Finding the best treatment center for your loved one is an important, yet often overwhelming, task. You want to find the program that will position your loved one for success. One that will keep your loved one safe, secure, sober, yet also comfortable. One that has constant care and support resources. Perhaps your clinician recommended an inpatient treatment program. 

What is Inpatient Drug Treatment?

Inpatient drug treatment, also known as residential drug treatment, is a type of treatment center that provides both structured housing and clinical care to those battling addiction. In other words, clients live at the drug rehab facility—in a controlled environment, away from outside pressures—while in recovery. Those in an inpatient facility have access to round-the-clock support for both medical and emotional needs. For this reason, inpatient treatment is often considered the highest level of rehab. 

Of course, inpatient treatment is not necessary, or may not be right, for everyone. Typically, it is most effective for those battling more severe substance use disorders. It is also highly-recommended for people who are battling co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions (i.e. dual diagnosis). Inpatient drug treatment is also recommended if your loved one has been to rehab in the past, but has since relapsed. This usually indicates the need for a more intensive level of care. Or, if your loved one does not have a safe space to live (and heal) while in early recovery, inpatient rehab is a sure next step.

Every inpatient drug treatment center is unique. In general, inpatient treatment facilities will integrate a variety of modalities, services, and therapies into their clients’ care plans. These may include detox services, evidence-based treatments, group counseling, family therapy, holistic or recreational activities for residents to enjoy, and more. When choosing an inpatient program, it is important to ask how they approach addiction treatment, and what types of experiences your loved one will have while there.

To learn about the differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment, click here.

The Benefits of Inpatient Drug Treatment

There are many obvious benefits to choosing an inpatient rehab center. For example, it keeps an addicted person away from outside temptations and influences. It also provides a healthy living environment, making it easier to heal from any mental or physical damage caused by the addiction. Below, we outline some of the top benefits of inpatient drug treatment:

• 24-hour, 7-days-a-week: In an inpatient facility, there is constant care and resources available to clients. Whether they have a medical emergency or simply need someone to talk to, those doors are always open in residential treatment. Turnbridge, for example, is staffed by a team of clinicians, support staff, and alumni who are ready to help when needed.
• Positive and healthy environment: Most inpatient treatment facilities provide healthy environments for their clients – environments that promote positivity and healing. While many assume that inpatient treatment means hospitalization, this is not always the case. At Turnbridge, our residents have access to fitness centers, libraries, music rooms, nearby beaches, and a beautiful green campus that promotes quietude and confidence. They also have access to nutritious meals every day, and many recreational and friendship-building activities. 
• Safety and security, away from outside influence: One of the main benefits of inpatient drug treatment is the fact that clients are separated from their using environments. They are given the opportunity to step away from their hometown, their drug-using friends, and any difficult situations that may put them in a position to use. They are in a safe, secure environment in residential treatment, away from relapse triggers, which allows them to focus on their recovery.
• Multiple treatment methods: Inpatient drug treatment centers usually enact a variety of therapeutic modalities to help clients overcome addiction. This allows clients to receive rounded and comprehensive care plans. Treatment modalities may include, but are not limited to, behavioral therapy (such as CBT), group therapy, family workshops, one-to-one counseling, mindfulness and meditation, and more.
• Sober, social support systems: In an inpatient setting, clients are surrounded by other individuals – often of the same age and gender – who have similar experiences. Everyone there is in recovery from addiction, and everyone knows the challenges that come with the journey. For this reason, it is easier to form bonds while in an inpatient program. Residents can connect with one another in group therapy sessions, or through recreational activities, shared meals, and living arrangements. Rather than coming home to a potentially toxic living environment, clients are surrounded be fully sober individuals in a safe and secure setting. They can build a sober support network, which is an invaluable recovery tool during and after treatment.

What to Expect in an Inpatient Treatment Setting

There’s no doubt the thought of rehab is scary – especially residential rehab, where you will be picking up your life and living somewhere else for several months. Many of those battling addiction do not know what to expect when going to rehab. Will they be living in a hospital? Will they have contact with others? Will they be able to see their families? 

With the right inpatient treatment facility, these questions are not concerns. Many inpatient drug treatment centers, such as Turnbridge, focus on providing comfortable, serene, and social environments for their residents. They are not bounded by hospital walls or clinical facilities, but are offered a range of activities and opportunities to socialize and grow. At Turnbridge, residents have access to:

• Clinical appointments
• Educational workshops and tutoring
• Art and music studios
• Yoga studios and fitness centers
• Recreational, sober sports leagues
• Wellness activities
• Nutritional counseling 
• Integrated co-occurring mental health services
• Family therapy and workshops, where family members are involved in treatment 
• Group therapy sessions with other members of the treatment community
• Behavioral therapy and assistance with coping
• 12-step meetings and support groups
• Volunteer opportunities outside of treatment facilities
• Work and academic opportunities outside our facilities
• Group outings to the beach, hiking trails, concerts, and more 

Inpatient drug treatment can be a very positive experience. However, it is something that you should prepare for ahead of time. This means planning ahead with your employer, family, and high school or college administrators, if applicable. 

Every inpatient treatment program is unique, and the amount of time your loved one needs in treatment will depend on the extent of his/her drug problem and willingness to stay sober. Some treatment programs last 90 days – some last a year or longer. At Turnbridge, we found that those who stay in residential treatment for at least 270 days (i.e. nine months) have the best outcomes for recovery. It is important to plan for a long-term stay, though everyone will complete treatment at their own pace.

If you are interested in learning more about the inpatient treatment programs at Turnbridge, please do not hesitate to reach out. Call 877-581-1793 to learn more about our residential programs for young men and women battling substance addiction.