Inpatient Drug Detox Programs

What are Inpatient Drug Detox Programs?

by Jonathan Huttner

There are two forms of drug detox: outpatient drug detox programs and inpatient drug detox programs. Inpatient drug detox programs are located within the confines of an addiction treatment facility, drug rehab, or general hospital.

When the word "drug" is used, we refer to anything that is mood or mind altering, which of course includes alcohol. Research has shown us that inpatient drug detox programs are more effective than outpatient programs, because inpatient programs provide the patient with 24-hour supervision, structure, access to constant medical care and medication with which to manage drug withdrawal symptoms. Since most patients experience different degrees of medical challenges, 24-hour medical coverage is imperative.

The Purpose of Inpatient Drug Detox Programs

There are two main goals of a drug detox program: medical stabilization and to assess the individual for his or her need for ongoing addiction treatment. Prior to admission to an inpatient drug detox program, every individual is assessed as to his or her need for drug detox. If it is felt an individual is in danger of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, then a drug detox protocol is prescribed. The medication that makes up the detox protocol is designed to manage, and in some cases, eliminate drug withdrawal symptoms.

In inpatient drug detox programs, patients' vitals are taken on a regular basis, and based upon the severity of the withdrawal symptoms, medications are adjusted. The detox staff develops an aftercare plan for patients in inpatient drug detox programs while they are there. The aftercare plan will be based upon information provided by the patient as well as the clinical perceptions of each therapist. The aftercare choices are based upon which level of care will best meet the needs of the patient and enable him or her to maintain the gains made in the inpatient drug detox program.

Experience in the addiction treatment field has shown that patients who do not go on to residential addiction treatment after completing inpatient drug detox programs, generally end up in relapse. This is not so much a reflection upon the quality of the inpatient drug detox programs, but a reflection on the difficulty associated with recovery from the disease of addiction. Remember, drug detox is not the same as drug rehab. Inpatient drug detox programs are not considered addiction treatment, but the beginning phase of an addiction treatment program. If you require assistance in locating effective inpatient drug detox programs that will meet your specific needs or require additional information on drug detox, feel free to call the national addiction treatment helpline at 1-800-820-5841.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the founders of Lakeview Health Systems, which has treated over 7,000 people from throughout the United States. Jonathan has been involved in the field of addiction and eating disorder treatment for the last 25 years.