Opioid addiction has affected about 200 million people in the United States with over one million addicted to opioid painkillers and about 700,000 addicted to heroin. Although it is a highly effective substance commonly used to treat chronic pain, opioids are so addictive that it has become a threat to public health. This has been known as the opioid epidemic.
The number of overdose deaths caused by substance abuse continues to increase rapidly and over the years, this has resulted in an economic burden of about $78 billion each year. For this reason, the country continues to strongly provide various measures to provide inpatient addiction treatment for those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD).
Inpatient addiction treatment is one of the options most commonly recommended to patients who have a severe opioid addiction. The duration of the treatment varies among individuals since attaining recovery depends on many factors. However, experts suggest that treatment must reach 90 days since taking it less than that period makes one vulnerable to relapse.
Why Inpatient Treatment is Effective for Opioids
The key point of inpatient treatment is to remove the person from the influence of opioids by keeping them in a medically supervised environment which allows them to only put their focus on reaching recovery. Since opioids have been readily available in black markets, treatment inside a rehab facility can keep patients away from the temptation of opioid use.
Programs inside rehab facilities have significantly improved since they have explored more ways to cater to the diversity of needs among patients. On top of that, treatment is constantly supervised by trained and qualified staff so it is guaranteed to be safe and effective. The following details specifically point out what makes inpatient care better than outpatient care:
Detoxification is highly monitored.
The first phase of treatment is detoxification since this is the part where the body is rid of substances for it to be ready to accept further treatment. Since the discomfort of withdrawal could be intense, a medically-assisted treatment is given to patients to make the process more bearable.
The advantage of inpatient detoxification is a monitored medication where patients will never miss their dosage and will receive immediate interventions in case certain complications arise in the process. The response of the patients to the treatment is also well-annotated which effectively helps in assessing their progress.
Behavior modification steps are administered.
Patients are required to follow a routine and do a set of tasks intended to respond to their needs. This way, they are more likely to develop healthy habits that they can adapt to as soon as they step outside. They are also relieved from the stressors of their usual experiences outside which makes them refocus better towards their recovery.
Inside the facility, they are actively engaged in individual and group therapies as well as alternative therapies which can spark their interest in learning new things such as arts and crafts, sports, and music, as well as exercises and meditations. Sessions with their therapists are also prevented from getting missed.
Belongingness is a community that is present.
The rehab facility creates a venue for people who struggle with similar disorders to come together, share experiences about each other, and eventually learn and cope with personal struggles. When patients are surrounded by individuals who have similar experiences, they are more likely to understand themselves better.
The friendship and solidarity that the growing community inside the facility offers encourages patients to strive further in their treatment. It can also serve as their support group while they are away from their families and loved ones. This sense of belongingness and acceptance is truly beneficial to boost one’s motivation to recover.
What Factors Affect the Effectiveness of Inpatient Care
The effectiveness of the treatment among patients depends on the condition of every person. Usually, the length of their substance abuse and the amount of dosage they have been taking affect the duration of treatment recommended to them. The longer they have been intoxicated with the substance, the more intensive the treatment is required.
The following factors most likely affect a patient’s potential to recovery:
Duration of Treatment
Experts point out that it would take 21 days to break addiction and form new habits while it would need at least 90 days to fully recover from addiction. By constantly following the prescription of one’s physician and taking treatment devoutly amidst all its challenges, it is likely for a person to reach recovery.
Some individuals quit their inpatient treatment against medical advice and this puts them at total risk for a relapse. Tendencies are they would likely get readmitted or continue to suffer from the consequences of drug abuse. If a person aims for an effective treatment, abiding with the minimum 90-day treatment must be greatly strived for.
Commitment to Recovery
The goal is to recover sprouts from a personal choice. With a deep level of commitment to cooperate with the tasks and routine designed by the rehab facility, the quality of care becomes more effective. Commitment pushes actions amid overwhelming challenges. This must be rooted in the mind of every person to keep them going.
The quality of treatment must also cater to the holistic needs of the patients. When mood disorders coexist with substance addiction, treatment must be given to both. It is also important for every person to understand the value of opening up their lives to their medical team so that underlying triggers to their substance addiction can be addressed.
Level of Support
The level of emotional and financial support extended to patients is also a great factor that encourages them to stay focused in the recovery. By limiting the amount of stress they usually receive while they are on treatment, their mindset becomes more stabilized and this is very helpful to keep them motivated and committed.
Sometimes patients may find their life inside the rehab facility overwhelming, and might even express about giving up. This is the perfect time to strengthen the support from the loved ones by making them feel important and letting them know that their feelings are valid. The presence of a significant person in a patient’s life can make a difference.
Overall, treatment for substance abuse is a long process but is worth it in the long run.
