Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Programs

Inpatient alcohol treatment is a type of substance abuse treatment during which a person lives onsite at a treatment facility or hospital 24/7 for a pre-established period of time. This allows for constant observation and a highly structured environment.

This type of treatment typically occurs either in a rehab center or in a hospital that has a department for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Either way, the person will be treated alongside others who are also in residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Inpatient alcohol treatment can truly be a life-changing experience for those who attend, as it is a highly effective form of alcohol treatment.

What Happens In An Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Program?

The first step in any alcohol addiction treatment program is to go through detox from alcohol and all other substances the person has been using.

Medical detox from alcohol begins as soon as the person enters the treatment facility and generally happens in the following three stages.

Patient Evaluation

A patient evaluation involves both a physical and mental examination to determine the level of alcohol that is present and the level of care that may be needed. This evaluation may also include blood testing.

Stabilization

Stabilization involves medically monitored detoxification while guiding the person through the uncomfortable process of withdrawal and cravings until they are able to reach sobriety.

Development Of Treatment Plan

At this point, the person is ready to enter treatment based on an individualized plan that they determine along with their treatment provider.

This treatment plan will work to address a person’s addiction as well as their mental and behavioral health.

Types Of Treatments Offered In An Inpatient Program For Alcohol Abuse

Treatment options offered at inpatient alcohol treatment centers are often the same services that are offered in outpatient centers, but in a more intensive setting.

Within inpatient rehab, people can get care for the side effects and health issues which may arise from alcohol addiction, tailored to their individual needs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the practice of combining the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapy in order to treat a substance use disorder.

The idea behind medication-assisted treatment is to approach the client as a whole person, treating all aspects of them in order to treat their drug or alcohol addiction.

Medically Monitored Detoxification

Inpatient alcohol rehab programs typically begin with a period of detox, so the person can be sober and stable before beginning treatment.

This process often involves medication and healthcare to lessen the severity and discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.

Medically monitored detox allows for a person to go through the difficult process of withdrawal with medical care from addiction professionals.

This is incredibly important with alcohol addiction, as severe alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.

Dual Diagnosis Care

People with co-occurring disorders involving both alcohol abuse and mental health disorders or a secondary substance use disorder may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment.

This type of inpatient alcohol rehab program may involve behavioral therapy, counseling, detox, group therapy, and other treatments to address both substance abuse and mental health conditions at the same time.

Support Groups

Much of the counseling that occurs in residential rehab is done in the form of group therapy. This helps to foster a sense of community and companionship with others who are currently going through the same thing.

It can also be very beneficial for someone with a substance abuse disorder to be able to share their story with others to help them understand that they are not alone.

Family therapy is a form of recovery support which occurs in many inpatient rehab programs, allowing for family members to heal and grow along with their loved one in recovery.

Medication Management

Medication management is essentially a guided approach to taking one’s prescribed medications while staying in a substance abuse or mental health facility.

Medication management takes the burden and stress off of the client in that they do not have to worry about their own medication schedule. It also includes frequent discussions about the medications that are being taken and whether or not they are causing side effects.

12-Step Programs

Twelve-step programs are a type of anonymous group support that also incorporates a religious and spiritual aspect towards recovery for those who choose to follow it.

These include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), as well as groups for people with co-occurring substance abuse issues, such as opioid addiction (Narcotics Anonymous), among others.

These programs provide a step-by-step guided path through the journey of recovery, and allow people to share their experiences with others in a safe and judgment-free setting.

Length Of An Inpatient Treatment Program For Alcohol Abuse

A traditional inpatient alcohol rehab program usually requires a minimum stay of 28 days. However, you may find inpatient programs that last 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or even six months or more.

The length of a person’s stay will depend on a variety of factors, such as their need, their choice, their finances, or what is recommended by their treatment provider.

If someone needs a stay of longer than three months, they may have other options available to them in the form of sober living facilities where they can continue to focus on their goals while living with others in the same situation.

Advantages Of An Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Program

Inpatient alcohol treatment programs have many benefits, particularly for those with severe alcoholism or those whose lives have been taken over by their alcohol addiction.

While they are not necessarily ‘better’ than outpatient treatment, they offer the intensive care necessary to help people with severe alcohol use issues find lasting recovery.

Highly Structured

People who are in residential treatment for an alcohol use disorder will find that their days are highly planned, allowing for maximum growth in recovery and little time or space for boredom.

There will most likely be a schedule to follow for each day, with components such as counseling sessions as well as group workshops. There will also be leisure activities like arts and crafts or yoga and meditation.

24-Hour Supervision

For people who are at a higher risk for relapse, 24-hour supervision can make a huge difference in their recovery process. A person in inpatient care will have no opportunity to relapse or to obtain drugs if they are always being monitored.

Daily supervision also means 24-hour access to help during periods of tough withdrawal symptoms or heavy cravings.

Separation From Unhealthy Environments

Inpatient treatment programs can also be especially beneficial for people who have an unstable environment at home.

This can mean they either have a poor support system at home or they would continue to be exposed to drugs or alcohol while living there.

Inpatient programs can provide the escape and tranquility needed for recovery for those who are in an unhealthy relationship at home or experiencing other issues that would impede recovery.

Find Drug And Alcohol Treatment Services At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you’re looking for residential or outpatient programs for drug or alcohol dependency for yourself or a loved one, look no further than Bedrock Recovery Center.

Our accredited alcohol and drug rehab services are comprehensive, offering treatment plans for early recovery through aftercare options.

Ready to get started? Call our helpline today.