Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Inpatient or residential treatment offers 24/7 support in a structured setting. It may be helpful when medical or safety risks are higher, home isn’t stable, or you need focused time away to reset.
Our website is for information only. We help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with licensed providers, but we do not diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
Who Inpatient May Help
Inpatient care may be a good fit if you:
- Have strong cravings or heavy use patterns
- Face withdrawal risks that need monitoring
- Have both substance use and mental health needs
- Tried outpatient care without enough progress
- Need a safe, substance-free space to stabilize
What Inpatient Treatment Is
You live at the facility for a set period, often a few weeks. Days include therapy, skill-building, and medical or psychiatric support when needed. Length varies based on clinical needs, insurance coverage, and program availability. A clinician will review options with you and explain step-down care after discharge.
After completing an inpatient program, many people move into a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for continued progress.
What to Expect Day to Day
Morning check-ins and prescribed medications
Group therapy and skills like CBT, DBT, and relapse prevention
One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist
Meals, rest periods, exercise, and peer support
Evening groups, activities, or recovery meetings
Therapies You May See
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for thought and behavior change
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for coping and emotion skills
Motivational interviewing to build readiness for change
Trauma-informed therapy to process past experiences safely
Family therapy sessions to improve support and communication
Some programs also offer holistic options like mindfulness, movement, or creative therapies. Services differ by facility.
Medications
(When Appropriate)
For some alcohol or opioid use disorders, FDA-approved medications may reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Psychiatric medications can also support mental health conditions. A prescriber will review risks, benefits, and alternatives. Medications are always voluntary.
Co-Occurring or Dual Diagnosis Care
If you’re living with both substance use and mental health conditions, ask about dual diagnosis treatment. Integrated care can improve stability and recovery.
Aftercare & Step-Down
Before leaving inpatient care, staff help set up next steps, which may include:
- Step-down to PHP or IOP
- Ongoing outpatient therapy
- Medication follow-ups
- Peer support groups
- A personalized relapse-prevention plan
With your consent, family or loved ones may also join education sessions or therapy. These focus on communication, boundaries, and supporting recovery after discharge.
Insurance & Costs
Coverage depends on your plan, network, and medical needs. Programs can check benefits, but your insurer makes the final decision. Ask about self-pay or payment plans if needed.
How to Choose an Inpatient Program
Check for state license and accreditation
Ask about medical and psychiatric staff availability
Review safety policies and detox support
Confirm aftercare planning and insurance coverage
FAQs
What is inpatient (residential) addiction treatment?
Inpatient addiction treatment means you live at a facility full time for a set period (often weeks). You receive structured care: therapy, medical oversight, skills training, and peer support. After this period, many people transition to outpatient or step-down programs.
How long does inpatient treatment usually last?
The length of inpatient stays varies depending on clinical need, progress, insurance, and program design. Many programs last 2 to 8 weeks, but some may extend or shorten based on your plan and step-down options.
Will I need detox before entering inpatient care?
Not always. A clinician will assess your withdrawal risk. If detox is needed, many inpatient programs offer on-site detox services or coordinate with a detox facility prior to or at intake.
Can I continue work or school while in inpatient treatment?
Inpatient care is immersive and usually requires pausing work or study during your stay. Later, you may transition to a PHP or IOP format that allows more flexibility for work, school, or daily responsibilities.
How do I choose a good inpatient treatment program?
Look for a licensed, accredited facility (e.g. Joint Commission or CARF). Ask about medical and psychiatric staffing, dual-diagnosis support, safety procedures, detox access, and aftercare planning. Also review costs and ask for a sample daily schedule.
What happens after inpatient treatment ends?
After discharge, you’ll often step down into PHP, IOP, or outpatient therapy. You’ll have follow-up care, medication management if appropriate, peer support, and a relapse-prevention plan tailored to your needs.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.