Inpatient Drug Treatment: A Personal Experience and Lessons Learned

Many people find inpatient drug treatment to be a life-changing opportunity, but this was not the case for my husband and me. While treatment provided us with the tools for recovery, real-world challenges required us to apply those skills in practical ways.

Inpatient drug treatment is often seen as a solution to dependency, offering a safe environment to detox and learn new coping mechanisms. However, the reality can be quite different. To find the right help, I checked myself into five rehabs within a single year. Some were costly, with one rehab charging $36,000 for a six-week stay, while others were far less expensive.

The Experience at High-End Rehab

At one of the more expensive rehabs, the doctor decided not to approve any medication even during the critical detox phase. This decision proved to be detrimental when I was in the throes of withdrawal. On the worst night, at 1 a.m., I was experiencing a severe and unrelenting withdrawal. Despite my desperate need for relief, the only nurse on duty was an RN with 15 years of experience, including the last seven specializing in substance abuse treatment. Even she had never seen symptoms as severe as mine.

As my muscles seized and jerked violently, I accidentally hit myself in the face. The night nurse, while sympathetic, was unable to provide me with even aspirin. At that facility, I was paying dearly for the round-the-clock care of a medical doctor, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction, a team of nurses, a therapist, and a nutritionist. However, the reality was starkly different. My needs were not being met, and my rights were not being respected.

Profit Motive in Treatment Facilities

The high-end rehab provided was not unique. Many treatment facilities in the U.S. operate under a model where they acquire authorization from insurance companies to bill for treatments. The consequence is that patients are often confined to the facility until every dollar is extracted from the insurance provider. If a patient attempts to leave before the expected duration, they are discharged without insurance coverage, leaving them in both an emotional and financial debt.

I have witnessed cases where individuals were held for as long as 11 months under threat of having their treatment declared completed and insurance authorization terminated should they leave without permission. This practice forcibly ends the treatment, leaving unresolved addiction behind.

My Advice and Reflections

Based on my experience, I advise those considering inpatient drug treatment to be cautious. Treatment facilities operate as any other business, focusing on profit, not patient recovery. The promise of a healthier, sober life is their commodity, but they cannot make that happen for you. Only you can take responsibility for your recovery.

The takeaway is that while inpatient drug treatment can provide a foundation for recovery, it is not a cure-all. The success of your recovery lies in your commitment to applying the tools learned in treatment to the challenges of the real world. Real-life situations require practical application and ongoing support. If you find a facility that does not meet your needs or provide the support you require, do not hesitate to seek alternative options.

Ultimately, the path to recovery is deeply personal and requires ongoing effort and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help, but also be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Keywords: inpatient drug treatment, drug rehabilitation, addiction recovery