What Is Inpatient Detox Like?

Inpatient detox is a 24-hour program where individuals go through withdrawal with the help of medical treatment. Healthcare professionals are present, and treatment options like medications and behavioral therapies are often utilized to make the process of withdrawal easier. At the end of the program, patients will no longer be dependent on drugs or alcohol, but they will still need to attend addiction treatment.

Many people are hesitant to choose inpatient detox because they will have to be away from their loved ones for a prolonged period of time. However, this program can actually be extremely helpful, especially if you have been struggling with a long-term substance use disorder. Knowing what inpatient detox will be like gives you a better idea of whether or not it will be necessary for your recovery. It may also put some of your concerns to rest.

If you are looking for safe, effective detox treatment, look no further. We can help you find local or remote facilities for your recovery. Just call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) today.

What Is Inpatient Detox?

Most treatment programs for addiction start with detox. This is the medical management of the withdrawal symptoms that are experienced by a person dependent on drugs and/or alcohol. Many times, these symptoms can be unpleasant and even painful. In some instances, they can be deadly if not managed correctly. This is why it is so important for patients to seek treatment for withdrawal early on in their recoveries from substance abuse.

Inpatient detox is a type of treatment program that allows patients to stay at the facility 24/7 for an agreed-upon length amount of time. These facilities offer:

• 24-hour care
• A controlled environment
• Intensive treatments
• One-on-one sessions with doctors, nurses, and other practitioners

Which Treatments Options Are Available?

Evidence-based treatment options are almost always part of inpatient detox. In many cases, these facilities also offer additional treatment options that may not be available at some outpatient centers.

The evidence-based treatments normally provided in inpatient detox are as follows.

Medications

Medications can be used in a number of ways during detox and addiction treatment:

• As a way to manage withdrawal symptoms
• As a stabilization technique
• As treatment for comorbid disorders
• As a way to prevent relapse

Opioid abusers often receive medication treatment, including drugs like:

• Methadone
• Buprenorphine
• Clonidine

These medications increase retention in treatment and decrease drug use.

Contact Detox.com to find treatment programs that provide medications.

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Alcohol-dependent individuals also need medications during withdrawal. This is because the symptoms they experience can turn dangerous—even deadly—in an instant. The most common medications used during inpatient detox for alcohol include:

• Naltrexone
• Acamprosate
• Disulfiram

Behavioral therapies

Most inpatient detox centers start treatment with behavioral therapies in order to give patients a head start on their addiction treatment. Therapy can also treat comorbid mental disorders and help patients work through severe psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal, such as anxiety and depression.

Some of the most common behavioral therapies provided during inpatient detox include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• 12 Step facilitation therapy
• Group therapy
• The Matrix Model

Most inpatient detox centers also provide other treatment options, such as holistic methods. These options, such as massage therapy, yoga, and animal therapy, can provide effective alternatives for those who struggle with regular talk therapy. In addition, luxury inpatient facilities also offer hotel-like accommodations, spa treatments, and other amenities.

Is Inpatient Detox Dangerous?

Quite the opposite. Inpatient detox is actually the safest option for those who are at risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. For example, people who are likely to experience delirium tremens, a severe version of alcohol withdrawal, should seek inpatient care. In this instance, medications may be given to sedate the patient for the entirety of their withdrawal syndrome. Inpatient detox is the only place this can occur safely and under the supervision of medical professionals.

Will I Be in a Luxury Inpatient Detox Center?

This all depends on the program you choose. Not everyone can afford luxury detox, but it may be an effective program for those who can. Luxury detox strives to ensure you will be comfortable during the process of withdrawal, and these programs achieve this by offering extra amenities. However, you do not have to attend a luxury program in order to recover safely and to receive all the necessary treatments for withdrawal.

Hospitalization vs. Non-hospitalized Care

Inpatient detox is a medical program, so it can feel like staying in a hospital. Hospitalized care is appropriate for those who need more intensive treatments or who are in serious danger of relapse. Residential detox centers—which also  provide 24-hour care—do not offer hospitalized care, but they do provide evidence-based practices for withdrawal treatment.

Who Needs Inpatient Detox?

Some people may need inpatient care more than others. If any of the following apply to you, inpatient detox may be the best option for your treatment.

People who are experiencing comorbid mental health disorders

People with substance use disorders are twice as likely as the regular population to experience mental health disorders, according to NIDA. The reverse is also true.

Individuals who may experience intense physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms

Anyone who is likely to experience intense withdrawal symptoms should consider inpatient detox, especially those who have abused substances that can cause potentially deadly symptoms like:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepine
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine

Anyone who lacks a support group of friends and family members at home

Support from loved ones is one of the main components of a strong recovery. If you are lacking this type of support system at home, a 24-hour treatment facility could be helpful to you. This environment will surround you with individuals who want to see you recover safely.

Those who lack a safe environment in which to recover

Some people live in an environment that is not conducive to recovery. For example, drugs and alcohol may be highly available at home, or the individual may live with someone who does not want them to recover.

If any of these issues are specific to you or someone you love who needs detox treatment, it is best to seek an inpatient program for safe recovery.

How Long Will Inpatient Detox Last?

There are short-term and long-term detox programs as well as everything in between. Most facilities offer care in the range of:

• 28 to 30 days
• 60 days
• 90 days
• 6 months
• 1 to 2 years

Depending on the severity of your dependence, the drug(s) you were abusing, and other variables, you may want to choose a longer or shorter detox program. Many detox centers will also help you make the transition into rehab or will even provide rehab treatment in addition to detox. 

What Is Inpatient Detox Like?

Even if you choose luxury detox, the program will involve some challenges, especially when it comes to withdrawal symptoms. However, your doctors, nurses, therapists, and other practitioners will do their best to minimize any discomfort you may experience during this process. You will receive the best care during inpatient detox to mitigate symptoms and ensure your safety.

• Safety. Many people think inpatient detox will be scary, but it is not. These programs have been highly streamlined over time to become more efficient and safer for recovery.
• Comfort. These facilities strive to make patients as comfortable as possible. After all, the more comfortable one is with their treatment program, the more likely they are to stay for the entirety of their care.
• Preparation. Inpatient detox will prepare you for addiction treatment while helping you safely navigate your withdrawal. Remember: you must ALWAYS follow detox with rehab. Detox alone is not treatment for addiction. It only treats physical dependence.
• Structure. In most cases, detox is highly structured, especially in inpatient centers. These facilities usually ask patients to wake up at a specific time, attend therapy sessions at the same times each day, and go to bed at the same time. Extra time is often carved out for daily activities, reflection, and other important programs.
• Community. Especially when you choose inpatient care, you will get used to seeing the same faces every day among the patients and staff. This is a comforting part of the program that will allow you to get used to the routine as well as to rely on the people around you for help.

Let Us Help You Find Inpatient Detox Today

We want to make sure you find the best program for your safe recovery. Call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) today to learn about the options available for your medically assisted withdrawal.