Did you know that 18 million people misused their medication in 2017? Ready to recover but not sure the difference between inpatient vs outpatient rehab? Not to worry! In this article, we’ll cover the benefits and drawbacks of both programs. You’ll discern which one is right for you.
Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!
Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab
Did your family or friends see the warning signs of your addiction? Choosing to go to rehab is a significant life decision. You may have questions about what types of rehabs will work best for your situation.
What’s the Difference Between the Two?
Outpatient rehab is a program where you live life outside of a facility. You do spend time engaged in group meetings and individual counseling. Inpatient rehab is where you check into a facility. You’ll focus on rehab for some time.
How Does Inpatient Rehab Work?
This type of treatment occurs in a facility focused on rehabilitation. The first part of treatment includes supervised detoxification. Doctors and nurses will keep an eye on you and track your health. This part of rehab could last up to a week. It’s a challenging aspect of recovery. Long-term residential treatment centers offer 24 hours a day, seven days a week care. This treatment’s provided in a non-hospital setting. You’ll have medical guidance from nurses and a doctor’s onsite.
The length of a program varies from center to center. Most inpatient rehabs last up to 28 days. The last few years, new substance abuse care models have emerged. Some programs can last longer than 90 days. There’s a focus on rebuilding a person’s social structure and the way they communicate. You’ll have one-on-one therapy and group therapy. Therapists help you overcome self-destructive behavior. You’ll also learn to accept personal responsibility for what you’ve done.
Short-Term Inpatient Rehab
Short-term programs are either at a specific residential facility or a hospital. After you’ve completed this program, you can go home. You’re expected to continue rehabilitation with an outpatient program. With outpatient treatment, you return to your home each evening after daily sessions. Outpatient treatment allows you to continue with domestic and professional duties during treatment. The focus of short-term residential treatments is detoxing from a substance. You’ll also get an introduction to talk therapies.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Inpatient Rehab Treatment
Substance abuse treatment is best addressed with health issues like depression or anxiety. Inpatient treatment is effective for those with a co-occurring mental illness. Sometimes people with depression use drugs to self-medicate. Drawbacks include a controlled environment and a strict schedule. You aren’t allowed to come and go as you please. Instead, you have a strict routine that dictates when you wake up, eat, and go to bed. You’ll have to leave your job during the treatment. Some inpatient treatments aren’t covered by insurance.
How Does Outpatient Rehab Treatment Work?
You’ll live your life and attend treatment programs after hours. Outpatient programs offer patients flexibility and a high standard of care. You’ll have access to professional psychotherapy, vocational therapy, and group discussions. Outpatient services also offer group counseling, recovery training, and relapse prevention strategies. There are also 12-step meetings to take part in.
What Treatment Do I Choose?
Choosing between an outpatient or inpatient program is a difficult decision. Not everyone needs inpatient care, and others might not qualify for outpatient care. If you want to overcome an addiction, you need to commit to it. Choose a program based on what’s best for you and your recovery.
What Are the Costs?
Inpatient programs tend to cost more than outpatient programs. An inpatient program’s anywhere from $6,000 to $60,000 depending on the duration. Luxury treatment programs cost more than this. Insurance will cover some expenses. If paying out of pocket, the price is something you’ll consider. Outpatient programs tend to cost less than $10,000 total. This is an affordable option for people seeking a rehab program.
How to Succeed
There are many factors related to recovery and rehab treatment. Consider that you may relapse and have to return to therapy over the years. This is part of the recovery process. Relapse isn’t a failure of treatment. Instead, treatment needs adjusting and reinstatement. There are other aspects that improve treatment success. Make sure you have an ongoing assessment. Having group and individual counseling along with education’s helpful. Continue interventions throughout the program. When you have a case manager, you’re monitored by a professional. They’ll know the appropriate type of treatment and service that will help you the most. Integrating social supports is another factor that will help you in the long run.
Factors to Consider
Do you have childcare duties? For parents without childcare options, outpatient rehab is their single option. This is the same with those who have elderly parents who rely on them. You may need to consider outpatient instead of inpatient rehab. Depending on where your location, you may not have a residential rehab facility. Some rural or smaller areas may have limited availability. For those with severe addictions, inpatient treatment is the better option. Those who have a co-occurring disorder can seek help alongside their addiction. If you are a social or casual user or acquired a new dependence, you may do fine in an outpatient facility.
