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How Does Inpatient Rehab Work?

Everything you need to know about inpatient drug rehab programs.

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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.

An inpatient rehab treatment program is one that many people participate in 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.

Inpatient rehab provides services that help individuals progress from addiction to sobriety with as much comfort as possible. 

During the drug and alcohol rehabilitation process, a person will deal with withdrawal symptoms as they quit using whatever substance they are on.

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

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The Role of Inpatient Rehab

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

Patients in an inpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment program will have 24-hour intensive support while 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

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. Usually, one-on-one cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective because it helps a person develop new thinking strategies for coping with challenging situations.

Group Support

At an inpatient rehab, you’ll have other residents and staff nearby offering support as you go through the treatment process. You’ll also probably attend group therapy sessions sometime during your stay.

Residential Housing and Meals

Part of your experience at an inpatient rehab includes a place to stay while you’re going through drug or alcohol addiction treatment. 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 have variations in how they conduct the facility, but there are mainly two main 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. Since the window of time for each is different, clinicians and case managers use various therapeutic approaches to bring healing to the person.

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 the “resocialization” of the resident, while everyone plays a part in the healing. Addiction is not viewed as an isolated problem but as one component of the greater whole of the person. In other words, in a TC, addiction issues are addressed in the context of a person’s social, psychological, and emotional history.

Long-term residential inpatient rehab uses a holistic approach that offers comprehensive treatment, addressing substance use, mental health, and in some cases, life skills and employment 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 uncomfortable sometimes, but the support of other residents and staff is always there to help get 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:

  • Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 states that insurance providers must give the same credence to substance abuse treatment claims as other medical procedure 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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Written By:

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:

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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