Inpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Inpatient alcohol addiction treatment is set in a residential setting where individuals struggling with alcohol addiction are given 24/7 medical support in a secure and confidential environment
Alcohol addiction can pose as a life-threatening danger, which is why treating it is of the utmost importance. But while there are now many treatment options for it, sometimes the best one is to go for an inpatient treatment.
It can be very intimidating to dive in inpatient treatment right on, and to help allay your worries and second thoughts, here’s an in-depth explanation of what inpatient alcohol addiction treatment.
Read on to learn how it works, what to expect, and how you can decide if it’s the right one for you or for your loved one struggling with addiction.
What is Inpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Inpatient alcohol addiction treatment is set in a residential setting where individuals struggling with alcohol addiction are given 24/7 medical support in a secure and confidential environment. In this kind of setup, patients usually stay for 30 to 90 days focusing on their treatment plan.
What makes inpatient treatment for alcohol addiction appealing to many is that it helps the individual solely focus on their healing. This way, you won’t have to go out for a while and deal with the various triggers or stressors that drive them to drink in the first place. The goal is to extract them from the outer world and help them recover step by step inside the center in a safe and compassionate environment.
Many people suffering from alcohol addiction have neglected their health, hygiene, and mental well-being. So, staying in a residential facility where they are supported can immensely help them reclaim their lives before addiction had taken control over it. Here, people can solely focus on recovery and rebuilding their life through a holistic treatment plan that targets not just their physical dependency but also mental health.
During inpatient treatment, the usual setup would be to start with the detoxification process where alcohol is expelled from the body. This is medically administered to ensure the safety of the individual. Alongside detox, there are also multiple therapy options and bespoke nutrition and fitness plans.
Having this kind of holistic treatment plan helps patients learn abstinence, build healthy coping skills, connect with a community that shares their struggles, and ultimately be on the path to their recovery.
Treatment doesn’t simply start and end in the walls of a rehabilitation facility because sobriety is a life-long pursuit. Alcohol addiction treatment is not a permanent cure for alcoholism, but it can provide the foundation and framework to support people build a better life away from the burden of addiction.
It can become difficult in the process, but taking the first step to enter alcohol addiction treatment is already a crucial deciding factor towards healing.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Types of Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Programmes
Many rehabilitation facilities have different kinds of elements incorporated in their inpatient treatment programmes. Some offer niche alternative treatments like art therapy or acupuncture. While others target a specific demographic and have a set of treatment options that are only catered to them.
Whatever category you may fall on and decide to pursue, the majority of inpatient alcohol rehabilitation programmes are divided into to two main types: inpatient residential and partial hospitalisation.
Inpatient residential rehab
Inpatient residential rehab is where patients stay inside the facility from day to night. They are provided with sleeping accommodations, and they have access to different kind of therapy in the facility. In this kind of setup, people struggling with their addiction are removed from the environment where their addiction had rooted. This kind of setting helps them fully focus on their recovery minus the external and internal triggers of their previous environment.
Partial hospitalisation
Partial hospitalisation, on the other hand, is where patients only stay in the facility for five days or a full week. Afterwards, they can return back to their homes or to other places for their sleeping accommodations.
There are specific signs of improvement that patients must exhibit in order to continue receiving partial hospitalisation. As the danger to relapse is still possible, people are required to admit to an inpatient treatment basis if ever that happens.
What Happens During Inpatient Addiction Rehab?
Alcohol addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it is customised for every patient as not all have the same issues to tackle. This can differ because of the facilities available in various rehab facilities or the specific needs of the patient. However, there are still some key elements that are commonly used in all alcohol addiction treatment programmes.
Alcohol detoxification
The first part of alcohol addiction treatment is to clear the body from any substances of abuse, in this case: alcohol. This is done through detox and is often administered by medical professionals. Clearing the body of alcohol is essential before a patient can be deemed ready to receive counselling, therapy, and nutrition plans.
