Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis

What Are The Elements Of An Inpatient Opiate Addiction Treatment Program?

by For Content

If you struggle with opiate addiction, spending some time in an inpatient rehab center is usually your best choice. It helps a lot of patients to be out of their normal environment and in an isolated, separate setting while they detox and re-learn to live without opiates. But another reason why inpatient treatment is so effective is that it's very multi-faceted. Here are the key elements you can expect to find in a good program.

Nursing

The detox period can be especially challenging from a medical standpoint. As such, inpatient rehab programs employ nurses who can oversee your vital signs during detox, administer medications and fluids as needed, and help you deal with symptoms like nausea and fatigue. After detox, the nursing staff will supervise your use of methadone, suboxone, or another opiate addiction management drug, should you and your doctor agree on using one as a part of your recovery routine.

Individual Therapy

Expect to work with a licensed therapist to identify the mental and emotional issues underlying your addiction. By addressing these underlying causes, you can reduce the risk of relapse and learn better ways of dealing with your problems.

Group Sessions

Many people feel alone in their addiction, but attending group sessions can help. You can learn from others' experiences and also share your own. Usually, these sessions are facilitated by a counselor who ensures everyone gets a chance to speak, and that everyone is treated fairly.

Family Therapy

It's really common for family members to act as enablers in an addict's life. Often, family members do not know how to speak to an addict or what they can do to make recovery easier on their addicted family member. Family therapy is usually a part of inpatient rehab. Your family members may come in once a week for a session alongside you, or they might work with the therapist independently.

Aftercare Planning

Before you leave inpatient rehab, the practitioners will work with you on a discharge and aftercare plan. They'll make sure you have a safe place to go where you won't be under pressure to return to opiates, and they'll work with you on strategies to resist temptation if you are around these drugs again. They can also set you up with a therapist for ongoing outpatient treatment to continue after your rehab session.

Every inpatient opiate addiction program is a bit different. Some may offer services in addition to those discussed above, but this is about what you can expect, at a minimum. contact an opioid addiction treatment center for more information. 

Share