Are you considering an inpatient or residential substance abuse rehabilitation program, but want to know the benefits of such a program? At Salt Lake Behavioral Health, we know that making the decision to put life on hold for a month or longer while you complete a rehabilitation program can be daunting, but there are a few key reasons why rehab is important.

  1. Structure
    When those with addictions are still experiencing all the stress of day-to-day life, work, school, or whatever else they might be dealing with, it can be hard to find structured time to focus on the addiction, triggers, and traumas.This is a major reason inpatient rehab is important: the structure and focus that can be given to the addiction, past trauma, addiction symptoms, and relationships. Coming to an inpatient facility removes the chance of procrastination (no more saying “I’ll get sober after the holidays,”) and makes it difficult for an individual to ignore their symptoms.
  2. Connection with peers
    Another benefit of inpatient treatment is connecting with others who have had similar experiences who can provide insight and validation to what the patient may be feeling.
  3. Professional addiction help
    In an inpatient setting, those with addictions will be cared for by nurses, psychiatrists and therapists who all understand the disease and how to help. The road to recovery is not an easy one, but having professional staff who are trained to help navigate the past traumas and contributing factors can provide fresh perspective for anyone stuck in a rut.
  4. Education
    Another plus for having professional staff leading your treatment plan is the opportunity for education around the disease. Here at Salt Lake Behavioral Health, as part of the inpatient rehabilitation program, patients attend 2-3 groups a day. One of these groups is a psychoeducation group, where a doctor or therapist will present courses for patients to learn more about the body, the brain, and the causes, issues, and side-effects of addiction.
  5. Diverse treatments and therapies
    If someone with an addiction tries to get sober at home, chances are they won’t try Tai Chi, art therapy, rhythmic drumming therapy, yoga, poetry therapy, and pet therapy as part of their recovery journey. While they might already know a few of these coping skills, inpatient therapy exposes patients to a much wider range of therapies and skills they can use to stay sober.
  6. Detox symptoms managed
    For those with severe addictions, getting sober at home might be difficult as detoxing may come with severe nausea, fatigue, seizures, and other severe withdrawal symptoms. In an inpatient program, patients have access to 24/7 nursing care to ensure that they detox safely and as comfortably as possible.

Why is recovery important?
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of attending an inpatient rehabilitation program, let’s talk about the overall benefits of recovery in general – the reasons to get sober.

Health Benefits of Recovery
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, health risks associated with drug abuse include stroke, cancers, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and mental disorders.

There are also many mental health benefits to recovery. Increased self-esteem and confidence boost energy levels and improve mood.

Improved Relationships
Those with addictions often struggle in their relationships with family and friends, their continued use of substances often driving a wedge between them and their loved ones. After entering recovery, many individuals find themselves on a path to reconnecting with family members who have been driven away by the habit. Additionally, sobriety comes with added free time, and many use this additional time to discover new hobbies and invest in meaningful relationships.

Financial Wellbeing
Another major benefit of recovery is increased financial stability. Besides the obvious financial burden of paying for substances, an active addiction can cause problems at work, sometimes making it difficult for those with addictions to hold down a steady job.

Get Help Today
Are you looking for inpatient drug rehabilitation or detox? Salt Lake Behavioral Health Hospital has an inpatient detox and addiction medicine program. To check your eligibility or to schedule a free assessment, call 801-264-6000 or visit the Courage to Change website.