Alcohol withdrawal happens as a result of the detoxification process which may pose risks to the person. It can exhibit as cold sweat, body shakes, and in worst cases, seizures and hallucinations. Fortunately, during inpatient treatment the patient has access to meds that help alleviate these symptoms and are administered by health professionals ASAP.
Because of the risks of alcohol withdrawal, it’s never advisable to attempt detox on your own without the supervision of an expert. Unlike in inpatient treatment, patients can be at ease knowing that they are guided and monitored when withdrawal symptoms arise.
Group therapy
Another element in treatment is helping people connect and learn from others who have struggled with alcohol addiction too. In group therapy, the focus is on building relationships, letting each one feel safe enough to share about their struggles, and also encouraging them to help each other through giving advice. The typical setup is bringing three to 12 people together and one therapist to guide them to a fruitful discussion. The goal is to help each one feel less alone, feel seen, and feel empowered to reshape the way they think about their addiction.
Individual assessments and therapy
Individual therapy is a 1:1 setup where the patient works together with a therapist to go over specific challenges, thinking patterns, behaviours, etc. Each person struggles with addiction in their unique context and this requires a personal approach. Which is why there are different methods of therapy that can be done depending on the patient. This can be through cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, art therapy, experiential therapy, and many more.
Mental health therapy groups
Addiction is a layered condition, and in most cases, people suffering from it also have other mental health disorders that needs to be addressed. This is why therapy in rehab also focuses in treating mental health issues simultaneously. The common approach is through group therapy, medication for the disorder, and exploring how mental health issues affect one’s addiction.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Medication assisted detoxification
Medication in detoxification can be deemed as life-saving in most cases when the alcohol withdrawal symptoms become severe. There are medication that helps in reducing alcohol cravings, and also withdrawal symptoms like seizures and hallucinations. Without the proper medical attention, alcohol detox can be incredibly risky especially when the alcohol addiction is severe.
Family programme participation
In alcohol addiction treatment, families also have a vital role to play. There are treatment plans that can get involved if they decide to have a direct participation. Alongside this, families are also encouraged to go to therapy and focus on their own healing as well. After all, addiction does not only affect the person directly suffering from it but also their loved ones. The goal is to help them heal their wounds from addiction and also repair the bonds they have with their loved one as they continue on their recovery journey.
Wellness and fitness activities
In most cases, people struggling with addiction have also experienced physical deterioration as their body have grown dependent on alcohol. Once detox is underway, the next step is to build back the body. As what they say “healthy body, healthy mind” and most rehab facilities follow this principle. Patients will be guided through a structured fitness programme to help them get back in shape. Improving their physical health in conjunction with therapy and counselling can bring immense positive changes towards their healing.
Nutritional assessment
Together with physical fitness, nutrition is also another element in the holistic treatment of alcohol addiction. Most people suffering from addiction have already neglected their nutrition too, so it’s imperative to nourish the body back to its healthy state. Patients will be given highly customized dietary plans that aims to target their deficiencies and also assist their physical fitness journey. During this phase, they will be educated again on what kind of healthy food to eat, eating habits, and creating a balanced diet that nourishes them.
Spiritual care
In some cases, people struggling with addiction may also benefit greatly in nourishing their spiritual needs. While not all people subscribe to a spiritual practice, others may feel more motivated in their healing journey when they are taking care of their spiritual well being. This means getting back to their practices or connecting with a higher being again.
Educational and experiential workshops
Educational and experiential workshops are also conducted in various facilities to help patients understand the role of alcohol in their lives and how they can combat addiction outside the walls of the rehab facility. Some workshops focus in educating the patients with skills that can help them find employment outside. Other workshops focus on adopting hobbies as a creative outlet such as art and music. And there are others that are about building back self-esteem, creating a sense of purpose, that all in all brings an immense positive impact to the individual.
Continuing care planning
It’s crucial to understand that recovery from addiction does not start and end inside a rehab facility. Individuals are still susceptible to relapse and respond to different kinds of trigger outside rehab. Which is why aftercare is essential in helping them transition to the outside world.
