The Inpatient Rehab Format

inpatient rehabInpatient rehabilitation centers follow a particular format that gives them a decent success rate. The true strength of a rehab’s success rate depends on the strength of its individual conduct, but following the traditional rehabilitation format will get any rehab center started in the right direction. This format includes a detox period for those addicted to a substance, psychological treatment that lasts for at least 28-days, then either a sober living period or attentive aftercare.

The detoxification period is mandatory for anyone addicted to alcohol or drugs. The detox typically lasts for one week, though some withdrawal symptoms can persist longer. The week long period of flushing the body of toxins is critical to the person’s ability to function while in treatment. If their body chemistry is still under the effects of the substance, they will not have full control of their mind or body. It is important that clients detox under professional care because withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and may need to be medicated.

After detox is complete, the psychological treatment portion can begin. The treatment itself lasts for a minimum of 28-days because studies have shown that is the length of time it takes the human brain to develop new habits and patterns. Treatment consists of private counseling, group counseling, support group meetings, workbook exercises, readings and discussion sessions. The treatment portion of rehab is where the core of the cognitive behavioral work takes place, and it is very important to the client’s psychological development.

When treatment is finished, rehabilitation centers highly recommend a period of sober living, or staying in a halfway house. Most rehab centers provide halfway houses for their clients. A halfway house is a private living residence within the rehab that allows clients to come and go as they please to attend work, social gatherings and the likes. They do not have total freedom, however. There can still be inspections of the living areas and conduct within a halfway house and typically the client continues to receive counseling. If the client chooses not to attend sober living, they still have other aftercare options they can take advantage of, such as counseling and support groups.