Inpatient rehab is exactly what most people picture when they think of rehab. For inpatient treatment, patients live at the treatment facility as they recover. They are usually supervised constantly by trained medical professionals and have limited - if any - contact with those outside of the facility.

During their time at the facility, patients will engage in both group and individual therapy. These sessions will work to address the root of the individual’s 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 may also learn and put into practice techniques to improve their physical health, including consistent hydration, good nutrition, and exercise.

Inpatient treatment is consistently 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, so everyone’s treatment and recovery will be too.

Outpatient treatment is 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 is usually cheaper than inpatient treatment. However, it also doesn’t provide the constant supervision and and encouragement that often makes inpatient treatment so successful. 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.

Unfortunately, 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 are support groups or 12 step groups. 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 people who know exactly what they’re going through.

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 Montlake, Seattle, Washington. They include: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery.