Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

A relationship with drugs or alcohol can be extremely difficult. If you are considering changing that relationship, it is a big first step toward recovery. However, recovery is a long process, but not one that you cannot get through. There are various types of treatment programs such as counseling, therapy, and detox that fall into either outpatient or inpatient rehab.

Depending on your needs and the extreme of your substance addiction, the type of rehab that is best for you will be determined. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab will help you stop using drugs or alcohol as well as decrease your risk of ever using them again following your recovery.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is also referred to as residential rehab since the individual actually lives at the facility where they are receiving treatment. Inpatient rehab can be successful for those living with severe alcohol or drug-related problems. This can also be extremely effective for those suffering from other mental health issues. Living at a rehab facility allows you to avoid the influences and temptations that are present in your life every day that can trigger your drug use. Additionally, living in an environment that is healthy can support your recovery.

Inpatient facilities offer their patients around-the-clock support and intensive care. There are three different phases that are incorporated into each individual’s treatment plan including detox, reflection, and growth. Inpatient rehabs are focused solely on assisting patients to learn how to adopt lifestyles that are drug or alcohol-free following their stay. The majority of these programs consist of a step-down approach in assisting individuals to be able to transition from inpatient rehab to group or individual counseling outside their facility.  You can also view more about inpatient rehab if you are interested in learning how it can help you or a loved one.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab involves daily treatment for drug or alcohol users but without living in the facility. Treatment in outpatient settings consists of counseling, therapy, or group sessions. Individuals who choose this route do so to have the ability to continue living at home during their recovery. This also allows each individual to care for their children or other family members, stay on track in school, or continue working. Outpatient care normally is less expensive than inpatient rehab, but the level of support individuals will receive will be less in-depth.

Most of the programs involved in outpatient rehab consist of group or individual counseling that implements a step-down approach. This means that each session will continue to become less in-depth and frequent as individuals continue to progress during their treatment. These programs will also help individuals overcome their alcohol or drug dependence and help them maintain their sobriety during their recovery.

Which one is best for you?

The one that you see fits best into your lifestyle really depends on the severity of your addiction.

Outpatient care may not be in your best interest if you experience constant urges to use alcohol or drugs, you have a difficult time showing up to group sessions on your own, or if you need treatment for multiple disorders on top of medical attention. Inpatient care would be a better fit for you.

Additionally, inpatient care will require you to separate from your daily life. Treatments that you will receive are all highly structured and may be challenging for you. The costs of inpatient care facilities are also higher compared to outpatient rehab.

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