Inpatient rehab is exactly what most people expect when they think of rehab. It’s what’s most commonly represented in media. For inpatient treatment, patients live at the treatment facility as they recover. They are supervised constantly by trained medical professionals and have limited contact with those outside of the facility.

During their time at the facility, patients will engage in both group and individual therapies. These sessions will work to address the root of the addiction. Patients will also probably have a full schedule of activities that teach them various ways of filling their time and coping without drugs or alcohol. They’ll likely also engage in activities to better their physical health, including consistent hydration, good nutrition, and exercise.

Inpatient treatment is shown to be the most effective addiction treatment method. This means that of all of the people who complete an addiction or alcoholism treatment program, those who have completed inpatient rehab are the least likely to relapse. Despite this, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s addiction is different. This means that treatment looks different for everyone, too.

Outpatient treatment is actually very similar to inpatient treatment. Almost all aspects of the treatment remain the same, but the patient continues to live in their own home. They only go to the facility itself for specific treatment activities and meetings.

Outpatient treatment tends to be cheaper than inpatient treatment. However, it also takes away the constant supervision and and encouragement provided by inpatient treatment. This can leave patients more susceptible to cravings and relapses.

Outpatient rehab is usually ideal for those with other lasting commitments, such as work or school. It can also be a good choice for those who have a strong support system.

Addiction recovery doesn’t end with the completion of detox or rehab. Recovering addicts must be prepared to continue to choose sobriety every day for the rest of their lives. And it won’t always be easy.

Something that helps many such recovering addicts long term is participation in a support group or 12 step group. These groups bring recovering addicts and alcoholics together to share their experiences and hold each other accountable. Participants learn coping mechanisms and how to make amends for past behavior, all in a group of nonjudgmental peers.

Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous also pair participants with a member who is further along with recovery, called a sponsor. Sponsors work alongside newer participants through the 12 steps to recovery and check in with them regularly. SMART Recovery groups instead follow a Four Point program, but with the same goal.

There are several support groups for addicts and alcoholics near Madrona, Seattle, Washington. They include: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery.