Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
Finding an inpatient alcohol treatment program can help you get the life you deserve back!
When people are considering going to rehab for alcoholism, inpatient alcohol treatment is not usually the automatic first choice. This is because inpatient treatment requires quite a commitment, and it takes people out of their comfort zones and away from their regular lives, often for extended periods of time. However, for those who are willing and able to participate, it can be an incredibly effective method of treatment for alcoholism.
What is Inpatient Alcohol Treatment?
An inpatient alcohol treatment center is one in which a patient stays in a treatment facility, 24 hours a day, for any length of time. Inpatient facilities are often called residential facilities, because patients are considered “residing” in these live-in treatment centers. Inpatient programs can involve any number of medical and psychological treatment regimens, and can be short term (five to seven days) or long term (anywhere from a month to several months, or even up to a year).
What to Expect from an Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Center
Inpatient alcohol treatment is a very general term. Inpatient facilities are usually fairly large and inclusive, and they may offer any number of activities, therapies, and treatment methods. Some of the treatments and activities offered in most inpatient facilities include the following:
- detailed initial assessments of new patients
- detoxification
- one-on-one counseling
- group counseling and meetings
- regular physical activity and exercise
- stress-relieving techniques and activities, such as yoga and meditation
- regular medical assessments and checkups
- life-building skills
An inpatient alcoholism treatment center also may or may not include some of the following:
- a 12 step approach to treating alcoholism
- holistic alcohol treatments
- Christian or faith-based treatment methods
- executive alcohol treatment
Some treatment centers are very rigid in their methods, but most are able to tailor a treatment plan to each individual patient, at least to some degree.
Should You Consider Inpatient Alcoholism Treatment?
Because it is so substantiative, inpatient treatment for alcoholism may seem like an intimidating concept for a recovering alcoholic. For this reason, inpatient care is sometimes seen as a last resort. Participation in inpatient treatment is often mandated by court when an alcoholic has repeatedly gotten into legal trouble, or it’s pushed onto an alcoholic by frustrated and helpless families.
However, this should not deter anyone from considering this form of treatment on their own. Inpatient alcoholism treatment tends to work the best for those who have suffered a great deal, both physically and mentally, from the effects of extended alcohol abuse. Because medical and psychological treatment is provided, an alcoholic is able to receive all-around care. An addict at the beginning stages of the disease may not be receptive to such intensive care. Also, patients who have gotten into trouble with the law can benefit greatly by checking into an inpatient alcohol treatment center, as the rigid rules and constant supervision make it more difficult to put oneself into dangerous or unlawful situations.
It’s also important to note that inpatient treatment for alcoholism can be very expensive. There are certainly options for low-income individuals, but if someone does not have the insurance or other means to cover an extended stay at a residential treatment center, this may not be a feasible option.
Knowing When to Commit to Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
As with any type of treatment option, there are pros and cons to inpatient alcoholism treatment. This particular option requires extreme dedication and commitment from those who really want to follow through. But for some alcoholics, this is the only option that will finally work, and it’s an excellent way to completely immerse oneself in the healing process.