What Is Inpatient Drug Rehab?

Inpatient drug rehab is a facility which provides treatment in a hospital setting or clinic for individuals in recovery for substance abuse. Inpatient drug rehab may be essential for individuals with more serious addiction and dependency issues, and highly desirable for a number of reasons. Primarily because inpatient drug rehab provides treatment clients the opportunity to receive treatment services in a drug free and therapeutic environment without negative distractions. In an inpatient drug rehab, the treatment client remains at the drug rehab facility during their treatment as opposed to an out-patient program where they have the freedom and flexibility to go home each day. In outpatient programs however individuals are prone to relapse because they have access to drugs and are not yet recovered from substance abuse, so can fall prey to negative influences and drug triggers. In an inpatient drug rehab however, there is very little if anything which could compromise a clients abstinence.

Most inpatient drug rehab programs deliver detox services and have medical staff and professional detox personnel on hand to help individuals through this process comfortably and safely. Some inpatient programs are only detox facilities and not actual rehab programs. For patients who choose a detox only program, it is highly recommended that they follow up with actual treatment in an inpatient or residential drug rehab that can address the true causes of addiction, instead of only the physical manifestations of addiction and dependence.

Some inpatient drug rehabs only deliver a brief amount of treatment following detox, and these are called short-term inpatient drug rehab facilities. In short-term inpatient drug rehabs individuals remain in treatment for 30 days at the most. A detox is the first step in a short-term inpatient drug rehab followed by intensive but brief counseling services with both group and one-on-one sessions. Short-term programs may not be sufficient in length for an individual who has been struggling with addiction for an extended period of time. It can take weeks to bring the real issues to the surface which must be addressed to totally resolve their addiction, and if left unresolved these issues could prompt them at any time in the future to turn back to drugs and alcohol. Because each client is unique, treatment length can vary based on varying circumstances. A 30-day program may therefore not be suitable for everyone.

Long-term inpatient drug rehab programs are facilities where the individual will remain in treatment for 90 to 120 days. These programs have proven to be significantly more effective for most individuals who want to make a full recovery. Clients should not feel rushed during the rehab process, and a long-term inpatient facility makes it possible for them to recover at their own pace. In a long-term inpatient drug rehab, individuals can receive personalized counseling and work through their problems with the help of their peers who are up against similar challenges in their lives and in their recovery process. While more of a time and financial commitment is required to take part in long-term treatment, there are 40-70% higher success rates for those willing to make this commitment.