7 Benefits of Inpatient Alcohol Treatment

Over 15 million American adults suffer from alcohol abuse disorder at any given time.

People who become dependent on alcohol will adapt to the presence of it in their systems and require it everyday for functioning. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms like shakes and tremors.

There are two common treatment options that people will use to get control back in their lives, as addiction is as close as you can get to a lack of free will.

Inpatient vs Outpatient Therapy

It is unfortunate that there is a 40-60% relapse rate with people who have received treatment. Even so, the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment will still make a large difference.

Inpatient Therapy

Inpatient treatment involves immersing yourself into a facility with plenty of support mechanisms available to you throughout the time you spend there. It will involve forced abstinence from any alcohol on the premises.

Inpatient therapy will have therapists, counselors, addiction specialists, and support groups available throughout your stay. They will give you the tools you need to live a life without alcohol.

Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient treatment will help you gain the tools you need, and provide a support system for you. However, it also means that you will continue your life the way it is, but visit a therapist and/or support group on a regular basis.

It may seem pretty obvious that outpatient treatment still gives you the opportunity to abuse substances in your free time. Not to say that it is not an effective method of treatment, but it requires a lot more self-control without the proper support systems in place.

Some may find outpatient therapy more beneficial, based on their circumstances with work or their family lives, but let’s talk about the benefits of the most effective choice.

7 Benefits of Inpatient Alcohol Treatment

If you have heard that inpatient alcohol treatment is the best method, you may wonder why. Yes, the relapse rates vary by source and often seem high, but let’s talk about the major benefits of an inpatient facility.

1. Direct Care

You will be given endless opportunities for support. Outside of this setting, you likely won’t have the opportunities for such strong support systems available to you 24/7.

You will have people to speak with one-on-one, as well as group settings to surround yourself with people who will remind you that you are not alone.

Alcohol withdrawal is dangerous, which is why having specialists in the field available at all times is invaluable.

2. Less Temptation

When you have more supervision and less free time, you will have fewer opportunities to think about alcohol. A lot of the time in inpatient facilities is spent in group settings or performing recreational activities.

Keeping busy and being monitored will ensure your abstinence from alcohol, which is the whole point of treatment.

Yes, the idea of having Big Brother watching you may not seem ideal, there is a reason why supervised medical detox is necessary, effective, and not as bad as you may think.

3. Understanding the Rewards

When you see people who are struggling with the same addictions and you hear their stories, it will make you grateful and more willing to have the opportunity to become clean.

Being able to relate to others, understand their problems, and have support from your peers who are also suffering is troubling, yes. However, it can enlighten you to the better possibilities of your future.

4. Treatment Won’t Feel as Difficult

When you know you can’t have the substance your body wants, it can be daunting. However, who has ever said that you can’t have fun during treatment?

Many facilities will have plenty of opportunities for leisure, as well as learning new skills and hobbies. This will help you get into a better mindset, and find better ways to enjoy your time sober in the future.

5. Making Lasting Ties

In any facility where you are surrounded by people who understand you, you are bound to form friendships.

If these friendships last, you will have a new support system of people who fully understand what you are going through, and you will have the opportunity to do the same for them.

Making new friends who are willing to be sober together and have a good time is exactly what everybody with a history of addiction needs to maintain their abstinence and lead a healthy life.

6. Experiencing Something New

In an inpatient facility, you are going to be living differently than you were before. That may sound scary, but think of the benefits.

If the way you were living before was leading you to addiction and an unhappy life, then a change of pace is exactly what you need to break that cycle.

Not only that, you will meet new people, learn new skills, and be prepared to go back to live a different life from before. A life full of new experiences, a new mentality, and a happier you.

7. More Effective Treatment

Overall, inpatient treatment has long been the most effective method for people suffering from addiction. Relapse rates are still fairly high, but they are much better than other methods.

If you actually want to become sober and learn to maintain your abstinence, then inpatient treatment is the best option to give you the tools that you need to succeed.

What You Should Do Next

Clearly the benefits of inpatient treatment trump the other options, but everybody is different.

If addiction is hurting you or your family, the time is now to get the treatment you need. If inpatient alcohol treatment sounds right for you after reading the benefits, look into our alcohol treatment programs and see what is right for you.