Facilities with a good track record often offer aftercare for one year and this is composed of workshops, therapy appointments, and also meeting with a support group. Sobriety can be a long-term process, and with aftercare, individuals can still feel supported all throughout when it comes to combating alcohol addiction.
Therapy Types in Inpatient Addiction Rehab
Therapy is the core of alcohol addiction treatment, and there are various therapy approaches that one can adopt to help them in their recovery. Therapy is highly personalised as it tackles the unique challenges of the individual. Below you’ll find some of the therapy approaches that facilities may offer. Keep in mind that not all rehab facilities have them so it’s vital to check their services first before choosing one.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on helping individuals increase their psychological flexibility. The goal of ACT is to help individuals embrace unpleasant emotions or experiences, develop strategies to distance themselves from triggers, and also fostering self-awareness. Through ACT, individuals can manage their negative thinking patterns and avoid reacting to it through addictive behaviours.
ACT is a wonderful and beneficial therapy approach that help individuals through practical and mindful strategies to reshape the way they think and behave for their long-term well being.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Another popular and has a proven efficacy is CBT which helps in unearthing the root cause of addiction for individuals. The goal of CBT is to help change negative thoughts and behaviours through emotional regulation and educating them with healthy coping skills.
In CBT, individuals are encouraged to open up about their past challenges and explore their triggers that drive addiction. Together with a therapist, the individual will learn specific coping skills to combat thinking patterns that previously led them to addiction.
- Contingency management/motivational incentives
CM or motivational incentives is another therapy approach that is based on operant conditioning. During this process, individuals are subjected to positive reinforcement or punishment when they display specific behaviours. In addiction treatment, positive reinforcement can be given through financial or privilege-based incentives. The actions may be attending therapy regularly or passing sobriety tests. Likewise, failing to follow these actions can be grounds for punishment as well.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT is derived from CBT and combines its techniques with Buddhist practices. In DBT, individuals will learn the four core elements of mindfulness, acceptance, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. This kind of therapy can help individuals develop proactive problem-solving skills and avoid self-destructive patterns that drive their addiction.
- Interpersonal therapy
IPT is another therapy approach that is found in the principle that a person’s mood is affected by life events and relationships. The goal of IPT is to help individuals explore their relationships and improve interpersonal skills such as communication.
In most cases, the focus is on building back support systems for the individual as they may have isolated themselves during the height of their addiction. Through IPT, individuals can start to reconnect and improve their relationships that can lead to their healing.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
This particular form of therapy is another branch of therapy that uses CBT in conjunction with mindfulness strategies. MBCT is designed to help prevent relapse in individuals struggling with addiction, and is particularly beneficial when it comes to reducing cravings.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
MET is a therapy approach that aims to help patients practice goal setting, fostering motivation, and planning for change. The goal is to create inner change for individuals struggling with addiction especially when most of them have only been in “survival” mode mentally. Through MET, they can have a healthy outlook on their future and set goals again before they go out of rehab.
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
MI is another kind of counselling approach that used in conjunction with MET. It follows a non-judgmental approach to ease communication with individuals and explore the mixed emotions they feel in connection to their substance abuse. Motivational interviewing is more direct in guiding individuals compared to other therapy approaches.
- Psychoeducational groups
This form of therapy is another approach derived from CBT principles. During these sessions, individuals get to learn more about alcohol addiction and are trained to practice coping skills. They are usually exposed to triggers, guided on thinking strategies to combat them, and also learn the inner workings of addiction to prevent relapse among patients.
- Solution-focused brief therapy/solution-focused therapy
SFBT is a therapy approach that focuses on solutions as opposed to uncovering the problems the individual struggles with. In this goal-directed approach, the therapist in charge will often discuss previous solutions with the individual and explore how they may have not worked before. This exploration of previous solutions helps them formulate new and better solutions that can help the patient.
- Medication-assisted therapies
In some cases of alcohol addiction, medication is done in addition to therapy. This can incredibly help individuals with their recovery. However, in most cases MAT is only effective when it is done with therapy and not the other way around.
