It is not always clear when determining if you need treatment for your alcoholism or drug addiction. Individuals in the throes of addiction are often the last to acknowledge that they are in dire need of professional help. Denial is a major component of the disease of addiction. Therefore, the afflicted individual generally continues to use and believes drugs and alcohol are not the problems.
Further complicating this vicious cycle, without total abstinence from drugs and alcohol it is merely impossible for the addict to understand the potentially fatal nature of their addiction. Continued use reinforces denial and the fear of withdrawal propels the individual to continue using – despite negative consequences. The best way for an addict or alcoholic to consider venturing down the road to recovery is to enter an inpatient treatment program.
Admitting you have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol can be extremely difficult. If you are on the fence about whether or not you need inpatient treatment, read on to see if you fit the criteria.
You Cannot Stay Sober
One of the most obvious signs that you need inpatient treatment is that you have tried to get sober and cannot do so on your own. You may have attempted to attend 12-Step meetings or SMART recovery support groups – to no avail. You may have even successfully stopped using drugs and alcohol for an extended period of time, but yet you always pick up again. In other words, despite all attempts, you cannot “stay stopped.” If you are unable to maintain long-term sobriety without intervals of relapse, you may want to consider inpatient addiction treatment.
You Suffer From a Co-Occurring Disorder
If you are stuck in a vicious cycle of addiction, there is a possibility that you may have underlying mental health disorders preventing you from maintaining sobriety. Clinical treatment professionals are trained to recognize and properly diagnose any underlying co-occurring disorders that clients may be experiencing. Many individuals suffering from substance use disorder also have a dual diagnosis and require proper treatment of underlying psychological issues. If left undiagnosed and untreated, many individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders struggle to maintain long-term sobriety. If this is something you are experiencing, it is vital that you receive the proper care at an inpatient dual diagnosis treatment center.
Prior Failed Outpatient Treatment
Oftentimes many individuals initially seek outpatient treatment as a remedy for their drug addiction or alcoholism. Outpatient addiction treatment is intended for individuals to receive the proper treatment while allowing flexibility for the individual to maintain responsibilities such as work, school, and family. Although proven to be effective, each individual’s path to recovery is different. Attending an inpatient facility creates structure, stability, and protection from outside triggers while equipping each client with the tools to stay sober. If you have attempted to attend outpatient treatment and failed, the structure of inpatient treatment may be more appropriate for you.
Your Environment is Not Conducive to Recovery
Another sign that you may need to attend an inpatient treatment program is if your current environment is not drug-free and not supportive of a recovery-based lifestyle. If you are suffering from the chronic disease of addiction, it is highly recommended that you have access to medical care and treatment services such as therapy and sober support. Additionally, you will need transportation to important appointments as well as a balanced diet as you are recovering from your addiction. Inpatient treatment programs provide all of these in a protected environment that is conducive to maintaining long-term sobriety.
You are Experiencing Physical Consequences
Your addiction is not only taxing on your mental health but also on your overall physical wellbeing as well. There are a ton of medical conditions that may arise as a direct result of your addiction, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Anemia
- Cancer
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- High Blood Pressure
- Seizures
- Death
Medical staff properly assess any mental or physical consequences that you may be facing and treat each ailment accordingly.
You Are Facing Legal Issues Due to Your Addiction
Legal issues and drug addiction/alcohol are often intertwined. The former is bound to happen as the latter continues to progress. Therefore, you may find yourself catching a DUI, getting into brawls, and engaging in illegal activities to continue on with your addiction. If you find yourself facing legal issues due to your addiction, you may want to consider inpatient addiction treatment.
How Can I Find an Inpatient Treatment Program That is Right For Me?
If you are in need of drug/alcohol addiction treatment, there are several things you should consider. First and foremost, you want to be sure that the inpatient treatment facility has the proper certifications and licensing within the state in which it is operating. Be sure these certifications and licenses are current and posted visibly for any prospective clients.
Secondly, you want the programming to be evidence-based, proven to work and backed by evidence of success. For example, you want to be sure the treatment plan includes medical detoxification, individual and group therapy, and life/coping skills training education. It is also vital that the treatment plan includes a solid aftercare program and available encourages alumni involvement.
Lastly, an ideal inpatient addiction treatment center should have an individualized treatment approach for your recovery. This ensures that you are receiving a treatment curriculum that specifically addresses your underlying struggles. The inpatient program you choose should offer appropriate time to fully recover physically, psychologically, and spiritually.
