Drug addiction is a common problem that can develop while using prescription drugs or drugs of abuse. Prescription drugs that commonly cause dependence, both psychological and physical, are drugs like benzodiazepines. On the other hand, all drugs of abuse can cause dependence. When you have an addiction problem, it can tear apart your family and loved ones and even tempt you into indulging in the drugs further to get away from the disappointment and shame that you feel.
However, rehabilitation programs have made it easier for you to get through your addiction without any complications that result from withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient treatment is one of the programs that can help with addiction.
What is inpatient treatment?
Inpatient treatment refers to a treatment program where you receive 24-hour care at a rehabilitation facility. Since most patients that have addiction problems also have a mental illness, inpatient treatment encompasses both physical and psychiatric care programs to ensure that all causes of addiction are addressed. Inpatient treatment is usually recommended for patients for 30 days. However, the treatment can take longer, depending on your addiction level and your progress within the facility.
Inpatient treatment is offered by a wide range of health specialists such as nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, physicians, marriage therapists et cetera. Each specialist has a role to play during the treatment program when you are in the facility. For example, nutritionists ensure that you have a healthy diet to help your body stay strong during the detox period. Similarly, psychiatrists play the role of treating any mental illnesses by prescribing medications for the conditions and following up on the patient’s mental progress. Specialists such as marriage therapists are only essential if you are married, and your addiction caused a feud between you and your spouse.
Within the inpatient facility, you acquire knowledge about changes you should make to your life that will reduce the risk of relapse. You get to understand how you will be able to manage withdrawal symptoms in the facility that will help you manage them once you are discharged from the facility. Understanding how to manage your addiction will help you stay strong outside the rehabilitation facility and help you stay sober.
During inpatient treatment, detoxification is the first step you will take. This involves the clearing of the drug from your body. The detoxification process can be intense if you do it alone due to the development of withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient makes the process less intense and manageable by addressing the withdrawal symptoms you develop by the use of drugs. For example, alcohol detoxification can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and seizures. Prescription drugs like benzodiazepines will help to manage the anxiety and gabapentin relieve the seizures.
The treatment also involves other therapies in the form of support groups and behavioural and cognitive therapy.
Who needs inpatient treatment?
You are probably wondering how to determine if you should get inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment is not necessarily mandatory for all drug addiction patients. However, some people may need it more than others. The following need inpatient treatment:
- Long term drug abusers who are highly likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
- People who had tried rehabilitation programs before and had a relapse.
- People who have tried drug addiction treatment programs that are less intensive and are still not sober.
Benefits of inpatient treatment.
Compared to outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment is more effective because it involves integrated treatment. Friends and family are less likely to know the support and help they should offer you if you do addiction treatment at home. Outpatient treatment may also fail to include treatment of mental illness and increase the risk of relapse.
Inpatient treatment is also safer compared to outpatient treatment. Your withdrawal symptoms will be managed appropriately and you will be under constant supervision in the facility from all the health care specialists available. Therefore, you are less likely to develop complications of withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, inpatient treatment removes you from your typical living environment that may be influencing your addiction. When you are within the facility, you are unable to access drugs of abuse. You can also interact with other patients who also have addiction problems, share your experience, and get encouragement from those who are almost done with their program.
If you have a problem with drug addiction and need help with recovery, we can help. Call us today on 833-820-2922 to schedule your appointment. We are located in Columbus, Ohio and offer inpatient addiction treatment programs to patients from the Northeast United States.