Benefits

• An inpatient treatment facility can offer more to those addicted to alcohol than outpatient treatment. Under the supervision of a medically trained staff, the alcoholic can rest assured that every aspect of his treatment is handled with diligence and professionalism. Inpatient treatment can help an alcoholic overcome his dependency in a safer and more secure environment. The withdrawal symptoms associated with treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging, especially the DT's (delirium tremens) that may emerge during the detoxification process. An inpatient treatment facility can also prescribe medications that can help to ease these withdrawal discomforts, and provide supervised care.
  
  

Function

• Individuals suffering from alcohol dependency enter inpatient treatment programs for the purpose of completely recovering from addiction. Once checked into a program, the individual is assessed to definitively determine if alcohol is the basis of his problem. At this time, other physical and emotional conditions can surface such as anxiety and depression and can be addressed by the house physician. Medications are often prescribed to aid in the alcoholic's recovery. If the presence of an underlying pychological disorder is present, the alcoholic is assessed by a psychiatrist and provided with preventative treatments. This treatment will continue for the duration of his recovery and beyond.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Contrary to popular belief, the alcoholic's 12-step program is not religiously based. An individual that is seeking to overcome alcohol dependency does not need to have a spiritual background to be successful in recovery. However, inpatient recovery programs do incorporate the 12-step process into their program with the belief that the individual can follow the steps by trusting in a higher power that does not have to be of any religious sect. Therefore individuals of varying backgrounds and creeds can feel comfortable seeking treatment. During inpatient treatment the alcoholic is encouraged to ponder the 12 steps to recovery in learning how to change his perspective on alcohol abuse and the influence that it has had over his life. Although the possibility of relapse is always a possibility, research has shown that those who follow the 12 steps during and after treatment in an inpatient program have a higher rate of success in overcoming their addiction.
  
  

Time Frame

• Intervention is an important part of an alcoholic's treatment. Admission into an inpatient treatment facility can be crucial to the recovery, health and survival of the alcoholic. But time is of the essence. It is important that an individual is reached before his life begins to spiral out of control. Friends and loved ones will often have to confront the alcoholic, forcing him to face the reality of his addiction and discussing the alternatives.
  
  

Considerations

• Those employed by a company that provides an insurance benefit that covers inpatient alcohol treatment can usually find a treatment program that fits their needs. But for those that do not have an active health insurance policy, treatment is also available. Sliding scale payments and free treatment options through churches and other public organizations offer alternative options to those seeking treatment for alcohol addiction. Several phone calls may be necessary before the family finds an inpatient program that suits their needs.