TABLE OF CONTENT. How to Take the First Step Is Inpatient Rehab the Right Choice? Get the Help Needed Today

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2 TABLE OF CONTENT 3 The Need for Inpatient Rehab 3 Success with Inpatient Treatment 4 Numbers Rarely Lie 4 An Overview of Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment 7 Participating in the Program 9 Get the Most From their Rehab Experience 11 Support a Person s Recovery How to Take the First Step Is Inpatient Rehab the Right Choice? Get the Help Needed Today 2 How Inpatient Rehab Works

3 The Need for Inpatient Rehab Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective addiction treatment options available. Whether the decision to enter rehab is for yourself or for a loved one, this is the first step toward a life free from addiction. Inpatient treatment centers, also referred to as residential treatment centers, provide various programs to meet the participants needs. They offer a variety of tools, services, and evidenced-based practices to help clients begin the healing process. The participation of the client, along with the support and involvement of their family can make all the difference and have a great impact on the success rate. Success with Inpatient Treatment Learning how to get the most out of an inpatient treatment program for drug or alcohol abuse can prepare a person for long-term recovery, as revealed by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse. Their findings from a six-year study that took place between 2005 and 2011 show that one-third of the 341,741 individuals treated had successfully recovered from their substance addiction and maintained long-term sobriety. Getting the most out of treatment includes more than simply showing up to group meetings and therapy sessions, it requires participation, openmindedness, and a willingness to change. 3 How Inpatient Rehab Works

4 Numbers Rarely Lie A survey conducted in 2009 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that 23.5 million people, from 12 years of age to adult, required treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. Once the dependence on drugs or alcohol is acknowledged, seeking help and treatment is the next step in the recovery process. But it s also sometimes a hard step to take. Of the 23.5 million people identified in 2009 as needing help for a substance abuse problem, only 2.6 million (11.2 percent) received the help they needed at a substance abuse treatment center. An Overview of Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment There are several principles that guide successful inpatient substance abuse treatment centers in providing clients with the most comprehensive care possible, finds the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These principles or steps include a medically supervised detox, treating clients as individuals, rather than using a one size fits all approach to treatment, and an aftercare program in order to help the individual maintain sobriety once inpatient treatment has been completed. These steps help individuals transition through rehab gradually and at a pace that is safe and comfortable for the client. 4 How Inpatient Rehab Works

5 Detoxification: The detoxification process is vital to getting drugs or alcohol out of the person s system while helping the individual withdraw safely. Throughout detox, the client will be supervised by medical staff members to ensure they re as comfortable as possible. Safety and health are of the utmost importance during detox. Admission Process: The admission process begins when an individual walks through the doors of the inpatient rehab center. As simple as this step sounds, it can be tremendously difficult for the person involved. But the intake process is relatively straight forward and nothing for the client or their family members to fear. Upon arrival, the client will meet with an intake counselor who s experienced in conversing with and assessing people who wish to recover to help determine the best possible treatment plan for them. Individualized Treatment Plan: After the intake process and admission into the facility, the client entering treatment will see the medical staff members who help to assess physical and mental health. This step is very important to the development of an individualized treatment plan. For maximum effect, the individual s treatment plan must be reassessed and adjusted as necessary throughout the program, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Counseling: There are various types of counseling an individual can take part in during residential treatment. As part of the regular schedule, one might find themselves attending large and small group counseling sessions, as well as individual counseling. At some point in the treatment program, it s likely that family counseling will be included as well. Ongoing Medical Assessments: A person s health can change during treatment. Once the body is free of drugs and alcohol, the medical staff will continue to assess the need for treatment of physical or mental health conditions that co-exist with or were caused by substance abuse. 5 How Inpatient Rehab Works

6 Family Programs: Family members are important. Not only do they influence the person seeking recovery, but they re also affected by the clients substance abuse. Most inpatient treatment facilities offer family programs to help loved ones deal with the effects of substance abuse in their family. Additionally, as family members heal, they will learn how to coexist in healthier ways with the client after rehab. Transition Preparation: Treatment isn t over at the end of rehabilitation. In fact, going through rehab is only part of the process. Long before the client is scheduled to complete their inpatient rehabilitation, he or she will begin working with counselors and other staff members toward a smooth transition back to home, work, and family life. Aftercare: In an American Journal of Public Health article published in June of 2011, Flora I. Matheson states, Those who did not participate [in aftercare] were ten times more likely to return to seriously harmful behavior within one year. Aftercare is a vital part of lifelong sobriety. As such, it s an integral part of an inpatient treatment facility s recovery program. While engaging in aftercare classes and counseling sessions, the client in recovery can build their coping skills and continue learning healthier ways to deal with problematic life situations without turning to drugs and alcohol. 6 How Inpatient Rehab Works

