Inpatient drug rehab programs: 5 MUST HAVES

Inpatient drug rehab should include medically assisted, inpatient detox as well as have clear rules. More on what to seek in a rehab program during inpatient treatment for addiction here.

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If you or a loved one is in need of a drug rehab program – you’re in the right place! Here, we’ll take a look at some of the MUST HAVES that any inpatient addiction treatment center should provide. Then, we invite your questions or comments about rehab at the end. In fact, we try to answer all questions personally and promptly. If we don’t have an answer, we’ll refer you to an expert who can help.

What is quality inpatient drug rehab?

Many treatment centers claim to offer “quality services”. But the reality is that many rehabs are a revolving door of treatment that bill insurance companies to make a quick profit.

To help make the process easier, there are important things you need to look for in any rehab setting to assure effective treatment. Consider these MUST HAVES non-negotiable when seeking help for addiction. And be sure that the rehab center is in line with just these few principles.

5 MUST HAVES for drug rehab programs

These are the five (5) key elements that will help you determine what a good inpatient drug facility should include and whether the treatment center you choose is thorough and well-coordinated.

MUST HAVE #1 = Customized treatment plans

What is already well known among experts in addiction treatment is that there is no one treatment for all patients. The effectiveness of any modality will be determined on how the treatment approach is modeled on patient’s individual needs. This depends on detailed evaluation about patient history. So, be sure that the rehab you choose offers this individualized level of care, accompanied by assessments, analysis, and changes when necessary.

MUST HAVE #2 = Precise medical record keeping

Medical records serve many purposes. First and foremost, they document the history of examination, diagnosis and treatment of a patient. This information is vital for all providers involved in a person’s care and for any subsequent new provider who assumes responsibility for that person. Further, in disciplinary or peer review matters, medical records can justify (or refute) the need for a particular treatment. So be sure that the rehab that choose keeps accurate and thorough medical records. You can even ask to see examples of record keeping.

Note also that you may be asked to sign waiver forms that allow for the sharing of medical records with outside sources. Still, you are ENTITLED TO YOUR PRIVACY under federal and state law. For any questions about privacy issues related to medical records, ask to speak with rehab center administration, call you state attorney general’s office, or check out the HIPPA guidelines online.

MUST HAVE #3 =Medically sound treatments

Keep in mind that the therapies used in ANY REHAB PROGRAM should be evidence-based, which means that the treatments have been researched, trialed in clinical testing environments, and found to be effective. Some of the most common forms of medical treatments for addiction include: psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, pharmaceutical therapy, or a combination of them all. In fact, inpatient drug rehab programs should have the knowledge and ability to prescribe medications when necessary. Medications are often used for people to cope with cravings, deal with withdrawal, or achieve balance in brain chemistry.

MUST HAVE #4 =Trust and comfort in the facility

This element does not mean just nice beds, chairs and wonderful colors schemes. Instead, be sure that the rehab is managed by trustworthy, credentialed staff members and that you have a feel of comfort in the room you or your loved one will stay in. Addiction treatment really begins after detox, so this element will help people relax for additional or longer stays. It will also prevent people to go from one to another rehab center and spend time on repeated adaptation.

MUST HAVE #5 =Aftercare treatment plans

Rehab programs not only include treatment of addiction during your stay, but should also teach people how to continue their lives in a home or transitional environment with friends, families, partners, and at work. The rehab you choose for yourself or your loved one should offer a clearly defined plan of action for patients to follow upon their discharge. This plan should include everything from ways to manage recovery-related stress to tips on how to avoid potentially toxic situations and interactions, referral to support groups and relapse prevention.

It’s also important that patients have a connection to their therapists during their more vulnerable periods. It’s best to choose a facility that offers regular patient follow-up by doctors to verify patients’ post-treatment progress. Do not hesitate to ask about aftercare structure, referrals, or alumni services. These should be a part of any good rehab program, after all!

What kinds of inpatient drug rehabs are available?

There are several forms of rehab which include varying levels of intensity and duration of inpatient treatment. The main goal of each of them is to provide you with drug free life and prepare you for the next steps in your family relationship, adaptation to the working environment, and return to society. What you need to know is that not all programs fit all types of people.

These are the major options for drug rehabilitation at the moment:

1. Partial or full hospitalization – Requires stay in a hospital or medical facility during the course of treatment. The residency can vary from 5 to 14 days and usually serves during a transition period from chronic, high level drug use to detox.

2. Short term inpatient – Short-term residential programs last from 1-3 months and provide intensive but relatively brief treatment usually based on a modified therapeutic community approach. Much time is spend in group therapy, with psychoeducational or individual counseling throughout the day. These programs help to reduce the risk of relapse once a patient leaves the residential setting.

3. Long term inpatient – In long-term residential treatment you will live with supervision 24 hours a day for 6-12 months. This type of treatment focuses on the “resocialization” of the individual and use residents, staff, and social contexts as active components of treatment.

4. Transitions – Community model or halfway houses help bridge the gap from inpatient supervision to regular life. Destructive living environments can make recovery difficult for even highly motivated individuals. Sober living houses and communal living situations are alcohol and drug free living environments for individuals attempting to abstain from alcohol and drugs.

Inpatient drug rehab options and questions

If you still have questions about inpatient rehab programs and helping yourself or a loved one cope with addiction, please write to us in the comments section below. We invite your questions about any stage of the process. And know that we will do our best to answer you personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: NIH: Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment
Medicare: Find out if you’re an inpatient or an outpatient
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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