- Twelve-step facilitation
Twelve-step facilitations use the 12 steps program that was founded by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This methodology uses a 12 step plan which emphasises the importance of peer support and that healing can be done once a person surrenders to a higher power. While not all people believe in a higher power, the framework can still be beneficial for most people struggling with substance abuse.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Fast Access to Residential Treatment
We are currently able to offer fast access to private inpatient treatment.
Please call us today and speak to one of our expert advisors.
Call today in confidence: 0800 0148 970
Factors that Play a Significant Role in Treatment During Inpatient Rehab Programmes
There are many factors that come into play that may affect the kind of treatment an individual receives during inpatient rehab programmes. Below, you’ll find out what these factors are and also learn how different rehabs work with their patients based on these.
- Age
Age is an important factor when it comes to customized inpatient treatment. Depending on the age, certain medication will be altered as well as other facilities. There are treatment facilities that solely focus on helping specific age groups like the youth for example. - Mental health
Dual diagnosis is when a mental health disorder co-occurs with alcohol addiction. This happens pretty often when it comes to those struggling with substance abuse, and they often have a more complicated treatment. The main reason is that both mental health issue and substance abuse should be treated simultaneously. Medications for substance abuse for example can interfere with other mental health issues which is why a specialist is often required in their treatment. - Medical history
Medical history is highly crucial when it comes to treatment as the severity of substance abuse may pose different risks. For example, if a person has a long and severe history of alcohol addiction, a normal detox may be life-threatening. Instead a tapered approach is better to clear out the substance of abuse in their body. - Relationship with alcohol
Like medical history, the duration of someone’s attachment to alcohol can also affect their treatment. The longer they have been abusing alcohol can become potentially fatal when it comes to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. - Substance abuse and multiple addictions
Multiple substance abuse and addiction also make significant changes in alcohol addiction treatment as they should be treated simultaneously. However, there are cases where one therapy for a specific addiction may be detrimental to another addiction. These types of cases need a specialist involved to ensure the safety of the multiple treatment for the patient. - Belief system
Last but not the least is the belief system of a person. There are treatments that incorporate spiritual well-being and often this is the deciding factor for most people in choosing the facility. The 12-step programme for example by AA requires the person to surrender to a higher power, and someone who doesn’t believe in one may find it difficult to get progress in this treatment.
Advantages of Inpatient over Outpatient Programmes
Outpatient programme is particularly advantageous for people who can’t afford to leave other responsibilities like family life or work. And while it’s more ideal for some, there are also specific advantages that inpatient treatment offers that makes it incredibly beneficial for people struggling with addiction.
One advantage of inpatient treatment is the security it offers to the patient in terms of confidentiality that they are undergoing treatment, safety from triggers, and also the extensive care given to patients.
People undergoing inpatient rehab programmes allows clients to dedicate all their energy in their healing. Because they are extracted from the environment where their addiction had come up, they are more able to recover at a steady rate compared to those in outpatient. They are less likely to relapse during treatment as they are not exposed to triggers on a daily basis while trying to develop healthy coping strategies.
For most people undergoing outpatient treatment, they will have to deal with the triggers on their own after their sessions. However, with inpatient treatment, they have the security of the facility and don’t have to deal with triggers independently.
Last but not least, inpatient treatment gives immediate support to patients in case of emergency. They have access to medication and the full support of medical professionals 24/7 onsite. With that being said, inpatient treatment programmes are far more robust and allows people to focus on their recovery.
How Long Does Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Take?
The duration of inpatient alcohol rehab usually lasts between 30 to 90 days though this can vary depending on the severity of the alcohol addiction or the progress shown by the patient. Keep in mind that for some patients, it can merely last for a few days and for others, it can take up to months. Different factors come into play here like age, medical history, and mental health disorders.
How Much Does Inpatient Addiction Treatment Cost?
