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The Benefits of Attending an Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Clinic


What is an Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Clinic?

An inpatient addiction rehabilitation centre in Kent for alcoholism is a full-time treatment facility where people struggling with alcohol addiction go to live temporarily while they recover.

Unlike outpatient programs where patients go home after sessions, inpatient treatment provides a 24-hour supportive, alcohol-free environment.

This is particularly beneficial for people with a severe addiction, as they can focus entirely on their recovery. [1]

What’s the Difference Between Inpatient Rehab & Outpatient Services?

A bedroom at an inpatient rehab clinic

Inpatient rehab requires you to live at the clinic for the duration of your treatment, while outpatient rehab allows you to return home after sessions.

This difference is crucial, especially for people with severe alcohol addiction.

What are the Benefits of Inpatient Care in Alcohol Recovery?

The UK government have reported that around 43% of people who enter inpatient rehab successfully complete treatment.

Research also shows us that inpatient rehab stays produce better long-term outcomes.

This is mainly because inpatient programmes provide more comprehensive care. [2]

This comprehensive care includes:

Medical Supervision & Alcohol Detox

A doctor providing medical advice during alcohol rehab

When you stop drinking, your body goes through alcohol withdrawal, while your body adjusts to normality again.

Alcohol detox can be dangerous in extreme cases.

Detox isn’t just about quitting drinking; it’s about doing so in a way that keeps you safe and comfortable.

What are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Early alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

These symptoms can begin just a few hours after the last drink.

Within the first 24 to 48 hours, these symptoms can become much more severe.

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

Medical supervision is essential to ensure your safety during detox, particularly if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time. This is called a medical detox. [3]

What is a Medical Detox for Alcoholism?

A woman taking a pill

A medical detox for alcoholism is a carefully managed process where alcohol is safely removed from your system under medical supervision.

If you’re a heavy drinker, a medically-overseen detox is recommended, in order to prevent dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Doctors and nurses will monitor you around the clock.

If withdrawal symptoms become severe, they can provide medications to ease discomfort and prevent complications.

Some of the common medications used include:

The detox process usually lasts a few days to a week, depending on the severity of your drinking.

Once you complete detox, you’ll be in a stronger position to start therapy and focus on long-term recovery.

In an inpatient setting, doctors can monitor your withdrawal symptoms and offer medical intervention where necessary. [4]

Structured and Supportive Environment

Older men talking in an inpatient alcohol rehab centre

Inpatient rehab offers a structured environment with 24/7 emotional support. If you feel anxious or experience cravings during your stay, help is always available.

When you enter residential rehab, you’ll be surrounded by a team of medical professionals who are available day and night.

If you wake up in the middle of the night with severe cravings or anxiety, you don’t have to face those feelings alone.

You’ll be able to reach out to a counsellor or therapist right away, who can help you manage your emotions and talk through your challenges.

With outpatient options, you don’t get this level of care, which can lead to lower chances of recovery.

Inpatient care also promotes a healthy lifestyle, with encouragement to do exercise and eat healthily.

Keeping your physical health strong can improve your wellbeing and give you the extra boost you need to stay strong in recovery.

Protection from Triggers and Temptations

A man and woman in a cooking class at residential rehab

Inpatient rehab removes you from the triggers and temptations of your daily life, creating a safe space to focus on recovery.

For many people struggling with alcohol addiction, certain places, people, or situations make it harder to stay sober.

At home, you may be surrounded by reminders of your drinking habits—whether it’s the off-license down the street, the friends who invite you out for drinks, or simply the stress of daily life.

By staying at an inpatient facility, you can focus entirely on building healthier habits and coping mechanisms.

A Structured Routine to Support Recovery

Inpatient rehab provides a structured routine to help you stay focused on your recovery.

Your day will be planned out with:

This helps you build new habits and routines that they can take with you when you leave rehab.

This structure helps prevent boredom and keeps you engaged in the healing process, reducing the risk of relapse.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

A woman standing on a yoga mat

Inpatient rehab offers a range of treatments to heal both the physical and emotional aspects of alcohol use disorder.

Behavioural Treatments

There are many group and individual therapy options that can help to improve your thoughts and patterns of behaviour:

These treatment methods are all widely used among alcoholism treatment providers. [5]

Medication For Alcohol Recovery

Pill doses for alcohol detox

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approves the following medications for alcohol misuse:

Personalised Treatment Plans

Inpatient rehab offers personalised treatment plans designed to address your unique needs.

If you struggle with both alcohol addiction and a mental health issue like anxiety or depression, your plan will include therapies and medication to treat both conditions.

This ensures that the root causes of your addiction are addressed, helping you build a solid foundation for long-term sobriety.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

A man in shadow looking in crisis representing mental health problems

Dual diagnosis refers to when someone has both a mental health disorder and an addiction, such as alcohol dependency.

These conditions often influence each other, making it difficult to treat one without addressing both.

In dual diagnosis treatment, both the mental health condition and the addiction are treated together.

