Inpatient Rehab V/S Outpatient Therapy – What Is The Difference?

We must understand that for most individuals suffering from drug or alcohol problems, acknowledging their struggle with substance use is the first step toward recovery. However, the next and the most critical step is finding a treatment plan/program which can help them restore their health, happiness, and well-being. Finally, choosing to change or end your relationship with alcohol and drugs is a significant step. This major step is the first stage of starting your journey towards recovery.

Recovering from an addiction isn’t easy, and this journey can be tricky and challenging for people. But with a bit of help, it is possible to fight the evil of drug and alcohol addiction. With significant willpower and self-discipline, a person can achieve and maintain sobriety for good. However, always remember that recovery from addiction is based on how much effort you put into the process. Alcohol and drug rehab programs can help you manage and get rid of substance dependence.

What are the different types of treatment:

Various types of substance use treatments are available for people dealing with substance abuse. Finding the right treatment program can help you and your loved ones on the journey towards sobriety. These treatments include detox, therapy, and counseling. These treatment programs are focused on rehabilitation, and each has its unique attributes and benefits.

These drug and alcohol treatment programs generally fall into inpatient alcohol rehab drug rehab and outpatient alcohol rehab/drug rehab. Inpatient treatment is more intensive, with residential treatment programs to treat severe addiction cases. Outpatient treatments are part-time programs, allowing more flexibility to the person and allowing them to start the recovery process even when they are going to work. Both outpatient and inpatient rehab is perfect for helping people stop using drugs or alcohol.

Inpatient rehab

Inpatient rehab is popularly known as residential rehab. In this treatment, a person is asked to live at the rehab facility to start their treatment. The inpatient rehab treatment can be excellent for severe cases of drug or alcohol problems. In addition, people dealing with mental health conditions can also benefit from this treatment.

Staying at the rehab facility will help avoid temptations and stimuli that trigger substance use. Apart from that, living in a healthy environment can aid the process of recovery. Successful inpatient treatments take advantage of family involvement to help in healing. Family members can provide support and encouragement to the patient in such challenging times.

This type of treatment involves three steps designed to help patients adopt a drug- or alcohol-free lifestyle. The steps are detox, reflection, and growth. There are both short-term and long-term programs. Patients can stay in residential facilities from six weeks to a year, depending on their needs. The inpatient recovery programs require patients to place themselves in a controlled environment to manage their addictions.

Inpatient rehab offers a structured treatment program designed to tackle all aspects of a person’s addiction. In addition, patients have therapeutic support and around-the-clock medical care. Inpatient rehab treatment is an excellent option for people battling chronic addiction, as well as any mental or behavioral disorder.

Outpatient rehab:

Outpatient rehab is ideal for patients with mild-to-moderate problems. The program comprises daily treatments, including therapy or counseling. People undergoing outpatient treatment continue to live in their homes while they recover, allowing them to be with their family, attend their jobs or school. In addition, outpatient rehab care costs less than inpatient rehab, as the level of around-the-clock support is less intensive.

Most outpatient rehab and treatment programs involve individual or group counseling sessions. It uses a step-down approach, with sessions becoming less intensive as a person recovers and advances during the treatment. As a result, outpatient drug rehab is less restrictive and usually requires 8 to 10 hours a week for visiting treatment centers.

The sessions are focused on drug or alcohol abuse education, counseling, and teaching the people how to cope without their dependence. Outpatient drug rehab is an excellent standalone treatment option for people with a mild addiction. It can become an integral part of a long-term treatment program to avoid the risk of relapse. The rehab can last anywhere between three to six months. Outpatient detox is effective, safe, and less time-consuming than inpatient detox.

Outpatient drug rehab allows recovering addicts to maintain their regular schedules. In addition, studies show that participating in recovery groups helps recovering addicts maintain their sobriety. As a result, many recovering addicts join outpatient treatment after inpatient programs as part of their recovery process.

What to consider before choosing the treatment program:
A person’s needs and severity of their alcohol or drug use problem play a vital role in ascertaining what kind of treatment is appropriate. Therefore, the person fighting substance dependence and their loved ones must understand the different treatments and their attributes before deciding on a treatment program.

• While inpatient treatment programs cost more than outpatient rehab, it is more appropriate for people struggling with a severe drug or alcohol abuse case. On the other hand, outpatient rehab and treatment are ideal for patients with a mild dependence on drugs or alcohol.

• On the one hand, medical care and psychotherapy are available around the clock to residential rehab patients. On the other hand, patients receiving outpatient rehab can visit a hospital or a treatment facility for check-ups. In addition, doctors may administer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and depression.

• Patients undergoing inpatient treatment programs must stay in residential facilities anywhere between six weeks to a year, depending on their needs. On the other hand, outpatient drug rehab is less time-consuming and usually requires three to six months to visit treatment centers.

It must be made clear that the price difference and time required for treatment should not encourage or discourage people from making the right choice for treatment.

Recovery is the ultimate goal

Addiction is a severe illness, and recovery is a long process. Whatever the treatment option, recovery is the ultimate goal. It must be made clear that not one type of rehab is better or more effective than the other. What matters is which setting works best for a patient and their situation.

No matter what treatment option a person chooses, it is likely to change their life. It will help you get started on a path to recovery. Medical professionals, counselors, and community groups can help patients avoid relapse and fight addiction. Both treatment options will help you detox, provide you with the skills to continue your recovery, and change your perceptions towards drugs and alcohol use.