The rough estimate of inpatient addiction treatment is between £4,000 and £15,000 per month. It can vary from facility to facility of course and also depends on factors like age-specific treatment, medications, and the kinds of services the facility offers. You can inquire on the facility of your choice for a more exact pricing and also to your health insurance provider if they can cover the costs as well.
Inpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment
and Rehab Success Rates in the UK
Inpatient treatment success rates can be tricky as not all patients who finish their treatment report to their facilities of their progress. However, there are still some statistics that point to the success rates of rehabilitation facilities.
According to 2012 survey by the NHS’ National Treatment Agency for Substance Misues, the best rehab facilities in the UK have a 60% to 80% success rate for their patients five years after their treatment. However, the worst-performing rehab centres have a meager 20% success rate or lower.
Before you choose a facility, make sure to inquire about their success rate, case studies of their successful patients, and also speak to an addiction specialist who can direct you to facilities with good long-term success rates.
Questions to Ask an Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Treatment Centre
If you or a loved one is thinking of admitting to an inpatient treatment programme, below are some questions you need to consider before choosing one. These questions revolve around the staff and facility so you can be assured of their quality services.
- Is the programme licensed and accredited?
Are there case studies or evidence that the staff can provide to ensure that the inpatient treatment programme is professionally approved and licensed in the UK?
- How long is the inpatient programme?
Are there programmes with different lengths and that’s more appropriate to your unique situation? Do they allow patients change programmes in the middle of treatment if they have progressed rapidly or if the treatment has slower results?
- Does the programme offer specific types of therapy?
What are the therapy approaches available in the facility? Can patients have the opportunity to try out different therapy models if they are not getting results from prior therapies?
- What are the programme’s long term success rates?
Does the treatment facility have case studies of their success rate, one year, five years and tens years following treatment? What do their previous patients have to say about the inpatient programme that they offer?
- Do they offer an ongoing maintenance and support programme?
What aftercare treatment programmes are available in the facility? Do they have a year’s worth of aftercare?
- What types of medical experts are on site? Is care provided 24-hours?
What experience does the specialists of the facility have? Can we access proof of their medical qualifications and history? Does the rehab centre have a relationship with the local hospitals?
- Will you be able to contact loved ones during your stay?
Will family members, friends, and other loved ones be able to visit inside the facility? If so, what is the frequency and hours for visitation? Where will the visits take place? Can loved ones contact you via email, phone, Zoom, Skype or social media? Will loved ones directly participate in therapy and treatment of the patient?
- Do they accept insurance or offer any options for financial assistance?
What are the payment methods for the programme? Does the facility allow credit in case health insurance can’t cover the treatment?
Fast Access to Residential Treatment
We are currently able to offer fast access to private inpatient treatment.
Please call us today and speak to one of our expert advisors.
Call today in confidence: 0800 0148 970
Take the First Step Today by Reaching out for Help?
Accepting that you have an alcohol problem is very difficult in the first place because of the stigma surrounding it. Getting professional help may feel daunting at first and you may try to treat alcoholism on your own.
However, alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can not only effect your physical health and mental condition but also the relationships around you and what you hold dear in your life. It’s never too late to seek professional help no matter how severe the alcohol problem is. The sooner you decide to get help, the sooner change, and healing can come to you as well.
If you find that inpatient alcohol addiction treatment is better for your situation, there are already multiple high quality rehab centres in the UK qualified to treat alcohol addiction. You can seek the professional advice of your GP or an addiction specialist to help you decide on the facilities that can cater to your specific needs.
Take Control of Your Life and Get Started on the Road to Recovery and Brighter Future
If you have been a long-time alcohol user, it may seem intimidating and hopeless to get help and turn your life around. But nothing is ever too late, for with the proper treatment you can take control of your life again and not let alcohol damage it any further.
Remember, acknowledging that you need help is the first but crucial step towards recovery. If you’re already in that stage, then you’re already on the path. And if you still don’t feel ready, know that you’re not alone in this journey and help is available whenever you choose to seek it. Make the call today and let us help you get started on your journey.
FREE Alcohol Addiction Assessment
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free alcohol addiction assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
