When it comes to addiction recovery, it isn’t always easy to know what kind of treatment is right for you. More options are popping up every day, from specialized programs that target the needs of niche groups to those tailored toward specific addictions, but the underlying principles are often the same despite these differences. One of the most common forms of treatment you can find at most facilities is an inpatient or residential program, a proven approach that is recommended for a range of behavioral, mental health and substance abuse problems. To help you decide if an inpatient program is right for you, we’re going to take a closer look at when you should choose this level of care over others and how it can help you overcome addiction for good.
What is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, is a type of recovery program where you live on-site while healing from addiction. This approach immerses clients in a supportive, recovery-oriented environment, giving you the opportunity to get sober without the distractions, temptations and stressors of everyday life. Because of this, inpatient treatment is often the best option for digging deep into the underlying factors of addiction and developing the skills that will help you achieve lasting recovery.
Why Seek Inpatient Treatment?
All of the different options available for drug and alcohol treatment can make finding the right fit overwhelming, but inpatient treatment is especially effective for overcoming deep-seated substance abuse and mental health disorders. Whether you’ve been to rehab before or not, inpatient treatment provides constant access to the clinicians, addiction experts and specialists you need for an engaging and transformational experience. Although people enter residential treatment for a number of reasons, some struggles almost always require this level of care, including:
- Severe mental health problems
- Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Chronic relapse
Other factors also help to determine what’s best for each individual, and inpatient treatment is usually recommended for those who may not have a stable living situation, lack adequate support at home, pose a risk to themselves or others or have been unsuccessful in lower levels of care.
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment centers often vary in their specific techniques, modalities and program types, but the fundamental concept is consistent enough to make residential care effective as long as it is high-quality. Some of the benefits of this type of treatment include:
- 24/7 support and access to treatment services — In a residential facility, you’ll have support, guidance and medical care available on a 24/7 basis, which is especially important in the early stages of recovery. This gives you the chance to identify your areas of concern and develop the skills you’ll need to achieve lasting sobriety. As you navigate the obstacles and challenges of recovery, you’ll also have extra support when times get tough.
- Recovery-oriented environment — For many people, their home environment is full of triggers, temptations or toxic friends that are otherwise hard to get away from. Inpatient treatment provides some much-needed distance that lets you concentrate on your recovery and establish healthier relationships with recovery-oriented peers.
- Therapeutic options — Most residential facilities offer a wide array of therapeutic options, so you can find a way to heal that works for you. While individual and group therapy are mainstays, you’ll often find a mix of holistic modalities, proven psychotherapies, experiential therapies, trauma-focused care and more, too. This ensures an in-depth approach that addresses the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of recovery for more comprehensive healing.
- Daily routine and structure — Early recovery comes with a lot of changes, and this can be challenging at first. Inpatient treatment provides structure and routine that can make this transition easier, with a daily rhythm that includes set meal times, a regular sleep schedule, mental health and therapy appointments, leisure time and more. Having a set schedule can also help you build healthier habits, prioritize your recovery goals and manage stress better.
What to Look For When Seeking Inpatient Treatment
With all the treatment centers out there, how do you know if the one you’ve found is right for you? There are some important things to consider when choosing an inpatient program, and several questions you can ask a care provider to ensure you find the one that fits your needs. Look for the following when selecting a residential treatment center:
- Accreditation and licensing — Although each state has its own licensing requirements for addiction and mental health facilities, a license is mandatory for all legitimate treatment centers. Many facilities go above and beyond to acquire accreditation as well, demonstrating a commitment to providing a higher standard of care.
- Specialized programs — Some treatment centers provide specialized care for certain disorders or demographics, such as trauma-based care or programs for professionals struggling with addiction. If you have more specialized needs, a residential treatment center that focuses on them can provide a more meaningful experience on your road to recovery.
- Aftercare and post-treatment planning — After completing a treatment program, many people are unsure of what to do next. To eliminate any treatment gaps, look for a residential program that will help you coordinate your aftercare plans before discharge, ensuring that you’re all set to return home, enter sober living or step down into a lower level of care.
- Qualified staff — You’ll be spending a lot of time with your recovery team in a residential program, so you want to be sure that those treating you are qualified to do so. In addition to having the appropriate training or certification, the staff should also be available to adequately support all patients.
At Alta Loma, we know how difficult it can be to find a treatment program that’s right for you or your loved one. Whether you’re considering inpatient treatment or another level of care, we’re here to help you take your first steps into lasting recovery. We offer a full continuum of care for those with mental health and substance use disorders, backed by a highly-qualified team of addiction experts and medical professionals. To learn more about our programs, contact or call us today at (866) 457-3843.
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