An individual who is seriously addicted to drugs or alcohol will benefit tremendously by attending a hospital inpatient program. These types of programs are geared towards physical health, mental health and medical stabilization. Recovering persons will have access to medication as well as medical staff around the clock. While not every drug addict needs this level of care, it is useful to those who have serious physical addiction problems to drugs or alcohol. Hospital inpatient programs commonly last several days to even up to a month. Once the hospital inpatient portion of their recovery is complete they may choose to enter a sober living program or transfer into an outpatient program.