.
- You and your peers might take different classes during inpatient rehab to learn crucial life skills.
- Many rehab facilities offer alternative therapies, like art or music therapy.
- You might not know how to fill up your free time without using drugs or alcohol.
- During inpatient rehab, you can learn new hobbies from your peers or staff, like personal fitness and self-care.
- Your treatment will be most effective if your family and loved ones can support you during your recovery.
- Sometimes, your loved ones might try to help you, but they aren’t sure how.
- Many inpatient rehab facilities involve the family in treatment planning for both inpatient care and aftercare.
Do I Need Inpatient Rehab for My Addiction?
- You have tried other treatments in the past that have not worked.
- You need more intensive, hands-on support to get better.
- You cannot detox safely on your own at home.
- You have been addicted to substances for a long time and have never sought help before.
- Your home environment is not a safe place for you to heal from your addiction.
- You have medical conditions like chronic pain that trigger substance abuse.
- You have a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorders.