7 Participating in the Program Programs that included a detoxification phase contribute toward a 67 percent treatment program completion rate, states SAMHSA. After the completion of detox, a person s involvement in the program helps increase the individual completion success rate. Participating in treatment may seem obvious to those on the outside looking in. But when an individual becomes overwhelmed by the emotions surrounding substance abuse, it s helpful to remember the following: Attend Mandatory Counseling Sessions: Long-term substance abuse has a way of wreaking havoc on daily routines and responsible schedules, which can make it hard to deal with the daily schedule at rehab. Nevertheless, a person can get a lot more from counseling sessions than he or she imagines. Clients should participate by listening to what others say in counseling and ponder what the counselors suggest. Take Necessary Medications: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medication can be an important part of recovery treatment in conjunction with behavioral therapies, counseling, and aftercare. If medication is prescribed to help the person through detoxification or for dealing with a co-existing condition, such as depression, it becomes an important part of the treatment plan developed for a successful recovery. 7 How Inpatient Rehab Works

8 Participate in Workshops and Classes: The workshops and classes offered at a inpatient treatment program aren t there just to keep people busy. Each one serves a purpose in recovery and relapse prevention. For example, art therapy classes might not seem very important, but it teaches healthy self-expression, which is an important skill in recovery from addiction. A variety of classes are generally offered, allowing clients to participate in things that interest and or will be of benefit them. Create a Sobriety Plan: As part of a the client s transition back to life after treatment, they ll work on a plan for lifelong sobriety with their counselor. Get the most out of this by actively becoming involved in the creation of the plan. Consider possible supportive people or groups outside treatment that can become a regular network. Take advantage of the counselors expertise in creating a realistic plan that can be achieved. 8 How Inpatient Rehab Works

9 Tips for Individuals Who Want to Get the Most From their Rehab Experience Dr. Jeanne Segal of HelpGuide.org asserts that playing an active role in one s own treatment can help build a sober lifestyle. In addition to self-care, the building of a strong and positive support network is vital to successful treatment as well as long-term sobriety. Segal also finds that it s imperative for people in recovery to learn healthy ways to deal with stress. She states that the abuse of drugs or alcohol is often a misguided attempt to manage stress. The little things a person does in recovery can become big steps toward a sober life. Follow the Program Schedule: The routine and structure of an inpatient treatment center are very beneficial parts of recovery and a sober lifestyle. The daily schedule in rehab helps to provide the building blocks that create a strong foundation for sober living, while teaching the individual the importance of having purpose in each day. Be Honest in Counseling Sessions: The more honest a client is about what he or she feels or thinks, the easier it is for the staff to help. Time spent in an inpatient program will go more quickly than one can imagine, and it s important not to waste time being stubborn or obstinate. Although it s common to behave this way when a person is angry about their circumstances, working against those who are there to help only hurts the individual in their recovery. 9 How Inpatient Rehab Works

10 View Staff Members as Allies not Enemies: The counselors and staff members at an inpatient rehab center are there because they re dedicated to helping the people under their care. Viewing staff members as allies working toward a common goal of sobriety will help open up lines of communication and encourage working together as a team. Consume Healthy Foods: A person may not think much about his or her diet while in rehab or aftercare, but the foods consumed regularly have an effect on health and can impact recovery. Healthy foods such as lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables support good health and provide much-needed energy for recovery in a sober living lifestyle. Take advantage of healthy foods offered during rehab, steering clear of foods that are fatty or full of sugar. Participate in Physical Activity: Exercise is one of the best natural sources of stress relief. Participate in classes or individual activities that get the blood flowing and the body moving. Even five to 10 minutes of exercise per day can help with mood enhancement and relieve stress, finds the American Psychological Association. Learn Relaxation and Stress-Reduction Techniques: The key to effective stress relief, finds Melinda Smith, M.A., of Help Guide, is to find the technique that works best for the client. An inpatient treatment center will offer a variety of relaxation therapy classes ranging from art therapy to yoga and deep breathing. Clients will get more out of their experience at rehab by trying different relaxation methods to find one they can and want to continue with after they leave the facility. Ask Questions/Seek Meaningful Information: Before treatment, many users turn to drugs or alcohol to solve their problems. During treatment, it s important for the client to become his or her own advocate. Asking questions and participating in discussions can provide important information that benefits the person throughout recovery. 10 How Inpatient Rehab Works

