Thinking About Recovery? Here’s What You Need to Know about Addiction Inpatient Treatment  

Acknowledging the need for help can feel overwhelming and scary. Having more knowledge on substance use recovery treatment can be what you need to gain the courage to take that first step. 

Substance use disorders are treatable with the resources that are currently available like inpatient treatment for addiction. You can maintain a successful recovery through a combination of different treatments including therapy, medications, 12-step programs, along with drug and alcohol rehab.  

Understanding the recovery process benefits those seeking help by allowing them to make the most informed decisions about their treatment, empowering and supporting them in their journey.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder 

Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home [2]. 

Substance abuse is an issue that affects millions of people globally. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 20.4 million adults – age 12 and older – had a substance use disorder in 2019 [1].

Related: What is Drug Addiction — and How Can it be Treated?

What are the Effects of Alcohol or Drug Addiction?

When abusing substances, you can suffer from physical, mental, and cognitive effects due to substance use alone with the fear of overdose and death. Families can be deeply affected since substance abuse is a family issue and it will take a toll emotionally and financially on your loved ones.

Understanding the Stigma  

An important mission is destigmatizing the negative beliefs associated with substance use disorders. When practitioners can better understand the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction, they can learn to avoid stigmatizing clients and can better advocate for changes in public policy around inpatient rehab and treatment program services. Recovery is a journey where providers and individuals struggling with substance abuse can work together to create long-standing improvements.

How Does Addiction Treatment Help?

While addiction is a chronic condition requiring life-long maintenance, that doesn’t mean you have to continue suffering. Like most diseases, addiction is treatable. Addiction treatment programs can help you heal your brain and body from the effects of substance use disorder [3]. Through effective and evidence-based treatment methods including medical detox and inpatient addiction treatment, it is possible to overcome addiction.

The Purpose of a Medical Detox 

Medical detox, including drug detox and alcohol detox, ensures a safe and controlled environment for the initial phase of treatment for you when seeking help with a substance use disorder. Common withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and symptoms can be safely monitored through medications, gradual tapering, and symptom control. 

Medical detoxes provide 24/7 supervision that can closely monitor any signs of complications and provide emergency intervention if needed. This type of ongoing support helps you receive the personalized care needed to prepare you for long-term treatment. Stabilization of physical and mental health sets the stage for a successful journey toward sustained sobriety.

Related: What is Detox Treatment and Why Is It So Important?

What To Expect During Detox 

The detox process can present both physical and emotional challenges. Emotional challenges can include anxiety, depression, cravings, and strong emotions like shame, guilt, or fear. Physical challenges include withdrawal symptoms, fatigue, and physical discomfort. 

Typical withdrawal symptoms from substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines can include tremors, sweating, anxiety, nausea, headaches, insomnia, vomiting, chills, and irritability. Medical interventions for these include symptom management and relief as well as long-term support through medications like naltrexone that can help reduce cravings. 

The detox process can last up to two weeks depending on the severity of physical withdrawal symptoms while physiological symptoms may persist longer. With proper medical supervision and intervention, detox can provide a more manageable start to recovery.

Related: What to Expect From Alcohol Detox

The Importance of Inpatient Addiction Treatment

Although medical detoxification is a vital step in the recovery process that can lead to long-term abstinence, we recommend continuing treatment once you’re stabilized by attending a residential addiction treatment program. Recovery from drug addiction doesn’t happen overnight and the more time you have in treatment while in early sobriety, the better.

Inpatient rehabilitation programs allow you to continue receiving support in a controlled environment where you get a chance to engage in therapy, get down to the root causes of your drug use, and learn valuable coping skills to take with you when you leave treatment.

Related: What’s it Like Day-to-Day in Addiction Treatment Rehab?

Key Considerations When Choosing a Treatment Facility  

When selecting a treatment facility it is important to consider some factors: 

• Individualized treatment approaches- Treatment planning and individual therapy, counseling, and medication management should be tailored to your specific needs. 
• Dual diagnosis capabilities- Many individuals recovering from substance abuse also present with co-occurring mental health disorders. Programs that have the ability to treat the whole person as opposed to one area will help build a strong foundation for success. 
• Evidence-based treatment methods- Methods that have been scientifically proven to be effective in treating substance use disorders such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). 
• Staff qualifications and expertise- Staff members should be trained and licensed in addiction treatment, mental health care, and co-occurring disorders. Their ability to provide proper care is essential to long-term recovery. 
• Facility amenities and environment: A comfortable environment promotes healing and well-being. Look for clean, comfortable environments with space for recreational activities, holistic treatment options like yoga, and a supportive community.

