When seeking addiction treatment, there are a number of various treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient, in order to better help sustain recovery. For some individuals, including those who do not have a supportive living environment or those who need more supervised care, inpatient treatment is usually the best option.

But when your loved one enrolls in an inpatient program, you are likely to have many questions about the treatment process and how you might be involved. Do you still have a role in their recovery? How can you show them support? Can you visit them in rehab?

The support of loved ones is crucial to the success of those in recovery, and making the effort to show that support can make a unique impact in their treatment.

What does “inpatient treatment” mean?

Inpatient care clients become a resident at the treatment facility and will attend therapy and counseling meetings during their residency. Remaining at the treatment facility around the clock helps clients to concentrate on getting better without having to worry about the distractions of daily life. Additionally, they won’t be exposed to triggers in treatment, giving them the chance to strengthen their coping mechanisms before putting them to the test.

On the other hand, those who opt for outpatient treatment will leave the facility each day after their treatment sessions are completed. While this option provides greater flexibility to maintain responsibilities like family care or employment, these clients are at higher risk of relapse because they have not removed themselves from the environment in which they used substances.

Inpatient therapy rehab visitation rules and guidelines

Treatment facilities offering inpatient care have a set of rules in place outlining their respective policies on contacting loved ones in treatment, including calls and visitation. These rules do differ from facility to facility, so it’s important to gain an understanding of the various policies when you’re looking for a residential treatment program. All house rules, including visitation policies, are explained to clients and their families at admission.

In an effort to increase their clients’ chances of long-term sobriety by reducing triggers and removing all opportunities to relapse, there are some treatment centers that do not permit their patients to have any contact with those outside of the facility. This includes being unable to contact friends and family members during the duration of treatment.

Rehab centers that restrict visitation do not necessarily have a total ban on visitors for the entirety of treatment – it is common for those in extended programs to not be allowed visitors in the early part of their treatment program when recovery is most physically demanding. However, once they have made it through the early stages and have begun learning the skills necessary to maintain sobriety, they may be permitted to have occasional visitors.

Throughout the progression of the program, visitation policies are likely to change in accordance with the success of treatment. Those who’ve been in the program longer will usually be allowed extended visitation hours and more frequent phone calls with approved visitors/contacts.

Who is an approved visitor in rehab?

The primary objective of all rehab centers is to help clients reject the unhealthy lifestyles they’ve pursued in the past and begin forming the life they desire to have in its place. Treatment programs help clients to confront their triggers and learn new behavior patterns. This process is extensive, demanding and exhausting, and may be more difficult for clients to commit to if they are distracted by consistent visitors, including family members.

So you may be wondering, can you visit someone in rehab? Where visitations are permitted, they are normally restricted to immediate family, especially in the early part of a treatment program. As treatment progresses, it is likely that more people will be given permission to visit.

This is not done for the sake of isolating clients — it’s done for the sake of giving clients the space they need to fully adopt their lifestyle of recovery.

Choosing a center for inpatient treatment

Before registering with a facility, it is important to check out all aspects of the treatment program, including the visitation policy. Since the focus of treatment is teaching clients how to maintain sobriety, it is vital that there are no points of conflict.

For example, a person with children might be emotionally on edge if they are not permitted to see their children during treatment. In this case, the client would be better advised to choose a center that allows family visits. On the other hand, if the person seeking treatment lives in a home environment where others are abusing substances, they might be better off choosing a center where no visitors are allowed.

Take the time to find a center with policies that work best for your situation in order to feel the most secure in your recovery journey.

Ready to begin?

If you’re ready to start recovery treatment, Silvermist Recovery is here to help. With transparent visitation policies and personalized treatment plans, you’re sure to find comfort in the treatment you’re being offered.

To learn more, contact Silvermist Recovery today.