Inpatient rehabilitation treatment involves a range of interventions and activities to help people manage substance abuse issues, including addictions to alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and amphetamines. Inpatient treatment can provide a safe and drug-free environment for people who require 24-hour care when withdrawing or recovering from substance addiction.
- Inpatient treatment can help people withdraw from substances and provide a safe and drug-free environment to recover from addiction and learn new coping strategies.
- Anyone who needs professional help to manage addiction can use inpatient treatment and it can be particularly beneficial for those with severe substance use issues.
- Inpatient treatment programs are often 30, 60, or 90 days, although this can vary, and the cost can range from $3000 to $100,000 for a 30-day program.
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What is inpatient rehab?
Inpatient rehab is a type of addiction treatment that involves staying at a hospital or facility to receive round-the-clock monitoring and care including medications and therapies. [1]
Different types of care can be provided during inpatient rehab programs and can vary depending on the facility. Some people may need a medical detox to help them through the withdrawal phase, which can be provided at an inpatient rehab center. Detox can last a few days to a week and can require professional treatment to monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms. [2]
For those who do not require detox, or following on from medical detox, inpatient rehab programs can provide support with addiction recovery through medical and therapeutic interventions. Treatments can vary in length, with some centers offering long-term programs to help reduce the risk of relapse. [1]
Rehabs can vary by location, types of substance use treated, therapies on offer, amenities, and comfort level. It can be important to research various rehab centers before commencing treatment, to find an inpatient rehab program that is suitable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| May be covered by insurance | Can be costly |
| Offers a range of different treatment types | Requires residential stay |
| Mental and medical health professionals on-site | May cause schedule or life conflicts |
| Safe, drug-free environment | Separation from family or loved ones |
| Can help prevent relapse | Often short-term treatment, requiring aftercare |
Types of inpatient rehab programs
Different types of inpatient rehab include:
- Detoxification: Detox treatment usually lasts a few days to a week and involves supporting the individual as they withdraw from a substance.
- Short-term vs. long-term: Inpatient rehab can be short-term, lasting a couple of weeks, or long-term, lasting up to several months.
- Inpatient vs. residential: Inpatient and residential rehab can refer to the same thing. Sometimes, residential rehab refers to a more home-like environment, such as a sober house, where people might stay long-term, while inpatient refers to a hospital setting or facility to receive acute care. However, the two terms are often used interchangeably.
- Luxury rehab: Luxury rehab centers are resort-like settings, with luxury amenities such as spa treatments, serving chef-cooked meals. These centers are often much more costly.
- Dual diagnosis: Some people experience mental health conditions alongside substance use issues, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. If these conditions are moderate to severe or significantly impacting substance use, dual diagnosis treatment may be necessary to manage all symptoms and behaviors concurrently. [3]
How does inpatient rehabilitation work?
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab facility for the duration of the treatment program. These programs are often 30, 60, or 90 days, although this can differ.
The individual will work with a multidisciplinary team of professionals with specialist training and qualifications associated with substance use disorder treatment. This can include doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, dieticians, and occupational therapists.
Treatment programs will be tailored to meet the individual needs of each person, addressing their substance use issues and any co-occurring mental or physical health issues. Treatments include individual, group, and family therapies, medications, and physical activities. [1][4]
Most programs will include psychoeducation, helping individuals and their family members understand the consequences of substance abuse, how treatment will take place, and ongoing aftercare options. Relapse prevention and planning is also an important part of rehab programs, helping people maintain abstinence and continue with their recovery process. [5]
Related: A typical day in rehab
Components of inpatient rehab
Detox
Detox usually takes a few days to a week and involves clearing the substance from the body. This can be dangerous, particularly following a severe dependence on alcohol or opioids, and may require professional monitoring and treatment. This might include medications to help the individual manage this process. [2]
Not all rehab programs include detox. Some people may have completed a detox prior to commencing rehab or it may not be necessary.
Withdrawal management
As the individual continues to abstain from using substances, they may experience withdrawal symptoms for several days or weeks as the body adjusts. These can be unpleasant and sometimes dangerous. Treatment at an inpatient rehab facility will involve managing these symptoms and helping the individual feel comfortable. [4]
Physical health
Medical care may be provided for any physical health issues that have occurred alongside or due to substance use. This might include rehydration, nutritional counseling, or wound care.
Medications
Medications may be prescribed during inpatient rehab. This might include replacement medications, as are used during opioid use disorder treatment such as methadone and buprenorphine. It might also include medications to manage withdrawal symptoms such as clonidine, or psychiatric medications to treat co-occurring mental health issues. [4]
Therapies
During inpatient rehab, it is common to spend time in individual, group, and sometimes family therapies. Individual therapy might include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, or contingency management. These interventions can help the individual manage cravings and triggers, learn new positive coping skills, and manage mental health symptoms. [1]
Group therapies can be beneficial in providing a sense of community, where people can share advice and experiences with others. Group therapies might include the 12-step approach and can help people feel supported and ready for sober living.
