If you or someone you know is trying to kick an unhealthy habit with drugs or alcohol, several different treatment routes are available. Quitting cold turkey is the most basic strategy, but it’s also the least effective. It can also be very dangerous, as some withdrawal symptoms can be fatal.

An outpatient program provides counseling and emotional support on a part-time basis. Outpatient care is better than no care, but it is limited. Because recovering addicts return home to the same distractions, it can be difficult to get clean with outpatient support alone.

The last option is inpatient or residential treatment. This type of care offers full-time medical and emotional support. The patient lives at the rehabilitation center for an average of 30 to 90 days. Recovering addicts are kept busy by participating in activities, attending counseling sessions, and learning basic life skills.

Let’s explore seven important benefits of inpatient drug treatment to determine if it’s the right fit for you or a loved one.

7 Benefits of Inpatient Drug Treatment

1. Structure

Drug inpatient rehab provides newly recovering addicts with the structure and routine they need to stop obsessing over drugs and alcohol. When a person is actively using illegal substances, they have very little organization in their lives, if any. Learning how to create and follow a routine takes time, but it’s necessary. This is what helps recovering addicts get back on track and keep their minds off drugs and alcohol.

There are many ways that recovering addicts can create structure in their lives. All of this can be put into practice with a program schedule during residential treatment. This way, the addict will be more comfortable and confident when they follow their schedule after treatment.

• Body. Substance abuse usually damages the body, leaving addicts malnourished. Inpatient drug treatment helps the person start a new diet and exercise plan that includes healthy, well-balanced meals and daily light exercise. With so much to try – walking, jogging, yoga, stretching – the hope is that patients will find an activity they enjoy and continue doing it throughout recovery.

• Mind. It’s not easy to make good decisions when the brain is recovering from chemical addiction. Drug inpatient treatment gives recovering addicts the chance to heal their minds and engage in mentally rewarding activities such as yoga, reading, and journaling. Rehab also incorporates numerous opportunities for self-exploration and self-discovery through the individual, group, and family counseling.

• Spirit. Addiction is a spiritual disease, too. In many cases, addiction stems from a person’s insecurity about who they are and what they are meant to do. Many inpatient drug treatment centers incorporate a spirituality component so that patients can become more spiritual. Through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, recovering addicts are able to get in touch with their inner selves and discover their purpose in life.

2. Removal of Negative Influences

It’s difficult to change when surrounded by temptation. Unfortunately, this is one of the main reasons why addicts relapse. Something in their environment triggers the urge to use again, and they relapse. This is why avoiding temptation in early recovery is vital. It’s not always possible, but it’s important to build a life that is as void of temptation as can be.

Fortunately, inpatient adult drug and alcohol treatment is a safe and sober place to be. This is especially important in early recovery when addicts lack the tools, skills, and confidence to deal with stress and manage relationships. Rather than going home to a toxic household, a stressful job, or the sights and sounds of drugs and alcohol, the person receives treatment in a sober, supportive community.

Each holistic rehab center is unique, so always check with the rules. At The River Source, we do not allow patients to have outside contact with friends and family during the first week. This time is reserved for getting clean and sober. We don’t want our patients worrying about what’s going on back home or having contact with individuals who may encourage drug use. After the first week, we do allow computers, phones, and even visitors during the designated hours. Of course, this is subject to approval.

3. Continuous Support

Going through the detox and withdrawal process is mentally, physically, and emotionally draining. Inpatient rehab offers a full continuum of care that includes 24-hour support to make this process less stressful.

At The River Source, patients who are in detox are medically supervised around the clock. We have a wide range of medications and holistic therapies that can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms. Keeping patients comfortable during this time helps them get through detox and start inpatient treatment on the right foot.

As patients move into the counseling portion of their care, they have access to support staff at all times. All River Source patients are closely monitored for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. If we need to adjust something, such as a medication or number of therapy sessions, we can do so. Additionally, if someone is having a bad day and needs extra support, they have others around them to relate to.

4. Therapeutic Options

Today’s addiction treatment programs have come a long way in regards to therapeutic services. Recovering addicts are given the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities and find healthy outlets to de-stress. This way, when they return home from treatment, they will have effective ways to cope with stress and anxiety.

Many residential treatment centers offer yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, and exercise programs as part of their regular services. Some do charge an additional fee for these services, so be sure to ask before starting a program.

The River Source is pleased to offer a wide range of therapeutic options that are included in our standard price. We want our patients to have the chance to explore various ways to de-stress during their stay in treatment. This way, they will be comfortable implementing the therapies into their daily lives.

The therapies that are highly effective in drug addiction treatment are:

• Acupuncture

• Massage therapy

• Vitamin therapy

• Infrared sauna therapy

• Yoga (stretching & balancing)

• Meditation

• Mindfulness

• Biofeedback

• Fitness & wellness

5. Nutritional Assistance

Substance abusers rarely lead a healthy lifestyle. Addicts are generally malnourished because of a lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the body. Eating healthy, well-rounded meals is an excellent way to start building up important nutrients, but it can take time. Not to mention, some recovering addicts are not interested in eating when they are going through the detox process.

Fortunately, inpatient rehab provides patients with nutritional assistance. Nutritious meals are served regularly, and patients don’t have to worry about grocery shopping, preparing, and eating meals on their own.

At The River Source, we have something extra that helps our patients restore their physical bodies. Vitamin therapy can be used each week to feed natural substances into the body and speed up the healing process. Each blend is unique based on the patient, but you can expect Vitamin C, B-complex, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium to be included.

6. Peer Support

Addiction is an isolating disease. When addicts use drugs or alcohol for a long time, they tend to lose most of their relationships. Reconnecting with others is an important part of recovery, but it takes time for this to happen. Recovering addicts are still learning about themselves, so forming relationships with others is a natural progression. Luckily, holistic treatment gives patients the time and opportunity to interact with each other.

Not only is addiction isolating, but so is the recovery process. People who are recovering from a chemical addiction tend to feel lonely and isolated from their peers. Their lives are different, they are going through many changes and they sometimes can’t attend the same functions as friends (i.e., nightclubs, bars, parties). This is why 12-step programs have proven effective for those in recovery, as they provide an understanding support network.

At The River Source, patients share a room with one other person. For many of our patients, this is their first friend. We feel that when people share a room together, they tend to have a built-in friend to do things with, such as attend support groups, eat meals, and practice yoga. As patients become more comfortable interacting with others, they can apply these social skills (listening, empathy) with their own family members.

7. Highly Individualized

Another benefit to consider is that addicts in holistic treatment are able to give their full focus to getting better. There are no distractions from work, family, or friends, and the person is not being pulled in a bunch of different directions. They can give 100 percent to their recovery without anything standing in the way.

Every addict is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan. Because inpatient care requires patients to stay for at least 30 days, each person is given their own unique treatment regimen. This is highly important because it enables doctors to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders that are common in substance abusers. We often see our patients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, PTSD, or eating disorders.

Inpatient drug treatment has a wide range of benefits that cannot be overlooked. We recognize that it is a major commitment for many individuals and their families, but it can make the difference between life or death. If you would like to learn more about residential treatment at The River Source, please call us today. Our care is personalized, effective, and affordable. Most importantly, it’s life-changing!