If you are facing the mounting consequences of a substance use disorder, the idea of reaching out for professional help may make a lot of sense. No matter what the catalyst is for seeking expert support, facing your substance use head on is one of the most important steps you can take.

Once you have arrived at this juncture, you may be wondering whether an outpatient program is sufficient, or if it is time for an inpatient addiction treatment program instead. To get some clarity about this question, let’s explore what inpatient addiction treatment is all about.

What is an inpatient addiction treatment center?

An inpatient treatment center provides the highest level of care for individuals entering substance use recovery, with 24-hour support and monitoring. These programs provide you with comfortable on-site housing, and features a treatment program that lasts from 30 days to several months.

Inpatient programs utilize a multidisciplinary approach that is designed to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. To accomplish this, the inpatient program provides various therapies, classes and holistic activities that fit together like the pieces of a puzzle to guide you toward healthier patterns and sustained sobriety.

Once the detox and withdrawal phase of treatment is completed, you are invited to participate in the following treatment elements:

  • Individual psychotherapy sessions
  • Process group sessions
  • Family therapy
  • 12 Step program
  • Medication supported recovery (MSR) if indicated
  • Holistic and experiential activities
  • Nutritional and fitness counseling

The primary goal of the inpatient treatment program is to assist you in making positive changes in your thought and behavior patterns. This guides you toward adopting healthier responses when encountering cravings or triggers, while also forming new healthy lifestyle habits.

What are the benefits of an inpatient addiction treatment program?

Inpatient programs are designed to offer an environment that is free from the people or substance exposure that may be contributing to substance use. These are replaced with a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment that allows you to focus on healing without outside stressors and triggers.

The inpatient substance use recovery center features a tightly structured setting with a daily schedule filled with activities that keep you engaged and moving forward toward achieving your recovery goals. To provide balance, the program offers recreational activities and free time. Once the program is completed, you can participate in alumni activities and continuing care services, which further reinforce your recovery efforts.

How to tell if you need an inpatient addiction recovery program

If you are wondering if you need an inpatient treatment program, consider these signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder. Do you:

  • Experience increased tolerance to the substance that results in higher consumption?
  • Neglect responsibilities and obligations at home and work?
  • Show physical signs of addiction, such as weight loss, dilated or pinpoint pupils, bloating, hand tremors, insomnia or chronic constipation?
  • Engage in doctor shopping to gain access to additional refills of prescription drugs?
  • Withdraw from friends and family or avoid social events?
  • Prioritize substance use with an intense focus on obtaining the substance, having enough on hand or hiding the substance?
  • Find that you’ve experienced a decline in work or academic performance?
  • Continue to use the substance despite mounting negative consequences?
  • Experience financial and legal problems caused by substance use?
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms emerge when the effects of the substance wear off?

If you recognize some of these signs, you would definitely benefit from enrolling in a comprehensive inpatient treatment program.

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