Maybe you know one or two people who managed to stop drinking with the help of AA meetings. Perhaps you know a few individuals who quit drugs on their own and never looked back. These people were able to manage their possible addiction. For most persons who are addicted to drugs or drinking, the best way to get sober is at an inpatient treatment center.

Addiction is Not Just a Habit

There are major differences between a habit and addiction. For one thing, a habit can be stopped with dedication and willpower. Not so with addiction. When certain drugs, including alcohol, are consumed, the brain and body may become accustomed to their presence. If the addicted person goes without, they feel sick and nervous. If gum chewing is a habit you want to quit, you can do so without professional intervention. When you are addicted to drugging or drinking, an inpatient treatment center is something to consider.

What Happens at an Inpatient Treatment Center?

Most people's experience with rehab begins with a phone call. For some, a family intervention is the thing that gets them into rehab. In either case, the first moments at an inpatient treatment center will involve the intake process. This is when the new guest talks with intake specialists, insurance specialists, and medical staff. Blood or urine samples may be taken to determine the amount, if any, of drugs or alcohol coursing through the patient's system.

Numerous staff members may be involved in the intake process. Counselors, doctors, social workers, and insurance specialists will ask questions and fill out forms. Current and past drug history will be discussed along with the client's individual rehab goals.

Clients who have health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma will discuss them with the medical team. Once checked in, new guests are shown their room. Most inpatient treatment centers provide dorm-style housing where two to four guests share a bedroom. Upscale luxury rehab facilities typically offer private sleeping quarters for a premium price.

For many new guests, their time in rehab begins with detoxification. This is the process by which the body rids itself of drugs or booze, and it can be a very difficult time both emotionally and physically. In fact, detox or "withdrawal" can be dangerous when done without professional guidance and medical support. For this reason, medical detox may be offered to the newly checked-in rehab guest. Special medicines may be administered to ease the withdrawal and detox process. Once this is accomplished, the real work of rehab may begin.

A Typical Day at an Inpatient Treatment Center

Most inpatient rehab centers operate on a rather strict schedule. Guests are typically required to wake at a certain time and dine in a community dining room.

Nutrition is important to a successful recovery, so guests enjoy a healthy breakfast with other inpatients before activities of the day begin. At many upscale rehab centers, meals are prepared by world-class chefs. If you have unusual dietary restrictions or are allergic to any foods, be sure to tell the dietitian or another staff member at intake. Should you prefer to check into a facility that offers a totally vegan, gluten-free or carefully Kosher eating plan, you can ask when you call around to find an inpatient treatment center that meets your personal requirements.

Some rehab centers offer exercise time as part of the treatment plan. Walking, yoga and morning stretches help many guests start the day with healthful intent. Several modern rehab centers now provide rock-climbing courses and rope challenges along with mountain biking, trail hiking, horseback riding, and other exciting outdoor activities. At an inpatient treatment center, physical health may be recovered along with a new mental attitude.

What Not to Bring to Rehab

Packing your bags for rehab is not the equivalent of packing your luggage before a vacation. Expect to pack a week's worth of clothes along with your hairbrush, toothbrush, and personal grooming aids. If you take prescription medications, tell your intake team when you check in. Be prepared to hand over your prescription bottles so the staff can give you your medications on schedule. Over the counter prescriptions may be allowed, but you'll need to ask each individual inpatient treatment center about their policy.

If you bring your cell phone, don't expect to keep it in your room. In fact, communications are typically strict at rehab. If you show up at rehab with a backpack or suitcase, expect to have it searched. Every new intake is searched to make certain that nobody brings in drugs, liquor or weapons. This is not to punish you or wreck your life. When you are an inpatient for rehab treatment, it's important to focus on getting well, not staying in touch with the world. As you adjust to the reasonable restrictions of rehab, you may be allowed to have phone calls with family members, but you'll probably be required to use a landline that belongs to the facility.

Most inpatient treatment center programs last for at least 28 days. Intensive daily therapy along with mandatory group support meetings are the cornerstone of many inpatient rehab facilities. As you get to know your fellow guests, you'll probably hear stories about how they tried outpatient treatment before checking into rehab for a residential treatment program. The immersive environment at inpatient rehab is the surest way to kick a drug or drinking habit, explains Psych Central magazine.

Inpatient or Outpatient treatment?

Some people thrive in an outpatient treatment program. This sort of program may be offered at a hospital, a community outreach center, therapist's office or by telephone. Those in the know say that outpatient treatment works best when the addicted person has a stable and supportive home environment. For most people struggling with addiction, an inpatient treatment center that removes all temptations and sources seems to be the most effective.

When you check into an inpatient rehab, you will give up a lot of privacy but none of your dignity. The staff and medical teams that work at rehab centers are there because they want to help people recover from drug and alcohol misuse in a respectful fashion. Of course, some facilities are more compassionate than others, so be sure to inquire about all policies before choosing an inpatient treatment center for yourself or your loved one.

Don't go 'Cold Turkey' or Stop Excessive Drinking Without Help

Addiction is a complex medical issue with plenty of room for complication. Quitting any addictive substance after an extended period of abuse can be very taxing on the body and mind. If you or the person you love has been using for a while, the detox process may be more than grueling. In fact, most people who try to quit drugs or stop drinking without medical support fail because detox is so difficult.

Delirium tremens, or "the DTs" is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Not only is this condition uncomfortable, but it can also be life-threatening. Sudden detox from any chemical can cause undue stress on your heart and nervous system. If you're going to quit, quit smartly with the guidance and medical support of a confidential inpatient treatment center that specializes in medical detox. At a qualified and confidential inpatient treatment center, medical support is available every hour of the day and night. Counselors and doctors and therapists are always standing by to ensure the most comfortable detox possible. Of course, detox alone is not enough to shed an addiction. Once you get drugs or drink out of your system, the real work of inpatient treatment can begin.

Aftercare

Most inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities require daily participation in a peer support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. A complete cure for alcoholism and drug addiction or alcoholism has not been invented, but recovery is definitely more assured when the inpatient avails themselves of after-care peer support groups.

Some inpatient treatment centers offer after-care in a residential or "halfway house" setting. This sort of temporary living arrangement can be a good step between rehab and the "real world." Typically, a halfway house has a therapist in residence, but some residential after-care homes are inhabited solely by recovering addicts and alcoholics.

Relapse and Recovery

If you're like many recovering addicts and alcoholics, your abstinence takes a while to perfect. Recovery is, after all, a life-long practice. In an inpatient treatment center, you will learn ways to say no to temptation, but it may not always work. If this ever happens to you, please don't be ashamed to call your rehab and tell them what happened. As they say in recovery programs, "it takes what it takes." If what it takes for you is an additional stint in rehab, that's okay. Your life is worth whatever effort is required to get sober and stay clean.

If you or someone that you care deeply for is struggling with drug misuse or alcoholism, resources are available today. All you have to do is make the first phone call and ask for help.