Treatment for a drug addiction looks different for everyone. An inpatient drug treatment program is just one example. If you choose an inpatient drug treatment program you are in a hospital setting 24/7. You may stay in a room by yourself or with another person who is receiving care.
If you’re thinking about this type of treatment you likely have some questions. Learn whether you’re considered a patient at an inpatient treatment facility if you’re only there for one day. Also, discover more facts about inpatient drug treatment.
Are You Considered a Patient in an Inpatient Drug Treatment Facility if You’re Only There for a Day?
Whether it’s your first day as an inpatient or your 60th day, you’re considered a patient once you check in. However, if you decide to leave the program after just one day, you’re no longer considered an inpatient.
Why Would Someone Stay in an Inpatient Drug Treatment Program for Just One Day?
The answer to this question varies with each individual’s situation. One reason a person may leave an inpatient program after one day is they decide to get treatment as an outpatient instead. An outpatient receiving treatment for a drug addiction doesn’t live at the facility. Instead, the person lives at home or another place, then comes into the facility for treatment. Other reasons why someone would stay in an inpatient drug treatment program for one day include:
- Must leave due to an emergency at home
- Insurance coverage issues
- Changes mind about getting treatment
How Long Is the Typical Inpatient Stay at a Drug Treatment Facility?
Each person’s drug addiction issues are different, so it’s difficult to pinpoint a typical amount of time spent at a treatment facility. However, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the options. While some inpatient drug treatment facilities have programs that last 28 days, there are also programs lasting 30, 60, or 90 days. You may enter treatment with a plan to stay for 30 days. But, as your treatment progresses, you may be advised to stay longer to increase your coping skills for a better chance at lasting recovery.
There are some drug treatment programs that last as long as 120 days. These programs are usually for people with severe addictions. They are effective at providing the tools a person needs to continue on the path to full recovery. When you go through the intake process as an inpatient, medical professionals assess your health and the level of your addiction to create an initial plan of care. Adjustments are made to this plan as you progress through treatment.
What Factors Affect How Long You Stay in an Inpatient Drug Treatment Program?
Not surprisingly, there are several factors that affect how long you stay in inpatient drug treatment. Co-occurring physical conditions can affect the length of your stay in treatment. For instance, a chronic condition such as asthma negatively impacts a person’s overall health. So, the person is likely to need a longer span of time in drug treatment compared to someone who has no chronic illnesses and is in relatively good health. Another factor that affects how long someone stays in drug treatment is the severity of the addiction.
A person who has abused drugs for two decades is going to be in treatment longer than someone who has used for six months. The person who has used drugs for two decades has a more deep-seated addiction and is likely to need more time in treatment to fully recover. A person’s age is another factor in the length of time spent in an inpatient drug treatment program.
As a person ages, their physical health tends to deteriorate. This can slow down the process of recovery. So, a teenager in treatment may need less time to recover than a middle-aged person. Lastly, whether you decide to seek treatment as an inpatient or an outpatient, we are here to help. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call us at 844-639-8371 today to start on the path to recovery.