If you struggle with addiction, youve more than likely had the feeling that youll just never feel the same again. Youve probably woken up sober, maybe even committed to staying so, and something just felt off, as if without your drug of choice, you werent normal you werent yourself.
Sadly, this is an all too common occurrence for those facing the evils of drugs and addiction. This feeling can undermine all your efforts to get clean; after all, if you just dont feel right, whats the point? The point is, this feeling passes. One day, you wake up feeling refreshed, hopeful, and like you have a new lease on life. Unfortunately, it can be very, very hard to get there on your own.
Where Can I Find Help?
If youve reached the point where you find you can only operate on drugs, an aggressive treatment may be in your best interest: namely, inpatient therapy. Inpatient addiction counseling programs offer benefits not found with outpatient treatments, including:
- a controlled, supervised environment
- monitored detoxification
- prescription and administration of medicine, if needed
- both group and individual therapy sessions
- ongoing skills training
- typically, higher success rates
While inpatient treatment is a huge time commitment and doesnt allow for much else outside of the program, it is largely beneficial for those who struggle with serious addiction to drugs. Removal from your typical environment, which is more than likely rife with temptations to use, grants a much smoother road to recovery. Sobriety is more easily found when there are no distractions or encouragement to abuse drugs. On top of that, inpatient treatments give more time for therapy sessions, giving greater chance to learn coping mechanisms for when faced with situations that may result in drug use.
Inpatient substance abuse programs also give a sense of community and belonging, creating the chance to foster connections to people who are fighting the same battle. You have the opportunity to make lifelong friends who will encourage the good habits you learn during treatment, who will push you to stay on the path to sobriety. For many addicts, a crucial hindrance in getting sober is a lack of support network. Inpatient treatment provides you with one built right in.
Because recovery is the sole focus of the patients attention during an inpatient program, success rates are nearly double compared to outpatient treatment programs. Once successfully completed, patients have a significantly lower risk of relapse as well.
Whats the Catch?
The only real downside to inpatient treatment is the forfeiture of your freedom to choose your activities and go where you please. Because participants are required to live at the rehabilitation facility for the duration of the program, you may have to take time off from your job, and you may not be able to see family and friends except on designated visitation days. However, these faults pale in comparison to the joy that comes with defeating addiction.
If youre staggering under the weight of serious, seemingly unbeatable addiction, remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. To give yourself the best chance at recovery, consider inpatient treatment. You wont regret it.