“Inpatient Treatment: How Does it help Patients Achieve an Addiction-Free Life?”

Addiction treatment is a long and difficult process—not to mention complicated. There are a lot of different factors that come into play, just so a medical professional could determine the best treatment method for a certain patient.

An individual’s health condition, drug abuse habits, frequency of abuse, age, weight, gender, rate of metabolism, and level of care needed, will all be considered while coming up with a proper treatment plan.

So depending on specific circumstances, a patient may undergo inpatient or outpatient treatment. Today we are going to clear up the differences. We will focus on inpatient treatment, so that you can find out what happens when an addicted individual undergoes this process.

Overview

Patients who have been abusing a certain substance for a long period of time will likely need to undergo inpatient treatment. This is particularly true for those who have been drinking or using drugs for years and are unable to stop. Those who have developed dependence on a certain drug will need inpatient treatment, because their bodies have already adapted to the drug’s presence and could not function normally without it.

Inpatient treatment is also known as residential treatment. It involves 24-hour care provided in a live-in facility. There, they will be given round-the-clock care, covering both their physical and psychological needs.

They may be required to stay in the facility for weeks or months, depending on their situation. This is a high maintenance treatment method that ensures that the patient is given continuous medical attention.

Inpatient treatment allows medical professionals to manage a person’s withdrawal symptoms as they manifest. Their condition will be monitored, and the treatment plan can be adjusted according to the patient’s progress.

This method of treatment allows an organized and structured atmosphere. It provides a focused environment where the patient is safe and comfortable. They are taken away from stressful surroundings and temptations.

Detoxification

Many treatment facilities consider detoxification as the first major step towards recovery. For this method, inpatient treatment is recommended, so that the patient’s drug intake can be monitored and gradually lowered. This technique can lessen the impact and intensity of withdrawal—the main thing that causes relapse. Life-threatening situations can be avoided entirely.

Individuals that attempt to quit drugs on their own—specifically those who are already drug dependent—may suffer from symptoms such as vomiting, anxiety, confusion, shakiness, seizures, fever, and hallucinations. These symptoms differ depending on the drug used.

Recommended length of stay in an inpatient facility is 30 days.

By removing the person from their current living environment, they can forget the things that influence their abusive behavior. It also works well because family members and friends don’t always know how to deal with an addicted individual—they’re not quite sure how to properly give their support.

Inpatient treatment is a focused and structured way to handle all problems associated with addiction.

Comparison with Outpatient Treatment

Both inpatient and outpatient methods can be beneficial for the patient, no doubt about that. And oftentimes, it would be the medical professionals who would recommend what is best for the patient, based on their needs and behavior. You probably wouldn’t need to make the decision. But it’s still good to know the difference.

These two treatment techniques differ in terms of level of care. Patients who require less attention can go for outpatient treatment. It costs less, and it is less time-consuming.

However, there are fewer therapy types offered in outpatient programs. Inpatient treatment is more focused and more intensive. Also, because it doesn’t put the patient within a treatment facility, there is more effort required when it comes to outpatient treatment.

The patient’s condition will determine what type of treatment they need. But now that you know what the patient has to go through, you can provide proper support. In the end, both methods should be able to get them back to living an addiction-free life.

Addiction Free Solutions

Dont be problem focused. Be solution focused! At Addiction Free Solutions, we know that the solution lies within you. You have to commit to living a sober life. We help connect you with a center that can help assist you from detox and rehab to therapy. We want you to get the help that you need so you can go on and inspire others. Looking for in-patient, out-patient or sober living afterwards? We help you with that as well!