5 Benefits of Inpatient Methadone Treatment

1. More Support

According to a study by the NCBI, patients who have “a poor social support system are predicted to have a better outcome in inpatient treatment.” This is true for those considering inpatient methadone treatment. While most methadone treatment facilities are outpatient-based, there are many individuals who need the extra support of 24-hour care and a controlled environment, especially if they do not have a strong support system at home. This can be a major benefit for those who need to attend inpatient methadone treatment.

2. Psychiatric Disorders

Although many people may choose outpatient programs for their freedom and allowance of patients to come and go, many patients need a controlled environment due to other factors. The NIDA states, “Many people who regularly abuse drugs are also diagnosed with mental disorders and vice versa.”

While depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are all common disorders in those who abuse heroin and other opioid-based drugs, these individuals will need an extra level of care during methadone treatment, which is why inpatient facilities of this nature can be incredibly beneficial.

3. Keep Patients Away from Triggers

Inpatient facilities can be very beneficial by keeping patients away from triggers and other issues they would otherwise face on a day-to-day basis if they were in an outpatient center. For many people attending methadone treatment, addiction to opioids has been a long-term battle. They may need a break from all of their triggers and temptations in order to focus as best they can on their recoveries. Then afterwards, they could transition to a halfway house or a sober living facility in order to gently ease themselves back into their regular routine.

4. Treatment of Physical Issues

   

   Getting methadone treatment in an inpatient setting can help you really get used to taking the medication.

The NIDA states, “People who inject drugs are at a high risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C (HCV).” Many heroin abusers experience this reality while the drug can also cause other extreme health problems such as pulmonary complications, kidney disease, abscesses, and infection of the heart lining and valves. Prescription opioid abuse can also cause issues which may need further treatment. If an individual experiences these long-term issues, they may want to attend inpatient treatment just so that they can make sure their needs are fully met. Inpatient facilities will be able to care for patients who are suffering from other physical effects all day and will likely have the equipment needed to do so.

5. Safe Environment

Many patients of methadone treatment facilities do not live in safe environments where they can stay away from opioid drugs, individuals who want them to abuse them, and violence. According to the CDC, methadone maintenance treatment “reduced criminal activity” in its patients, but inpatient facilities can provide an especially safe environment where patients do not need to be concerned of the possibility of violence or abuse. While outpatient facilities can be very beneficial, those who are living in more severe or volatile situations should consider inpatient treatment simply because it is often a safer place for them to be.