11 Tips for Families and Friends Who Want to Support a Person s Recovery The family of a substance abuser can be a very powerful resource for treatment or help states the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at University of North Carolina. Those surrounding the person taking part in inpatient rehab can be influential in recovery and aftercare. Learning how to support a loved one during rehabilitation is important to helping them get the most out of treatment. Become Involved without Interfering: In addition to the user s life being changed by treatment, his or her loved ones will also experience changes. While they re likely to be relieved that their loved one is receiving treatment, important changes in everyone s lifestyles will be necessary to support long-term sobriety. For instance, family members who like to celebrate special occasions with a favorite alcoholic beverage may need to refrain from doing so for a while after the individual finishes treatment. Be Supportive, Not Controlling: There s a difference between providing support and trying to control a recovering person s every move. While it s natural to worry, hovering and nagging will only lead to stress. Family members who participate in family sessions at the treatment center and in counseling afterward can learn how to support a loved one without controlling or without compromising their own well-being. 11 How Inpatient Rehab Works

12 Attend Family Meetings: Family meetings held at the treatment center serve to inform and educate the loved ones of those going through substance abuse treatment. Aside from explaining various aspects of substance abuse, family meetings also provide an important opportunity for loved ones to discuss what they feel and have gone through, while gaining much-needed support. Participate in Family Counseling: Family-based treatment can help people recover with greater success, finds University of Miami s School of Nursing and Health Studies. During family counseling, everyone should speak openly and work together to heal relationships and learn how to live in sobriety. Take an Honest Look at their Own Lifestyle: Children of parents who abuse drugs or alcohol face a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems of their own, finds the University of Miami. During a loved one s treatment, family members should take an honest look at their own lifestyles and endeavor to change anything that might contribute toward relapse. Commit to Aftercare as a Family: Family participation during inpatient treatment is important, and so is remaining involved during aftercare. Loved ones can take an active interest in the sobriety plan developed during treatment. They can continue to attend family counseling and work alongside the recovering individual to maintain a home environment that s healthy for everyone. Sobriety is a lifelong process that requires the commitment of the individual in recovery, as well as those around him or her. 12 How Inpatient Rehab Works

13 How to Take the First Step Treatment must be available to the individual the moment he or she is ready in order to prevent feelings of uncertainty that occur when rehab becomes a real possibility. There are specific steps an individual, family member or friend can take to start the process of entering an inpatient treatment program. Preparedness can assist in taking that first step. Find Inpatient Treatment Options Ahead of Time: It s beneficial for family members and friends who suspect that someone they care about is abusing drugs or alcohol to look into inpatient treatment options ahead of time. Knowing about programs that can help their loved one with a substance abuse problem can provide hope to family members, resulting in a quicker transition into treatment. Once an inpatient treatment facility is found, loved ones can connect with medical or counseling professionals there about how to get help for someone they care about. Rehearse What Needs to be Said: The hopelessness and desperation involved in long-term substance abuse can lead to stress and overwhelming feelings for those surrounding the individual suffering from addiction. Prepare to talk to a loved one about their substance abuse by rehearsing the conversation in advance. Practice with someone else, if possible. This can help facilitate a conversation that is less likely to put the individual on the defensive when confronted about his or her substance abuse. 13 How Inpatient Rehab Works

14 Make the Call: Change is scary, even when it is change for the better. Reaching out to an inpatient treatment facility can result in important information or helpful advice that makes it easier to talk to someone about their substance abuse. In the case of dealing with a minor, parents can learn how to admit their teen for rehab by speaking with a counselor. Don t Put it Off Until Tomorrow: Substance abuse recovery is imperative to an individual s health. Call today to begin working toward a healthier future. The professional help provided can save an individual s life. 14 How Inpatient Rehab Works

15 Is Inpatient Rehab the Right Choice? A variety of treatment methods for drug and alcohol abuse exist. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that participation in an inpatient rehabilitation program can be very effective toward recovery, offering the structure and support a recovering person needs. Likewise, inpatient treatment provides the individual with a better chance of long-term recovery, finds HelpGuide.org. An addiction to drugs or alcohol creates an overwhelming and dangerous situation that is difficult to face alone. As a family member or friend of someone suffering from the stronghold of drugs or alcohol, or as an individual whose life has been impacted by their own substance abuse, the support offered by an inpatient treatment center can be the lifeline needed. Get the Help Needed Today Having suspected or acknowledged that a problem exists with substance abuse, it s important to take the next step by reaching out for help. The staff members at Alternatives in Treatment are here to support and provide information to those who want to break free from the control of drugs or alcohol and regain peace of mind, health, and happiness through sobriety. Take the first step and contact us today. 15 How Inpatient Rehab Works