Breaking free of addiction is one of the hardest things a person can do. It takes patience, courage, and strength. Often, this is made easier by having 24/7 support for addiction treatment. The most common way this support is offered is through inpatient addiction treatment.
How Does Inpatient Treatment Work?
Inpatient treatment is literally 24/7. You will live at the treatment center, providing the opportunity to focus on achieving permanent sobriety in a safe and comfortable environment. While living at the treatment center, you will have access to activities and numerous forms of therapy. Inpatient treatment has allowed thousands of people to finally free themselves of the struggle of addiction, even when other forms of treatment have failed them in the past.
A Day in the Life of Inpatient Programs
Each day will likely start early. You will be given time to shower and provided a healthy breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner later in the day. You will not have much down time throughout the day. You will have access to a number of activities, including:
- Yoga.
- Arts and crafts.
- Working out in the gym.
- Meditation.
Your day will also be filled with different forms of therapy. This can include group therapy, individual therapy, and behavioral therapy. Every day will be spent helping you battle your addiction, with the end goal being to return to a normal way of life. Your day will end with going to bed at a reasonable hour.
Types of Addictions Treated
Almost any addiction can be treated by a qualified inpatient treatment program. This can include addiction to:
- Opioids
- Methamphetamines
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
- Eating disorders
- Stimulants
- Inhalants
This should not be considered a complete list. Most inpatient addiction treatment centers are willing to help anyone who has an addiction and feels that they would benefit from receiving 24 hour support.
What to Expect During Admission
When you arrive at the treatment center, you will likely be introduced to some of the staff members. They will then begin the assessment process. This includes asking questions designed to get an accurate history of your substance use and any other health conditions. The assessment will also usually include:
- Taking vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, etc.).
- Completing a urine drug screen.
- Completing a breathalyzer to determine blood alcohol levels (BAC).
- Completing blood work.
- Reviewing any history of medical conditions.
- Reviewing any history of psychiatric conditions.
- Completing all intake forms and documentation.
- Placing any valuables in a safe for safekeeping.
- Conducting inventory of any belongings.
- Contacting family and loved ones to let them know you have been admitted.
- Conducting orientation to the treatment center.
Admission is nothing to be worried about. The staff will make sure you feel accepted, supported and welcome. After admission, you will be taken to your room to settle in.
How Long Does Inpatient Treatment Last?
When it comes to inpatient treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all. The amount of time can vary from as little as 3 weeks to 3 months, with most patients staying for 3-6 weeks. The amount of time you can expect to stay in inpatient treatment will largely depend on the severity of your addiction. Treatment is not something that should be rushed in any way. You should not have a specific time period in mind, and should stay for as long as it takes for you to feel like you have a handle on your addiction.
Family Support During Inpatient Treatment</h2>
Family support can be a crucial factor in conquering addiction. For this reason, most inpatient treatments will allow visitation during treatment. Most facilities will have weekly or biweekly visiting times, where family members can come to show their support. You can also call family members to keep them updated on your progress. The only time a facility may try to minimize contact with a family member is if that family member is currently struggling with addiction as well.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.