If you are questioning if you need treatment or not, you probably need treatment. It is true that the majority of people who used substances and then stopped, never needed treatment. They were able to quit on their own. Addiction is complex for many people though. Due to a mixture of genetics, family history, and life events some people need professional help – inpatient treatment – to begin recovery.

The two most well known inpatient treatment modalities are detox and rehab.

DETOX

This is treatment for a few days in a medically supervised unit to ease the physical symptoms of withdrawal.

If you are using alcohol or opiates (heroin, painkillers such as OxyContin or Vicodin) and experiencing withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking them, you need medical treatment. Immediately. The symptoms range from headaches, blurred vision, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking and tremors, seizures, heart failure, coma and death.

Some substances withdrawal feels like you want to die. But alcohol withdrawal can kill. Opiate withdrawal is also severe and needs medical supervision during withdrawal.

Upon completion of detox, treatment in rehab is recommended.

REHAB

This is the traditional 28-day inpatient program (which now due to changes in insurance reimbursement is often shorter than 28-days). Some inpatient treatment is several weeks to months. This longer-term treatment is very expensive and rarely covered by private insurance.

WITHDRAWAL (emotional and non-life threatening physical)

Rehab may be part of your treatment plan if you are experiencing withdrawal from substances (but medical supervision is not required). Withdrawal is uncomfortable and the risk of picking up again to end the discomfort is too great to withstand in your normal environment.

HEALTH ISSUES

If your medical doctor has recommended treatment due to decreasing health, inpatient treatment is needed due to the length of time of your habit. Continued use of many substances is damaging to your liver, heart, skin, teeth (when you lose a tooth to meth or crack use – imagine what it is doing to the rest of your body). Substance use increases the risk of psychosis, schizophrenia, sexual function. If your physical or mental health is at risk, rehab is likely necessary.

CHRONIC RELAPSE

If you have made several attempts to quit using substances but pick up again after a few days or weeks, it is not working on your own. Even if you are in an outpatient program, attending groups, seeking therapy, the lack of structure during your free time may be too triggering for you. The 24-hour support for a few weeks is warranted.

LOSSES

If you have lost your job, burned through your bank account, lost friendships, or lost your spouse you need inpatient treatment. These losses did not happen with your first use of a substance. These losses occur over time, you likely had warning but still could not stop. Your choice of a drug over your job, loved ones, and your hard earned money indicate a deep-rooted problem.

If any of these scenarios fit you, it is time to seriously consider a greater level of care. Recovery is possible though it is a long road. Begin the journey on solid ground through the footing inpatient treatment can provide.