Drug Treatment

Treatment options vary from one facility to another, as do the level of accommodations, and the professionalism of the staff. But most drug rehab centers offer a common “core” of methods and approaches in their programs. 

The other variable is how the patient participates in rehab: as an Inpatient or Outpatient. Both can provide the help an addict needs to conquer his or her addiction, and both have their advantages. The path that will work best for your friend or loved one depends on their particular circumstances.

Let’s examine each path more closely:

Inpatient Treatment

This program of recovery requires that the patient remain in the drug rehab treatment center for a certain period of time (usually 30 to 90 days). During this time, the patient participates in individual and group therapy, education about the nature of addiction, and workshops designed to teach coping skills and strategies to avoid drug use after discharge. Patients are also introduced to the 12 Step model of recovery, patterned after the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. If necessary, medications (to counteract the effects of withdrawal) may be administered.

The primary benefit of inpatient treatment is being surrounded by the support of counselors and others who are working to achieve the same objective, 24 hours a day. Many addicts have lost basic life skills (such as holding down a job or managing finances), so the disciplined nature of a treatment center can be very helpful in re-programming the patient’s abilities to function in society after completing rehab.
 
Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs generally offer a narrower range of services than those provided through Inpatient programs. Since the patient is not on-site at all times, there is also less structure and oversight.

Outpatient programs usually involve the patient attending the treatment facility on a regular schedule, usually 3-5 times each week, for two to three hours each visit. During these sessions, the patient participates in therapy groups, drug education and relapse avoidance workshops, and other activities similar to those found in Inpatient treatment.

If an addict is still working or attending school, outpatient programs allow patients to receive treatment while living at home and continuing their regular schedules. This approach is less expensive than Inpatient treatment, which may make it a better choice for individuals without insurance, or with limited financial resources.