5 Reasons to Do Inpatient Prescription Drug Rehab
People don’t always choose to attend inpatient drug rehab after becoming addicted to prescription medications, but in some instances, doing so can be extremely beneficial and even necessary. Depending on the condition of the patient, the drug(s) they were abusing, or the number of times they have tried to quit, inpatient drug rehab for prescription drugs can be much safer and more beneficial than outpatient rehab. Below are five reasons to consider attending inpatient prescription drug rehab.
1. Some Prescription Drugs Can Cause Dangerous Physical and Psychological Issues.
Certain prescription drugs can wreak havoc on the body and the mind when abused. Many of these issues occur when a person tries to detox from these drugs and encounters dangerous withdrawal symptoms. For example, prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin can cause users to exhibit symptoms of severe psychosis such as delusions, hallucinations, and violent behavior. Benzodiazepines, another type of prescription drug often used to treat anxiety, can cause depersonalization and seizures when a person who has been abusing them suddenly stops. In addition, almost all prescription drugs can cause health problems when a person abuses them for a long time, causing the individual to require hospitalization in some cases.
According to a study from the National Institute on Biotechnology Information, “Patients with high psychiatric severity,” like in the case of individuals going through stimulant induced psychosis, “are predicted to have a better outcome in inpatient treatment.” Those who are dealing with severe physical issues also may want to choose inpatient care as they will have access to 24-hour care, and more inpatient facilities are likely to provide hospitalization for patients who need it. If you are dealing with intense side effects of your addiction, either caused by withdrawal or heavy drug abuse, you should be treated in inpatient care where your needs can be met more easily.
2. Inpatient Programs Provide a Controlled Environment for Patients.
Relapse back to drug abuse does occur often, especially in the beginning stages of recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “The chronic nature of the disease means that relapsing to drug abuse is not only possible but also likely, with symptom recurrence rates similar to those of other well-characterized chronic medical illnesses.” This is one reason why attending an inpatient program can be helpful, as it provides patients with a controlled environment where they cannot relapse back to drug abuse in the early stages of recovery.
Patients who feel that they would be likely to relapse if left without a safety net during withdrawal and early recovery are especially likely to benefit from inpatient treatment. They are able to attend their treatment sessions without worrying about whether or not they may be likely to slip and give into their cravings for prescription drugs, and they can have plenty of time to reflect on their recovery and the best way to achieve change for the better. This can take some of the pressure of day-to-day stresses off the patient so they can just focus on getting better and not on constantly trying to fight their addiction.
3. Inpatient Treatment Puts Patients in a Bubble of Support.
Support from others is incredibly necessary during addiction treatment and recovery, and it is very important that patients have the support of those around them in order to work on getting better. Some individuals, however, do not have the support of their friends, family members, and others in their lives which can make it much harder to recover. In inpatient treatment, patients are in a bubble of support where they do not have to interact with anyone who does not support their decision to stop using and where they receive constant support from doctors, nurses, therapists, volunteers, and other patients in the program.
In most cases, patients who do not have a strong support system at home fare better in inpatient treatment. If you are struggling with your recovery because you do not have a good social support system at home, inpatient treatment could be very beneficial to you. Being with people every day who want you to succeed can make it much easier to stay on the right track, especially in the beginning of your recovery.
4. Inpatient Programs Often Offer Treatment Methods, Etc. That Outpatient Programs Do Not.
The NIDA warns that certain outpatient treatment programs “may offer little more than drug education.” However, most inpatient programs offer a number of treatments, including both pharmacological and therapeutic as well as others. Some programs even provide luxury accommodations to patients, and holistic methods are often a part of the program. These methods, such as yoga, meditation, art and dance therapy, acupuncture, and others, can be incredibly helpful to those who do not gain as much from traditional treatments.
5. Inpatient Programs Make Rehab Safer.
Some individuals who abuse prescription drugs are in dangerous situations at home, whether they are being threatened by someone or in danger of hurting themselves as a result of their drug abuse. If this is the case for you, it could be necessary for you to choose an inpatient program in which to work through the early stages of your addiction recovery. In addition, single parents with young children also sometimes forgo the idea of rehab, even if they need inpatient treatment, to take care of their children. However, certain inpatient programs actually allow babies and children up to a certain age to receive care along with the parent so that the two will not be separated.
If your safety, or the safety of a loved one is at stake, inpatient treatment could be the right choice, as it allows you to attend treatment where you will be monitored and protected 24-7. Programs like these ensure that patients are protected from any dangers while they recover from prescription drug addiction.
Should I Attend Inpatient Prescription Drug Rehab?
If you are unsure as to whether inpatient prescription drug rehab is right for you, call 800-430-1407Who Answers? today to find out. We can help you determine if you could benefit from inpatient treatment for your prescription drug addiction and find a program in your area that fits your needs.