Choosing the right addiction treatment is not easy. Early in the decision-making process you should first determine whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is the best fit. Learning as much as you can will help you make your decision and, ultimately, transition into successful rehab.
Inpatient and residential addiction treatment facilities provide immersive treatment as patients live on-site 24 hours a day. This allows individuals to focus solely on recovery. Inpatient treatment is commonly sought by those with relatively severe addictions and addiction-related issues. And, such a treatment setting can be highly effective. Additionally, outpatient treatment options are available for those who prefer to live at home, while attending substance abuse treatment sessions for several days a week at the rehab facility.
The first phase of inpatient rehab often incorporates a period of detox. Having developed a magnitude of physical dependence to the previously used substance(s).
Detox is intended to manage the often-unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects of suddenly quitting alcohol and certain drugs. Acute withdrawal syndrome can be very severe, even life-threatening.
In this situation, detox under medical supervision, in a professional facility, provides the safest and most comfortable setting in which to begin your recovery.
After withdrawal is successfully managed, efforts to address the deeper causes and maladaptive behaviors that underlie the compulsive misuse of drugs and alcohol do comprise the bulk of inpatient or residential rehab. In many cases, this phase of recovery involves a combination of numerous counseling sessions, peer support and, when needed, medical care.
Just like inpatient rehab, there are a number of different types of outpatient addiction treatment options. Outpatient programs vary in length, depending on the specific needs of the patient. This includes the type and severity of the addiction, the duration, and an individual’s health and life commitments.
Outpatient rehab employs some of the same treatment practices as inpatient care, such as individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, medication-assisted treatment, and life skills workshops.
Extended care is an ongoing treatment that continues after a patient has completed an initial course of rehabilitation. These long-term recovery efforts are made in a number of settings — extended-care treatment facilities where patients live, sober-living homes, long-term rehab and/or ongoing outpatient programming. Many patients choose some form of extended-care to support their lifelong sobriety. Extended care in the form of long-term rehabilitation may be most helpful for those suffering from severe addictions. It can be especially effective for those who are having trouble with chronic relapse.
Through the use of a treatment program, patients in recovery can learn new ways of thinking and acting. These changes will make patients aware of past behavior and help them create plans to avoid slipping back into destructive habits and dependencies.