Inpatient Rehab: What’s Best for You?
By The Orlando Recovery Center
Last Updated: April 10, 2023
Editorial Policy | Research Policy
Whether it’s drugs, alcoholism, sex, or gambling, struggling with addiction is never easy. Choosing the best inpatient rehab program can be a difficult decision. It can be easier to pick the first center you read or hear about— we hear story after story from people who have— but sometimes, the program might not be the right fit for your treatment needs.
The program you choose should fit your needs, individual situation, and personal preferences. A personalized program is vital to your successful recovery.
The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient
In an inpatient program, you’ll spend 24 hours a day in an addiction treatment facility. This allows you to focus completely on your recovery. Meals are prepared for you and you’ll participate in a variety of activities, from group activities and individual counseling.
Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home while attending an addiction treatment program. These programs offer greater flexibility in scheduling your sessions, let you continue living your life, and don’t require you to quit your job or have that hard talk with your employer about attending rehab.
But how do you know which option is best for your recovery?
How to Decide if Inpatient Treatment is Right For You
Answer these four questions to determine if an inpatient program is right for you:
- Would you benefit from a highly-structured program?
- Would you benefit from support available to you anytime needed— day or night?
- Would you benefit from not being exposed to your drug of choice, removing the temptation?
- Is leaving your everyday life (job, home, school) an option to just focus on your recovery?
If you answered yes to these questions, an inpatient program might be best for you.
What is Inpatient Treatment Like?
You’ll start your stay in residential treatment with a complete mental and physical evaluation. Under 24-hour supervision, you’ll be supported with any medication needed and psychiatric care to help reduce the physical and mental stress of withdrawal.
You’ll participate in community meetings, and discuss with your doctors and peers your treatment goals, as well as the challenges and difficulties you’re facing. Individual and group therapy offers you an opportunity to discuss issues related to substance abuse, as well as address co-occurring issues, such as grief, anxiety, sexuality, trauma, self-esteem, family issues, relationships, and more.
When your stay is complete, you’ll be discharged with a plan for continued care, which may include aftercare at sober living facilities and support group meetings.
How Long Is Inpatient Treatment?
Studies suggest success rates for inpatient rehab increase when you spend 30 days or more in a program. However, 90 days is ideal, as participants who stay less than 90 days experienced less effective long-term outcomes than those who stayed longer.
What Inpatient Treatment Options Do I Have?
Inpatient treatment centers can serve different populations. Consider this when choosing what is best for you. Some exclusively serve teens, women, executives, the LGBT community, and others.
Residential inpatient treatment programs also provide different options when it comes to treatment and their model of care. Making the best choice for you can be the difference between being content and happy during your stay or just not feeling at ease, which can inhibit your full participation in your recovery process. In deciding on a treatment center, make sure the type of treatment offered aligns with your needs and views of care.
Different types of treatment and methods that you will find at residential inpatient treatment centers include:
- Behavioral therapy.
- Cognitive therapy.
- Holistic therapy.
- Yoga.
- Massage.
- Acupuncture.
- Meditation.
- Exercising.
7 Things to Look for When Choosing an Inpatient Program and Center
Here are some things to take into consideration when you research potential inpatient programs:
- Location– Staying local is important if your friends and family are actively involved in your recovery. If your friends and family trigger your addiction, choosing a center away from home may be best.
- Success Rate– Do they have statistics to offer?
- Costs and Budgeting– Do they take insurance? Do they offer payment assistance?
- Treatment Types– How do they view addiction? Is their view reflected in the treatment types and approaches they provide?
- Visiting– Are visits allowed by prospective patients? Are tours offered? Are visits allowed by friends and family?
- Length of Treatment- How long is their inpatient program? What is the typical length of stay for patients? Participants who stay less than 90 days experienced less effective long-term outcomes than those who stayed longer.
- History– What is the history of the center? Are they privately owned? How long have they been established? How long has your program been established?
What Comes After Inpatient Treatment?
Treatment for addiction starts at detoxification. The second step is being a part of a treatment program. After participating in the inpatient treatment program, it is important to make sure the center you choose has a method for transitioning back into everyday life.
Here are some things you should look for in an aftercare treatment plan:
- A transitional living program.
- Ongoing support.
- Life skill
- Drug test monitoring.
- A sober living home.
Get Professional Help
If you or your loved one living with an addiction and are in a need of inpatient treatment, do your research. Find the best treatment center for your needs and get professional help. Recovery is possible, but the wrong treatment facility can hinder it.
Reach out to our trained staff at Orlando Recovery to see how our individualized treatment programs can help start you or your loved one on the road to recovery.
Sources
“About CARF.” About Us. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2016. <http://www.carf.org/About/>.
“CARF Accreditation Focuses on Quality, Results.” CARF International, Www.carf.org, Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CCAC. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2016. <http://www.carf.org/home/>.
“How Long Does Drug Addiction Treatment Usually Last?” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2016. <https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-does-drug-addiction-treatment>.
“The Joint Commission.” Accreditation, Health Care, Certification. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2016. <http://www.jointcommission.org/>.