These days, there's a lot of news on TV and in tabloids about well-known celebrities checking into inpatient rehabs to deal with a drug or drinking problem. Some are quite open about their addiction treatment while others prefer to recover away from the public eye. If you check into a confidential inpatient treatment center, rest assured that your privacy will be protected.

There are almost as many kinds of rehab centers as there are addictions that can be treated. There are some inpatient rehabs that serve only women or men. Some inpatient rehabs cater to a cocaine-addicted crowd. Others focus on alcoholism and drinking disorders. Still, other inpatient facilities offer emotional and medical help for persons who are addicted to heroin and/or narcotic pain prescriptions. The one thing that all of these different addictions have in common is the fact that they can be effectively treated at inpatient rehabs near you.

Short-Term and Long-Term Inpatient Treatment Options

For some people, a three to a six-week stint as an inpatient in a quality care facility is all they need to stop using and get on with the rest of their lives. Some people do better when they dedicate themselves to a longer term of treatment. Outpatient therapies such as 12-step groups and individual counseling help many recovering addicts and alcoholics stay on the road to wellness.

A number of skilled inpatient rehabs offer long-term temporary housing in a therapy home or halfway house. While not required, these kinds of living arrangements can be of great benefit to anyone who wants to slowly integrate back into their normal day to day life. There is much to be said for group support of peers who are also trying to stay clean and sober.

What is Inpatient Rehab?

In-house residential rehab programs are designed to help problem drinkers and drug addicts overcome their troubling substance dependence. When the addict or alcoholic uncovers the roots of their addiction by way of introspection and cognitive behavioral therapy, treatment has a far better chance of success. Intensive inpatient therapy combined with diligent aftercare has helped thousands of problem drinkers and drug addicts regain their health and productivity, and these things can help you or your loved one, too.

At a typical inpatient rehab, guests are required to agree to certain rules. For instance, you won't be able to smuggle in contrabands or intoxicants. Many facilities won't let you keep your cell phone or computer with you but may allow you to use them at predetermined intervals. Before you choose an inpatient facility, be sure to inquire as to their policies regarding communications. Don't worry that you won't be able to get by without your phone. It may seem strange at first, but intensive therapy works best when there are no outside distractions.

A typical inpatient rehab center provides constant supervision. You won't have a lock on your bedroom door, and you may not be allowed to sleep anytime you like. This structured lifestyle enables guests to focus on their recovery in the company of others who are also trying to regain control of their own lives.

Your First Days at Inpatient Rehab

The first few days at inpatient rehabs may be intense. The first thing that typically happens is an intake assessment. This is when the guest is interviewed and asked for their medical history. A medical exam may be performed, and blood and urine samples may be taken. This intake assessment allows rehab professionals to understand the individual needs of each patient as they check in.

If an addiction is deeply embedded, detox may be provided as phase one of the individual's treatment plan. Medically supervised withdrawals may be managed with special medications administered by a doctor or nurse. If the guest is going through withdrawal at the time they check in, medical interventions may begin immediately.

What You Can and Cannot Bring to Inpatient Rehabs

Packing a bag for rehab is not the same thing as packing for a vacation. You will probably be allowed to bring a week's worth of clothing and personal grooming aids and toiletries, but not much else. Radios, cash, and other personal effects are not generally encouraged. If you need to take prescription medications, bring them in their original packaging and be prepared to hand them over to the medical staff to be doled out as prescribed. Over the counter medications such as aspirin or cold medicine may be allowed, but you'll need to check with individual inpatient rehabs to know their policies.

What Happens in Rehab?

Psychological counseling is often the cornerstone of a reputable inpatient rehabs program. Individual therapy and group counseling sessions help many addicts and problem drinkers get to the source of their substance abuse while learning to live happily without the crutch of drugs or drinking.

Peer group meetings based on the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous offer extensive opportunity to develop communication skills while participating in substance-free social experiences. Individual talk therapy is also of benefit to anyone hoping to discontinue drug abuse or over-drinking. Talk therapy sessions may also help to treat underlying issues that can include mental issues such as anxiety or depression that often co-occur with substance abuse.

Meals are generally good at an inpatient recovery facility. Research shows that a healthful diet may contribute mightily to a person's overall chance at sobriety and recovery. Some inpatient centers boast organic gardens where guests may work as part of their therapy program. In fact, outdoor activities are encouraged at many rehab centers.

If you think that everything about rehab is hard work, please think again. Hiking, biking, ropes courses, and swimming classes are part of the therapy plans at some inpatient rehabs. Yoga classes and meditation sessions are often offered in modern rehab programs. Art, music and other creative pursuits have helped many addicts rediscover their personal power, and they may also help you.

What you won't be able to do in rehab is contact the people or visit the places that you associate with drugs. You may not even be allowed to visit with family, at least until you've been an inpatient for a while. Of course, each facility has its own rules about family visits, so ask about that during the course of your initial consultation.

Therapy Offered at Rehab

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a proven therapy method used in numerous inpatient rehabs. CBT zeroes in on an individual's behavioral responses to particular triggers, especially those involving drugs or drinking. Once these triggers have been identified, the counselor or therapist helps the inpatient learn how to enact healthier responses. One-on-one CBT sessions happen in a safe environment.

Group therapy sessions provide a sort of brotherhood where all participants have battled or are currently battling drug addiction and/or alcoholism. Group therapy can be very helpful when participants share their personal stories of struggle and success.

Specialized treatment sessions may also be offered to help inpatient rehab guests deal with their anger issues, personal grief and other difficult life situations that often lead to substance misuse. When a whole person approach is taken, the inpatient can begin to heal their mind as well as their body.

Some inpatient rehabs offer Al-Anon and other family-oriented therapy. After all, when a family member is addicted and actively using, their behavior may affect more than just themselves. People who love the addict or alcoholic may benefit greatly from therapy groups in which they learn how and why their loved one drinks too much or turns to drugs in times of trouble. Family and friends who were wounded by the addict's behavior can heal while learning a lot about how to support their loved one's new sobriety at Al-Anon.

Addiction is a Medical Issue

Anyone who thinks that breaking an addiction is merely a matter of willpower doesn't know the real truth of the matter. In fact, drug addiction and alcoholism are actual medical issues that are chronic and incurable. Both can, however, be effectively treated at a number of confidential inpatient rehabs located throughout the country. There are even several rehabs in other locations where people can get the help they need to stop abusing substances and learn how to live happily and productively without intoxicants.

If you think of addiction the same way you think of asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes or another chronic medical condition, it may be easier to understand. Most persons who check into inpatient rehabs are not there because they set out to become addicted. For most, addiction comes as a sad surprise. Fortunately, the caring staff at your local inpatient rehab are standing by and ready to help you today.

If you are ready to recover, the first step must be yours. Make the call or drop by an inpatient facility and tell them your story. Don't worry about being judged or admonished for your problem. The people who work at inpatient rehabs are there because they truly want to help people like you feel better, think better and get on with the business of living drug-free.