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How Does Inpatient Rehab Work?: What To Expect

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes

Going to inpatient rehab can seem scary. However, the steady support and focused treatment can lead to real, lasting recovery.

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Master bedroom at grandview estates inpatient alcohol rehab

If you are beginning the journey to a sober life, you may have questions about what treatment program is best for you. There are several different levels of treatment for people struggling with substance use disorder.

Many people participate in an inpatient rehab treatment program as they start the pathway of healing.

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know the facts about Inpatient rehab

What is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is a treatment program to help individuals dealing with drug or alcohol addiction.

An inpatient rehab center offers services to help people move from addiction to sobriety. They aim to make this recovery process as comfortable as possible. 

During drug and alcohol rehab, a person will face withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms occur as they stop using their substance.

Inpatient treatment provides the care, support, and medication necessary to make withdrawal more manageable.

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How Does Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Work

How Does the Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Process Work?

Patients in a drug and alcohol addiction treatment program will receive 24-hour support in a residential setting. Inpatient rehab is staffed with clinicians, therapists, nurses, and sometimes doctors.

Some of the components that may be in an inpatient drug rehab are as follows:

Detoxification/Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medical detox is the first part of withdrawal from a substance. It’s critical for the person because the symptoms can sometimes be severe. You’ll have medical supervision during this phase to be safe and comfortable. There is also FDA-approved medication that a licensed medical professional may give you if withdrawal is severe.

Therapy

Evidence-based therapy is a foundational aspect of inpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment. One-on-one cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the most effective. It helps a person learn new ways to think. This can help them cope with tough situations.

Group Support

In an inpatient rehab, you will have other residents and staff close by. They will offer support as you go through treatment. You’ll also probably attend group therapy sessions, family therapy, and 12-step programs sometime during your stay.

Residential Housing and Meals

When you go to an inpatient rehab, you will have a place to stay. This is while you receive treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

You’ll have a room with a bed, a space for clothing, and a common area for eating and relaxing. Most rooms are shared between residents. Inpatient rehab also includes meals.

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Long-Term vs. Short-Term Inpatient Rehab

Different Types of Inpatient Rehab

Every inpatient rehab may run differently, but there are mainly two types of inpatient programs. These are long-term and short-term rehab.

The main distinction between the two is how they model patient recovery programs. Clinicians and case managers use various therapy methods. This is because each person’s healing time is different. They tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Long-Term Inpatient Rehab

A long-term inpatient treatment rehab can last between 6 to 12 months. This treatment is based on the therapeutic community (TC) model. A TC uses everyone in the rehab as an active piece of the therapy. So, staff and other residents will all be instrumental in the therapeutic process.

Treatments will focus on helping the resident reconnect with others. Everyone plays a role in the healing process.

Addiction is not seen as a separate issue. It is part of the whole person. In a TC, we consider addiction in the context of a person’s social, psychological, and emotional background.

Long-term residential rehab takes a holistic approach. It provides complete treatment for substance abuse and mental health. In some cases, it also includes life skills and job training. Treatment in a long-term inpatient rehab has a highly structured format that includes a schedule for the following:

  • Therapy sessions
  • Work assignments
  • Personal time
  • Meals
  • Exercise time

Living in a therapeutic community makes people face their core beliefs, self-destructive behaviors, and root causes of addiction. It can be tough at times, but other residents and staff are always there to help. They support you through the drug and alcohol addiction treatment process.

Short-Term Inpatient Rehab

Short-term rehab usually lasts between 30 and 90 days. Patients will reside in a comfortable setting, with 24/7 monitoring for withdrawals. Therapy is a substantial part of a rehab program. Since patients are in for a shorter period, clinicians and therapists utilize a more intensive treatment regimen.

A short-term program also abides by a schedule and structured format. The main difference is in the intensity, as noted above. More time is spent on therapy and gaining the tools and resources necessary to return home and live sober.

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Using insurance to cover treatment

Does Insurance Cover an Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program?

Many insurance companies cover all or part of an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment program. Two federal laws make sure that insurance providers accept people who need inpatient substance abuse treatment. These include:

  • The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) was passed in 2008. It says that insurance providers must treat substance abuse treatment claims the same as other medical claims.

  • The Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires marketplace insurance plans to provide essential health benefits, including substance abuse treatment.

Every insurance policy is different. So, the amount of coverage you’ll have depends on the specifics of your plan. You may have to pay out-of-pocket costs, such as copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. You can contact a rehab facility near you for insurance verification.

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You can start your journey to sobriety by reaching out to a nearby inpatient rehab facility. You can also contact Rolling Hills Recovery Center for help. Begin the admissions process today and start your life anew.

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Written By:

Sherilyn Moore

Sherily Moore, mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Experienced Writer with a demonstrated history working in the content marketing industry. HubSpot Inbound Marketing certified with skills in SEO, content creation, proofreading, editing, and teaching. Sherilyn is passionate about helping others and has volunteered for troubled youths. She has also worked with DC Ministries that fed, clothed, and provided hygiene products to the homeless.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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