Related: Find Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers Near You 

Treatment Modalities 

Common evidence-based approaches to treating substance use disorders in the treatment center include:  

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – This therapy type helps reframe negative thought patterns with more constructive and realistic ones.  
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – This therapy type teaches you to manage your emotions, which is beneficial for overwhelming feelings that might lead you to unhealthy habits. 
• Group Counseling – When in group counseling, you’ll be able to learn how to socialize while learning other people’s points of view and similar experiences. This can begin the creation of your sober network.  
• Experiential Therapy – This type of therapy includes different types of expression such as art, music, and creative writing to name a few. 
• Family Therapy – Being able to work through familial issues can benefit the relationships within the family dynamic and can create a more stable supportive environment at home. 

These approaches can help facilitate education and awareness around substance abuse, help build life skills and resilience, and encourage community involvement and support. 

Stages of Recovery 

Detoxification: Removal of the substance from the body. Support during this stage includes symptom management, medical supervision, and stabilization. 

Early Recovery: The most intense phase for emotional and psychological challenges as you begin to form a new life by building new habits, addressing cravings and triggers, and seeking support in individual and group therapies as well as recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Maintenance: Building on the habits and changes in early recovery, you’ll become consistent in your new habits, continue to attend therapy and support groups, build a supportive community, and implement healthy lifestyle changes. 

Ongoing support and relapse prevention: Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Ongoing reflection and continued improvement by maintaining a balanced life that supports sobriety. 

Related: Addiction Recovery Stages: Milestones on the Path to Freedom

Building a Support System 

Recovery from substance use disorders often requires the help and support of others. Family involvement, support groups, individual therapy, and group counseling are all important aspects of building a strong recovery community. Establishing healthy relationships, sources of emotional support, accountability, and developing a sense of belonging are all key factors in sustained recovery. 

Our Addiction Treatment Programs 

Clear Behavioral Health provides a comprehensive and full continuum of care through each level of treatment from detox to inpatient rehab programs and outpatient treatment. Our inpatient facilities provide a comfortable, home-like setting to promote a sense of well-being in the initial phases of recovery as well as 24/7 supervision and care.

Individual and group therapy as well as case management are provided to every client with individualized treatment plans. Clear Behavioral Health also provides holistic approaches like yoga, sound baths, and meditations for a well-rounded approach to substance abuse treatment. Clear Behavioral Health has addiction inpatient treatment facilities in the Los Angeles, California area that include Redondo Beach and Gardena. 

How To Begin Your Recovery Journey 

• Get a professional assessment: Schedule a substance abuse evaluation by contacting a treatment center like Clear Behavioral Health to determine the right course of action. Be sure to be open and honest with the intent of finding the appropriate level of care. 
• Talk to a healthcare provider: Whether this is a physician or therapist, speaking with a trusted provider can provide support and guidance in the initial steps of beginning a recovery journey. 
• Involve trusted family and friends: Strong sources of emotional support and help with decision-making can help diminish fears and hesitancy when seeking help. The first step is often the hardest, and having someone there with you can make all the difference. 
• Overcoming the initial hesitation: Being hesitant is natural. The fear of change and uncertainty or the stigma of seeking treatment can hold you back from seeking the help you need. Taking this process one step at a time while utilizing all the resources available to you can help ensure you are making the best decision for long-lasting success. 

How Clear Behavioral Health Can Help 

Recovery and a meaningful life are possible. Clear Behavioral Health uses a whole-person approach to treatment. Whether it’s evidence-based approaches, holistic therapies like meditation and yoga, or psychiatric and medical services; we take the whole person into consideration when treating our patients. Our mission is simple- “to help those struggling with mental health and addiction live healthy and purposeful lives”.

Call us today to learn more about our substance use programs including drug detox and alcohol detox, drug and alcohol rehab, outpatient addiction treatment, and dual diagnosis care. We’ll be with you every step of the way on your recovery journey.

References:

1. Substance Use Disorder (SUD). (2024, November 19). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16652-drug-addiction-substance-use-disorder-sud 
2. Preventing Drug Misuse and Addiction: The Best Strategy | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, January 8). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/preventing-drug-misuse-addiction-best-strategy 
3. Treatment and Recovery | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, January 8). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery