Anyone who’s completed inpatient drug rehab has likely seen a long, hard road as far as drug addiction goes. Inpatient drug rehabs treat the most severe of addiction problems, so many who first encounter these programs do so under situations of crisis or emergency, such as an overdose event.
Those who successfully complete drug rehab have built a solid foundation in the recovery process, but still have a ways to go in terms of managing the day-to-day temptations of addiction. In effect, inpatient drug rehab marks the first stage in your addiction recovery process.
The Purpose of Inpatient Drug Rehab
Aftercare is necessary in order to continue the recovery process.
The longer a person engages in compulsive drug-using behavior the more severe his or her addiction problem. Addictions that have progressed over the course of months or years not only warp a person’s psychological makeup, but also cause widespread damage throughout the body, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Over time, damage done to these systems can actually evolve into full-blown medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The same goes for the brain and the mind, with many people developing depression, anxiety, and even bipolar disorders.
Neglecting to treat any medical or psychological complications resulting from drug abuse leaves a person that much more susceptible to relapse. For these reasons, inpatient drug rehab programs place a heavy emphasis on treating any and all conditions that result from chronic drug abuse, while also treating the addiction itself.
Not sure if your insurance will help cover your treatment costs? Call our helpline at 877-716-0082 for more information.
Ongoing Treatment Needs
Chronic addiction problems essentially change the way the mind works, creating a “drug-focused” set of priorities, motivations and behaviors that persist long after a person stops using the drug. For this reason, much of what happens after inpatient drug rehab will center on helping you develop the type of thinking and behavior that supports a drug-free lifestyle, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Towards the final days of inpatient care, your clinician should provide you with an aftercare plan, which lays out your ongoing treatment needs. Treatment recommendations listed are based on your experiences in inpatient care and the specific challenges and obstacles you faced along the way.
Treatment interventions listed in an aftercare plan may include:
- Daily or weekly support group attendance
- Ongoing group therapy work
- Ongoing psychotherapy
- Vocational training
- Residential treatment
- Sober home program
- Medication therapies, such as methadone or buprenorphine
Considerations
Upon completing inpatient treatment, many start to feel “normal” again in terms of their physical and psychological well-being. This state can be misleading as addiction has a way of showing up when you least suspect it.
When all is said and done, your willingness to follow through on any and all aftercare recommendations made is critical to your ongoing success in recovery.
If you or someone you know are completing inpatient drug rehab or considering inpatient treatment and need help finding a program that meets your needs, please feel free to call our toll-free helpline at 877-716-0082 to speak with one of our addiction specialists.