Common mental health conditions in dual diagnosis:

By treating both the addiction and mental health condition, dual diagnosis programs help you break the cycle of addiction, and build a healthier life.

Whys is a Combined Approach so Effective?

Two men talking in 1-1 therapy

Inpatient rehab combines evidence-based therapies, holistic practices, and personalised care to help you heal both physically and emotionally.

This comprehensive approach not only helps you break free from alcohol but also teaches you new coping skills and healthy habits for life.

What are the Benefits of Social Support Networks in Alcohol Recovery?

Building a sober community is one of the most essential parts of recovering from alcohol addiction.

In an inpatient rehab clinic, patients not only receive treatment for their addiction but also form connections with others on the same path.

These relationships are vital for long-term sobriety because they provide mutual support, encouragement, and understanding.

Inpatient rehab can assist you in finding a sober community, and reaching out to long-term care like sponsor systems.

A sponsor is someone who has been sober for a significant period and guides another person through their recovery.

Are There any Benefits to Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

A woman who is completing outpatient treatment holding a child

Outpatient rehab allows you to continue to live at home while travelling into a rehab facility for regular treatment sessions.

The benefits include:

Everyone is different, so different approaches can work for different individuals.

For people with a less severe alcohol addiction, outpatient options can allow you to successfully recover. Your chances will be greater if you have a safe home and good support network.

Can I Get Help to Pay For Inpatient Alcohol Treatment?

An insurance policy document with a magnifying glass on top

Yes, there are a few routes you can explore if you’re struggling to pay for inpatient alcohol rehab:

  1. NHS Funding: The NHS offers free rehab services, but waiting lists can be long. If referred by your GP, you may receive treatment at a private facility
  2. Private Health Insurance: Providers like Bupa, Aviva and AXA may cover alcohol rehab costs for a 28-day stay. Check with your provider for coverage details
  3. Sliding Scale Fees: Some rehab centres offer fees based on your income, so if you’re a low income earner, you could pay less
  4. Payment Plans: Many centres allow you to spread the cost over time, making treatment more affordable
  5. Local Authority Support: Councils may fund rehab if you qualify. In Scotland, for example, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships provide support
  6. Scholarships and Grants: Charities such as the Amy Winehouse Foundation offer financial assistance, especially for young people

Are there Any Free Alcohol Recovery Services?

Women having a conversation at a table during a free mutual support group meeting for alcoholism

Below are some free charities that can offer you and your friends and family help and support for issues surrounding alcoholism:

  1. We Are With You – Provides free, confidential support for alcohol and drug addiction through counselling, therapy, and online resources
  2. Alcohol Change UK – Focuses on reducing alcohol harm through research, advocacy, and self-help tools like the Dry January campaign
  3. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Offers free support meetings based on the 12-step program for people looking to stop drinking, and a sponsor system for people in long-term recovery
  4. Turning Point – Delivers free and low-cost addiction treatment services, including detox, counselling, and mental health support
  5. Alateen – Supports young people aged 12-17 affected by a family member’s drinking through group meetings and peer support
  6. Change Grow Live (CGL) – Provides free, confidential addiction services including detox, counselling, and support for dual diagnosis
  7. Drinkline – A free helpline offering advice and information on alcohol-related issues
  8. NHS Alcohol Support Services – Offers free access to GP referrals, detox programs, and community alcohol teams
  9. SMART Recovery UK – Provides free, science-based self-help groups to help people overcome addiction with practical coping strategies

What Do I Need to Pack for Inpatient Rehab?

A blue suitcase beside a bed

  1. Comfortable clothing: Bring casual, soft clothing like T-shirts, joggers, and a warm jumper
  2. Personal toiletries: If you need specific items like fragrance-free shampoo, you may want to bring your own. Some centres may allow makeup or razors—check first
  3. Medications: Bring your prescriptions in their original pharmacy-labelled packaging
  4. Important documents: Include your ID and any paperwork the rehab centre has requested
  5. Journal or notebook: A journal is useful for reflecting on your recovery journey
  6. Books or magazines: Light reads, such as novels or puzzle books, are great for downtime
  7. Personal comfort items: A family photo or a favourite blanket can provide emotional comfort during your stay

Inpatient rehab helps you detox physically and build emotional resilience, offering the best chance for long-term sobriety.[8]

By focusing entirely on your recovery, free from distractions and triggers, you can begin the journey toward a healthier, successful recovery.

References

[1] https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now/about-alcohol-treatment/residential-rehabilitation

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2022-to-2023/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2022-to-2023-report#treatmentoutcomes

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/

[4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/treatment/

[5] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help#pub-toc1

[6] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg115/ifp/chapter/treatments-for-adults-who-misuse-alcohol

[7] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/mental-health-issues-alcohol-use-disorder-and-common-co-occurring-conditions

[8] https://www.gov.scot/publications/residential-rehabilitation-review-existing-literature-identification-research-gaps-within-scottish-context/pages/6/

 

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