Addiction Treatment Centers: Outpatient or Inpatient?

Posted by bilal on June 24th, 2019

When it comes to getting treatment for addiction, individuals often get confused by the two terms: inpatient and outpatient. While both equally focus on the rehabilitation of the addicted person, they each feature their unique attributes and benefits.

Choosing the right addiction recovery center is important to ensure long-term sobriety, and this is why it is important that both – the affected person and their loved one understand the difference between both types of rehabilitation.

If the addict is also diagnosed with co-occurrence (dual diagnosis disorder) then they will need to find a treatment center that specializes in both.

In this guide, let’s take a look at the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab and choose the one that works best for your situation.

Outpatient

In outpatient rehabilitation, the individual can continue to live at home, keep up with their jobs, and even go to school. However, the attendees are required to attend therapy, individual counseling programs, and group support seminars at the local treatment centers for a specified number of hours per week.

An outpatient rehab program is an ideal choice for those who:

• Have milder addiction
• Have a robust support system
• Prefer to maintain their daily routine along with the recovery program

However, it is advisable not to go for an outpatient program if you:

• Experience constant urge to use substance and alcohol
• Live alone or lack a supportive environment
• Have trouble going to the therapy sessions by yourself
• Have multiple disorders or medical condition that requires constant attention
• Are at danger of harming yourself or others

Inpatient

As the name implies, an inpatient rehab program requires the addicted person to reside at the treatment facility – 24/7. Inpatient or residential rehab programs offer around-the-clock services and focus on teaching the patient ways to adopt an ‘addiction-free’ lifestyle after the treatment.

Residential facilities of inpatient rehabs are non-hospital settings, and the patients admitted for these programs are offered various recreational activities to combat their dependency of ‘harmful’ products.

An inpatient rehab program is the best option for those who are:

• Severity in their addiction
• Looking for a structured program that helps them cope with the negative influences of the outside world
• Require constant medical attention
• Looking for safe housing options

However, an inpatient rehab program will require the individual to separate themselves from their daily life. This means that if the individual were the caretaker of a family, they would have to make care arrangements for their children and even pets. They also have to take leave from their current workplace and school during the time they spend at the facility.

Quick Look

The selection between inpatient and outpatient at a specialist addiction recovery center is usually dependent on the intensity level of your addiction.

However, regardless of the program you choose, rehab can change your life and give you a second chance to rejoice with your loved one. Take the first step towards recovery today, and join a treatment program for your betterment.

Resources:

https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/inpatient-outpatient-rehab/

https://startyourrecovery.org/treatment/rehab-centers/outpatient-vs-inpatient