When taking that first step toward recovery — by making the conscious decision to seek out treatment for a substance use disorder — you must consider your unique recovery needs before deciding what type of treatment setting is right for you. There are plenty to choose from — as of 2020, there are about 16,000 substance use recovery programs in the United States.

The first way to narrow it down is to divide these programs into categories. Substance use disorder treatment programs fall into two main categories, outpatient or inpatient.

Outpatient treatment is appropriate for mild or emerging substance use disorders. These programs offer the benefit of flexibility, as the individual is able to continue living at home while in treatment. This arrangement also allows them to continue working and/or fulfilling parenting duties without having to take an extended leave from these obligations.

Inpatient substance use disorder treatment offers the highest level of care and is typically best suited for those with moderate to severe substance use disorders. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of inpatient substance use disorder treatment centers.

What is inpatient substance use disorder treatment?

Inpatient treatment centers provide on-site housing, which offers a respite from the stresses of daily life, or from home environments that may not be conducive to recovery. Inpatient programs include 24-hour support within a structured setting, allowing time to reestablish healthy routines.

As a patient in an inpatient substance use disorder treatment center, you will participate in a daily schedule of various therapeutic activities. These work in an integrated manner to help make the necessary changes in thought and behavior patterns to achieve long-term sobriety. Treatment elements include:

  • Psychotherapy: Therapists utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based therapies, to help develop healthier thought/behavior patterns, as well as overcoming other psychological challenges.
  • Process group: Peer support and input are essential to the treatment process. Small group sessions, facilitated by a licensed clinician, allow individuals in recovery to share and learn from each other.
  • Family counseling: Because family is an essential source of support, it is helpful to include family members in the recovery process by asking them to participate in family therapy.
  • Classes: Patients learn about how substance use disorders develop on a neural/physiological level, which can help deter future substance use. Classes can also help individuals develop a relapse prevention strategy.
  • Medication: Medication supported recovery may be beneficial for some individuals who struggle with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
  • 12-step program: The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous — or similarly structured programs — are often integrated into the treatment strategy.
  • Holistic treatments: Holistic activities can further enhance the clinical results of traditional treatment. These activities often include mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, meditation, massage therapy and journaling.

What are the benefits of an inpatient substance use disorder treatment center?

There are several important advantages to the inpatient treatment option as compared to an outpatient program. Consider these benefits:

  • Fewer distractions: By reducing access to friends, coworkers and family members as well as dedicating much of each day to treatment activities, inpatient programs offer greater focus on the recovery journey.
  • Controlled environment: Living on-site at the treatment center campus significantly limits access to substances, reducing the risk of relapse during the initial phase of recovery.
  • More intensive treatment: An inpatient setting allows for a deeper exploration of the psychological and emotional issues that may be factors in a substance use disorder.
  • Medical support: Inpatient treatment provides on-site medically supervised withdrawal management services, plus constant psychiatric support.
  • Community: Entering recovery can be stressful, but an inpatient setting provides a community that offers essential peer support.
  • Are you or someone you care about ready to begin the recovery process? If so, an inpatient treatment center can offer the most supportive and focused environment for this important new chapter.

Ashley Addiction Treatment, formerly Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders. Our programs are accredited by The Joint Commission, and result in frequent publications of ongoing research into effective treatment methodologies. We offer holistic care that encompasses the mind, body and spirit through inpatient and outpatient treatment, provide drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our driving principle — “everything for recovery” — reinforces our mission to transform and save lives through the science of medicine, the art of therapy and the compassion of spirituality, and is complemented by our philosophy of healing with respect and dignity. For information about our comprehensive programs, please call (866) 313-6307.