Why In-patient Treatment for addicts?

Nobody likes the confinement, we all love freedom. Addicts compare jails with in- patient treatment. However family also sometimes feels that outpatient treatment will be a better option but it eventually gets fail. An addict is pre-occupied with the thought of using substance it is difficult for him to participate in individual counselling sessions with this mind set, There are high chances of addict to use substances as a result of uncontrollable cravings. He may feel ashamed or guilty to go to therapist after drinking or using substance. An addict always gives first preference to his substance so adherence to outpatient treatment becomes challenging.  There are few rational for suggesting a in-house treatment for an addict; the reasons are as below:

1.     No access to substance: In a natural environment addict has open access to substances or alcohol. In-patient treatment automatically turns in to compulsive abstinence as rehabilitation caters doesn’t allow the patients to use any chemicals once they are admitted.  
  

2.     Structured routine: after detoxification, patients are supposed to follow the structured timetable in the rehab. It includes fixed timings for food, exercise, sleep etc. An active addict doesn’t have a structured day in natural environment. He sleeps whenever he wants or he don’t mind skipping food for days together which may worsen his health condition. 

  

3.     Peer help: In the rehabilitation units he gets the peer group like him who is also fighting with the addiction, the peer educators works as role model & he can get motivated.   

4.     Less deviation: patient is able to avoid the unnecessary deviations like meeting the using friends or responding somebody on phone or mails by being in the in-house treatment.

5.     Focus on self: Less deviation, good positive peer support, in puts by therapists allow the patients to focus on themselves and change their thoughts, attitudes towards substances. They will be able to put conscious efforts for bringing the desirable changes. 
  

6.     Under observation: While taking the in-patient treatments there counsellors, therapists, doctors are supposed to give a feedback, that means the patient will be under observation & he will get the right suggestions during the treatment. It saves lot of time & patient gets good directions to mould his behaviour.

7.     Helps to introspect: The suggestions, psycho education, peer feedback, etc helps the individual to introspect his behaviour & learn from the past mistakes.

8.     Managing cravings & triggers without substance: During the treatment patients learn that they can overcome the craving & stress & negative emotions without the substance; they learn the new coping mechanisms & become confident.  
    


     Sheetal Bidkar