What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient (residential) rehab provides 24-hour structured treatment in a live-in facility. Patients receive daily therapy, medical support, and a substance-free environment designed to break the cycle of addiction. This level of care is considered the gold standard for moderate to severe substance use disorders.
Research consistently shows that longer durations of treatment correlate with better outcomes. NIDA recommends a minimum of 90 days of treatment (including aftercare) for optimal results, though significant benefits begin at 28-30 days.
Who Needs Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient rehab is indicated when outpatient care is insufficient — specifically for individuals with severe physical dependence, co-occurring mental health disorders, history of relapse, unstable housing, or environments that enable continued substance use. ASAM criteria (Levels 3.1-3.7) guide placement decisions based on six clinical dimensions.
Insurance Coverage for Inpatient Rehab
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires most insurance plans to cover substance abuse treatment, including inpatient rehab, at the same level as medical/surgical benefits. Medicaid covers inpatient treatment in all 50 states (though program availability varies). Private insurers typically cover 28-30 day stays with prior authorization.
Sources & References
- [1] NIDA. Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment. 3rd Ed. 2018.
- [2] SAMHSA. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2023.
- [3] ASAM. The ASAM Criteria: Treatment Criteria for Addictive, Substance-Related, and Co-Occurring Conditions. 2013.