How To Choose An Inpatient Rehab

Choosing An Inpatient Rehab: How Inpatient Rehab Differs From Outpatient Rehab

Individuals seeking substance abuse recovery have the option to choose between several different treatment options from inpatient to outpatient rehab depending on the level of care they need. All levels of treatment offer transformation through healing, with similar characteristics. Understanding what treatment levels provide while understanding how they are different can help those seeking treatment make a choice. During inpatient treatment, a person seeking recovery stays “on campus” or in the treatment facility. As a result of the quality of care, exposure to medical staff, ongoing emotional and mental support, and lengthy program, such factors can be responsible for the higher success rates of inpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab usually spans 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the treatment needs of the prospective patient.

Conversely, outpatient rehab differs in cost and allows the patient the flexibility of going to work and home while receiving outpatient care. This means the patient can access treatment for a few hours (daily or a few times per week) on campus while balancing it with other commitments. While outpatient rehab benefits some, inpatient provides the most intensive, hands-on care and the structured support patients need for their efforts. Additionally, outpatient rehab can occur between 10 to 12 hours per week. Furthermore, outpatient rehab is ideal for someone suffering from mild to moderate addictions, versus inpatient rehab which is ideal for severe addictions. Outpatient care is also a great idea for those who want to continue treatment after leaving an inpatient treatment center.

Why Choose Inpatient Rehab?

Individuals suffering from substance abuse may feel overwhelmed when considering where to go for treatment. Thankfully, individuals seeking treatment have several options they can consider before they make a decision. Inpatient rehab offers hands-on, around-the-clock care and support. Patients receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner at certain times of the day, with scheduled, treatment-related activities filling the rest of their time.

Some facilities allow family members to visit, providing much-needed support and comfort amidst the recovery process. Additionally, some facilities provide funding or unique payment options for some patients. Inquiring about amenities available can help someone make an informed decision, along with understanding the reputation of the facility. There is typically an aftercare program and post-rehab activities to assist the client with continuing their recovery efforts and healthy lifestyle once they have completed inpatient treatment. As a result of staying on campus and having access to certain amenities and care, inpatient treatment typically improves success rates of recovery when compared to outpatient rehab.

Empowered Choices: Knowing Your Needs And Preferences For Treatment

Acknowledging the addiction and deciding to get help takes much courage. Choosing an inpatient facility includes a lot of steps that involve research, a knowledge of preferences, awareness of recovery goals, awareness of treatment needs, and whether or not travel should be involved. Fortunately, professional medical providers are available to guide future patients to make the choice ideal for them. If the idea of talking to a treatment professional makes them uncomfortable, they could consider writing a list of ideal rehab expectations and services. They could also write down what they aspire to achieve. For example, consider questions or factors including:

• Are there dietary restrictions?

• Available amenities

• Client to staff ratio

• What insurance does the facility take?

• Are family members allowed on site?

• Exploring the success rate of the facility

• Finances or financial assistance

• History/length of operation

• Exploring the licenses and accreditations of the facility

• The reputation of the facility

• What specialties are available?

• Examining the medications used for treatment

• Examining the current specialists who are on-site

• Available detox programs

• How long does the program take?

• What aftercare or post-rehab services are available?

All Things Considered: Examining The Staff And Their Qualifications

It is important to consider the credibility of the facility before choosing an inpatient rehab. Accredited facilities can be found under the Joint Commission and another non-profit organization known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. A prospective patient should ensure the facility is licensed and accredited. Additionally, it would be wise to research who works at the facility. For example, seeing a variety of licensed staff who specialize in specific practices can assure the prospective patient that the facility is not using staff members to cover too many bases. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Mental health professionals, therapists, psychologists

• Addiction specialists (Certified addiction counselor, interventionists)

• Nutritionists

• Yoga teacher or meditation facilitator 

• Directors

• Nurses and doctors

• Art or music therapists

• Wellness coaches

Secondly, looking out for professionally licensed staff with titles such as licensed and certified before or after their job title (i.e. licensed mental health counselor, certified addiction counselor) can reveal quality and competent professionals. This is vital in providing the patient with professional and knowledgeable care, deepening their recovery experience. Credible facilities can be found under the Joint Commission and another non-profit organization known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Lastly, factors like the length of program time, and whether or not travel is best for the individual patient can be very helpful in determining if the facility would be able to cater to their needs.

Traveling Versus Staying Local For Inpatient Rehab

Location and the visual appeal of rehab is a major deciding factor in making a sound decision. Inpatient facilities can either be local or out of the city or state the patient resides in. Traveling for inpatient rehab can have benefits ranging from a deeper desire to follow through with treatment. Since traveling is a factor, fewer distractions are present.

Patients can concentrate on the new setting without being reminded of past sounds, reminders, or locations associated with trauma. As a result, the patient may thrive in such settings. On the other hand, if patients prefer local settings and value having access to family members, traveling may be a distraction. Additionally, costs differ based on local or distant rehab accommodations; understanding one’s budget can help define which location would be best.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Empowering yourself to attend rehab is the first step of creating positive change, and doing research can greatly benefit future patients. If you need assistance with answering questions, there is help available. Contact a treatment provider risk-free today.