Family therapy can help loved ones better understand addiction and the recovery process, improve communication within the home, and equip the individual and their family with the skills needed for their recovery. [5]
Holistic therapies
Different types of holistic therapies might be available depending on the rehab center. This might include:
- Equine therapy
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Yoga
- Physical exercise such as hiking, tennis, or jogging
- Acupuncture
Inpatient rehab vs. Outpatient rehab: What’s the difference?
Inpatient and outpatient rehab both involve addiction treatments such as medications and therapy. The main difference is that inpatient rehab means that individuals receive treatment while staying at a facility rather than by attending appointments while still living at home.
Other differences include: [1][5]
- Outpatient treatment programs can be longer as they are less intensive.
- Inpatient rehab tends to be more costly
- Professionals are available 24 hours a day while at an inpatient rehab center
- Inpatient rehab often involves daily interventions and therapies while outpatient rehab may involve one or two sessions per week
Benefits of an inpatient program
Benefits of an inpatient program include: [1][3][4][5]
- Safety: Drug withdrawal can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening effects. Inpatient care can help monitor and quickly treat these effects if they occur.
- Professional care: Professionals are on-site 24 hours per day, able to provide support for mental, physical, or substance-related issues.
- Drug-free: Avoiding temptations and triggers can be challenging while in the community, particularly if the home environment is among or near others who use substances. Inpatient rehab helps people learn how to manage their addiction without facing these temptations so that they can be better equipped to manage or avoid them following treatment.
- Skills and habit development: Inpatient rehab involves several interventions to help people learn new coping skills, healthy habits, and boundaries.
- Structure: Following a daily routine can help build new habits and introduce structure into the day.
- Peer support: People can build support networks with others going through addiction treatment and recovery, helping to build a sense of community.
- Physical health and nutrition: During inpatient treatment, any physical health issues can also be addressed, while implementing exercise and nutritional support. This can help with issues that emerge during substance use or withdrawal and improve general well-being.
Who is inpatient rehab best suited for?
The most suitable type of addiction treatment will differ from person to person. Some people may benefit from outpatient treatment and not require an inpatient stay. However, inpatient rehab will be the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for some people, including: [3][4][5]
- People who require professional support with detox and withdrawal, such as those addicted to opioids
- People who have completed a medical detox and require 24-hour support to continue recovery
- People who live in an environment where drugs are often used, leading to difficulties in avoiding triggers and temptations
- People with a severe addiction whose well-being and functioning are increasingly affected by their substance use
- People who lack social support networks and a compassionate community
- People who have tried to stop using drugs and alcohol on their own with little or no success
- People who have used other substance use treatments but require more intensive support
- People who experience mental health issues alongside substance use issues
How much does inpatient rehab cost?
The cost for a 30-day inpatient rehab program is around $6000 on average, although some are more costly. A short-term detox program may cost between $250 and $1500, while a luxury rehab facility can cost over $20,000 for a 30-day program. [6]
For people with a low income, free treatments or state-funded rehabs are available.
The cost of inpatient rehab can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
- The duration of treatment
- The types of treatments offered
- The type of facility
- Whether it is a luxury rehab center
- If medications are required
- If insurance can cover some or all of the program
Length of stay in inpatient rehab
The duration of inpatient rehab will vary depending on the individual’s treatment needs. People with a more severe addiction may require a longer stay. Typically, rehab programs are 30, 60, or 90 days, although they can be shorter or longer than this, as required.
Detox programs often last a few days to a week, although they may sometimes be followed by a longer inpatient rehab program.
Aftercare and recovery support after inpatient rehab
Inpatient addiction treatment programs usually only last one to three months, although there are some exceptions. People who receive treatment for at least six months or longer tend to have better recovery outcomes. Because of this, most inpatient rehab facilities have dedicated staff to help patients find an aftercare program. [7][8]
Some people may require a step-down to intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) before continuing with their outpatient treatment. This can help transition back to the community while continuing to receive intensive support. Outpatient treatments can involve regular reviews, individual therapy, group support, and medications. [5]
Some rehab facilities will offer these outpatient programs on-site, while others will direct you to other options in the community, such as 12-step programs and other support groups, or access to sober living homes. Aftercare is essential to help build a strong foundation for your recovery and continued sober living. [8]
Choosing the right inpatient rehab for you
When looking at rehab options, it can be helpful to consider:
- The location of the center
- Qualifications and licenses of professionals
- Types of substances treated
- Types of treatments offered
- Types of aftercare offered
- Costs of treatment
- Insurance coverage
You can speak to your primary care physician for advice about local rehab centers.
The Recovered rehab directory can help you find rehabs in your area.
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