For many, inpatient treatment follows detox. When it comes to many substance use disorders, such as opioids like heroin, it can be dangerous to withdraw on one’s own due to complications that may arise. During detox, the substances naturally leave the body in a secure environment with medical professionals available to help in the event of complications. 

Once someone has completed detox, they may not be ready to return to their lives. Cravings and other withdrawal symptoms can continue to linger, which can make it challenging not to return to use. At this point, a return to use can be dangerous, as the body is no longer used to the dose that was taken before treatment. This can lead to an overdose. Inpatient treatment can prevent this from occurring by providing skills and support that you can turn to when the cravings come. 

Inpatient treatment can also help those with mental health disorders. Several mental health conditions may require inpatient treatment to find stabilization. One might be if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. If someone attends outpatient for suicidal thoughts, they may be a danger to themselves when they are at home. When they attend inpatient, it can keep them safe by separating them from an environment that may have potential triggers. 

Other mental health conditions may also require stabilization. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or personality disorders can need inpatient care. Inpatient treatment works best for any disorder that leaves you feeling unsafe or unstable, and it allows you to regain the strength you need in a secure environment. 

During your stay at our facility, you will be surrounded by trained and licensed professionals who can assist you with your symptoms and help you recover. Your peers will be people who are experiencing situations similar to yours. You will stay with us for the course of your treatment. When you begin your treatment, things to bring to the facility include casual outfits, a list of your medications, and shoes without shoestrings. For more information on what you can and cannot bring to our facility, don’t hesitate to ask. 

Throughout the day, you will attend several activities and programs that allow you to form new habits or hobbies to continue post-treatment. Individual and group therapy will be incorporated into your day, teaching you skills such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). During CBT, you will learn and practice techniques to change thoughts from unhealthy to healthy. You can use these skills once you have returned home, and they will continue to be built upon during outpatient treatment.

At the surface level, inpatient and residential treatment may seem the same. They both require someone to stay at a rehab for a designated time. The most significant difference is that residential treatment does not occur in hospitals. It also may not provide consistent medical care during the stay as medical staff might not be consistently available. Instead, it focuses on therapy aspects. This level of care tends to be longer.

Inpatient treatment, however, does take place in a hospital setting. Medical professionals are here 24/7 to assist if any medical concerns are needed during your stay, which is not always available for residential facilities. For someone who requires stabilization due to a mental health or substance use disorder, this can be crucial if they are experiencing a crisis. Inpatient treatment also tends to be shorter, which may be more appealing to individuals who don’t want to take off for several months to attend treatment. 

No miracle combination or level of care will magically improve your circumstances. Recovery takes time, and inpatient treatment can vary for every person. While one person may only need a few days to reach stabilization, another may need longer. Your timeline can also change depending on your progress and whether you are ready to return home and attend outpatient care. 

Some people may need to return to inpatient care after they have begun a less intensive level. This typical experience does not mean recovery is impossible or you have failed. All it means is adjustments need to be made to increase your chances of success.

Not everyone with a substance use or mental health disorder will need inpatient treatment. Our no-cost care assessment allows you to work with one of our counselors as they consider your current symptoms, doctor’s advice, and previous treatment. They will evaluate your concerns and desires to determine what is the right fit for you. If an inpatient program would not benefit your current needs and desires, you can attend partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient. These are both outpatient levels of care. 

Remember that as things change, a medical professional may determine that you need inpatient treatment at any point in your recovery. It does not mean the initial plans were wrong.