When someone is facing a drug problem, the first step in treatment is for him to be willing to accept help. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that drug addiction is a chronic disease in which drugs are used to change the function of the brain by tapping into its communication system. Because most drug abuse is chronic and reoccurs over time, rehabilitation through professional help is necessary for a full recovery. Each type of rehab is slightly different in the services it offers. All should be tailored to the addict.
Inpatient
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, inpatient services are defined as the level of medical supervision offered at a treatment facility. Many severe drug abusers seek out inpatient care facilities for help with detoxing from their drug abuse. An inpatient facility is crucial at assisting the addict with all aspects of rehabilitation. Most patients are in an inpatient rehab unit from two to 10 days. The first step is cleansing the body from the drugs. This includes placing the patient into 24 hour around-the-clock care. At this time, the patient will be monitored very closely as the body withdraws from the drugs. Drugs such as opiates can cause changes in the respiratory system and affect breathing and heart rate. Some patients go through a rise in core body temperature and this needs to be monitored to avoid seizures or risk of brain damage. Convulsions, tremors and delusions are common with drug withdrawals. A physician can order medications to help to make uncomfortable side effects more manageable to the patient. An intravenous line may be run into the patient's blood stream to keep him hydrated during the process.
Outpatient
An outpatient program offers a combination of medical assistance and a supportive and structured living environment. Outpatient facilities are generally based on the need of support needed by the patient. He can stay in house and receive monitoring from a trained medical staff or he can attend individualized sessions and participate in group meetings. The National Institute for Drug Abuse states that outpatient care treats the patient with structure and support through cognitive behavioral therapy, direct psychological therapy and approved medication. Some outpatient facilities allow the patient to leave for work and family time while others require them to stay in the controlled environment of the outpatient facility. Most facilities encourage friend and family support by organizing group sessions and activities that involve visitors. This helps everyone in the patient's life to make the transition back home after he has completed treatment.
Sober Living
A sober living or residential drug rehabilitation is a step up from inpatient and outpatient care. At a sober living facility, a small group of patients live together in a structured home environment. This is beneficial because it is a transition from detoxing from heavy drugs to testing the patients will power outside of aggressive rehab. The Michaels House website explains that one of the key benefits to residential drug rehab is that the recovering addict is not faced with the temptations of drugs. The environment is drug-free and patients must test drug-free in order to stay and visit. Most sober living facilities house patients with similar addictions, such as those addicted to stimulants, opiates and depressants. Some patients may have other addictions, such as those to alcohol, inhalants or prescriptions.
