Do you struggle with alcoholism or drug addiction? Sadly, you are not alone. Around 20 million Americans suffer from substance abuse disorder, according to a 2022 study.
Rehab is a popular treatment choice for people who need help getting clean and sober. It is an intense program that tackles many different factors of addiction.
Have you ever thought about inpatient rehab to get help for your substance abuse disorder? Here are some key advantages of enrolling in a program.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
When you think of rehab, inpatient rehab is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Inpatient rehab, like at The Recovery Village Indianapolis, involves residents staying in the facility for a designated period of time. This can be anywhere from several weeks to several months.
Outpatient rehab shares many traits with inpatient treatment, but the key exception is that patients aren’t required to stay in the facility. They can come to meetings and sessions, but go home afterward. These programs are often part-time and designed to be more flexible.
However, many patients do not have the support outside of doctors to be successful in outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab offers far more benefits and can be done in a quicker amount of time.
Detox Safely
Quitting cold turkey may seem like a good idea, but it can be extremely dangerous or even fatal. When your body no longer has access to the addictive substance, it goes into withdrawal.
Some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal include:
- depression
- anxiety
- nausea
- fatigue
- disorientation
- seizures
In an inpatient rehab facility, a team of doctors can carefully monitor you and manage your withdrawal symptoms. They may give you medicine and accommodations to make you feel comfortable during the process. Ibogaine for Alcoholism, for example, may be prescribed to you to help reduce your cravings for alcohol.
Depending on the substance and how addicted you were, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months to get through withdrawal.
Some rehab facilities offer better amenities while you navigate through withdrawal. If you have the resources, a luxury rehab may be the best choice for you. You can find a luxury rehab facility at Findluxuryrehabs.com.
If there is an emergency, there will be resources available on-site. Many rehab facilities also have contact with local hospitals for additional resources.
Read Also: How to Convince a Loved One to Go to Rehab
Avoid Harmful Distractions
Inpatient rehab allows you to completely focus on your own recovery. You will be in an environment dedicated to your treatment and success in sobriety.
When you don’t have access to outside distractions, you will not waste time on things like unhelpful coping methods. Doctors and therapists often have special tools that you can start working on during treatment to apply later on.
You may have little or no contact with family and friends. Some rehab facilities limit phone calls and in-person visitation so you do not have negative or distracting influences during your program.
Learn Healthy Coping Mechanisms
When you are in active addiction, your substance of choice is the primary coping mechanism. Addicts turn to drugs or alcohol to numb pain or strong emotions.
An inpatient rehab facility will teach you coping mechanisms to replace using or drinking. The coping mechanisms can depend on your hobbies and interests.
Some popular coping mechanisms include:
- exercise
- meditation
- crafting
- deep breathing
- mindfulness
- journaling
If you need ideas for coping mechanisms, you can ask your therapist or doctor. They may be able to help find something that will keep you engaged and distract you from wanting to use it.
Once you finish your inpatient rehab program, you may be able to find new friends with similar interests. For example, if you enjoy hiking, you can join a group that meets regularly.
Read Also: Can Depression and Anxiety Be Treated in Rehabilitation?
Structured Days and Schedules
![Is Inpatient Rehab Right For You? 2 Structured Days and Schedules](https://www.citamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Structured-Days-and-Schedules-750x375.jpg)
You may have heard the phrase “one day at a time” in reference to alcoholism or drug addiction. Addicts often have to focus on getting through each day, especially when they are newly clean and sober.
Any rehab facility, whether it is a regular or luxury rehab, is highly structured. Residents have strict wake-up and bedtimes, meal periods, and other blocks of time dedicated to appointments or group activities.
Having patients booked and busy is key to avoiding relapse. You will have less time to think about using or develop intense cravings for drugs and alcohol.
Shorter Treatment Period
Since inpatient rehab is 24 hours a day, the intensity of the program means it will be shorter. You will likely have to take time off of work or school, but you will have multiple appointments and sessions every day.
Have Direct Support
If you struggle outside of rehab, you usually have to wait to meet with your therapist or doctor. A time span of a few hours or days can easily lead to relapse.
A rehab facility has a team of professionals on-site at all times. Nurses are on-call if you need help going through withdrawal or you are struggling in any way.
One of the positive advantages of rehab is that everyone is going through the same struggle. You will find a community of people who you can relate to and talk to at any time.
You may even be able to cultivate friendships you can carry with you after you finish your inpatient rehab program. You can lean on each other later on and maybe even avoid a relapse.
Better Success Rates
Overall, inpatient rehab has a better success rate than outpatient rehab. Many people relapse after finishing a rehab program.
When you return to a controlled environment at the end of the day, you are less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Consider Inpatient Rehab Today
Deciding on a rehab facility is an incredibly personal decision that you should not take lightly. Overall, inpatient rehab provides more advantages than drawbacks in your recovery journey.
Don’t let anything hold you back from being your best self, both physically and mentally. Take a look around the Health section of our website for more ideas and inspiration.