With the rise in addiction in today’s society, it is no wonder there are several types of treatment options available. Regardless of the addiction, inpatient and outpatient treatment options are some of the most common because of their highly intensive level of care. While both inpatient and outpatient treatment can help you treat your addiction, they are two very different options. So what are those differences and how do you decide which option is best for you? Here we will answer these questions and dive more into what these options entail.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment – What’s the Difference?

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment can be greatly beneficial towards reaching recovery and learning new life skills apart from using drugs and alcohol, but they are very different. One of the main differences between the two is that inpatient treatment is a 24/7 level of care that requires you to live within the facility and provides highly intensive therapeutic care. Outpatient treatment is a part-time option that only requires about 10-20 hours a week while allowing you the freedom to continue maintaining your normal routine.

Residential inpatient treatment offers many types of therapy and treatment options while outpatient may be more limited as far as the services they offer. Because inpatient treatment is a full-time experience, it is much more costly than a typical outpatient treatment option. Inpatient treatment is generally for those with more chronic and severe addictions and outpatient rehab comes with a higher risk for relapse with the given freedom. Before deciding which option is best for you, it is important to understand the level of severity of your addiction may be.

What is an Outpatient Rehab Program?

Outpatient rehab is a group experience to help manage or treat your addiction. Weekly classes are typically offered at flexible times of the day to help you balance other life responsibilities. These group classes are an educational way for you to better understand your addiction and improve your overall mental health. These classes also include different types of therapy (individual, group, and family) to help you learn to identify triggers and learn new ways to cope without the help of the drug.

Outpatient treatment can be both short or long-term typically ranging from 3-6 months, and sometimes offering treatment for up to a year. This is a great option for those with less severe addictions who need additional support to help manage their cravings and learn more about their addiction and mental health.

What is an Inpatient Rehab Program?

Inpatient rehab, often referred to as residential inpatient treatment, is a controlled and supervised environment to help treat your addiction. This option includes a highly intensive level of care, supported by many different mental health professions; licensed therapists, addiction specialists, psychologists, etc. These professionals help you learn how to live without drugs and help you heal from any past traumas. Family involvement is also highly encouraged within residential inpatient treatment as it is a way to build support after the program has ended.

Similar to outpatient, inpatient rehab typically lasts 3-6 months but can last more long-term, up to a year. Therapeutic options such as music and art therapy or yoga and mindfulness practices are often offered within these programs as well. Inpatient treatment is a great option for those with more severe addictions that require a lot of mental and emotional support.

Is Inpatient Rehab Better Than Outpatient?

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers can be greatly beneficial towards breaking free from addiction and learning to live a healthy, drug-free life. It is not fair to say one is better than the other, because all people and all addictions are different. However, as mentioned, inpatient treatment is much more intensive and also more expensive than other options, while outpatient is less intensive and less expensive. You should consider all of these factors before deciding which option is best for you to treat and manage your addiction.

Outpatient vs Inpatient Rehabs – Which is Best for You?

When deciding which option is best for you, between inpatient and outpatient treatment, there are a few things to consider, such as:

• How severe your addiction is (it may help to speak with a medical or mental health professional before determining this on your own)
• Your rehab budget or if the facility accepts insurance or offers a payment plan
• The amount of time you may have to seek treatment
• The environment in which you are currently living (possible triggers)
• Other life responsibilities (work, school, family life, etc.)

If you are living in a triggering or unhealthy environment, then an inpatient rehab may be the best option as you want to avoid any possible relapses. However, if your home environment is a safe, loving and supporting environment, then an outpatient treatment option may be the best option for you. Speaking to loved ones or close family members about your options and considerations may help, as they may be able to guide you into the right treatment center.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehab:

There are several different benefits of choosing a residential inpatient treatment center. For instance, you are required to live in the facility and therefore are away from the outside world which can eliminate possible triggers and relapses. Inpatient treatment centers are often filled with highly trained professionals that will help create an individualized treatment plan specifically to meet your addiction recovery needs.

Other benefits include family involvement and encouragement as this allows families to become closer and help each member understand the individual and their addiction. Recreational and therapeutic activities are often offered to help you gain new hobbies and coping skills. If you are battling a chronic and severe addiction, or feel you may require this level of care, inpatient treatment may be the best fit for you.

What Types of Drug Addicts Need Inpatient?

Any type of drug addict could benefit from an inpatient treatment center. Whether your addiction is more mild or severe, an inpatient treatment will provide you the tools and resources to learn new healthy coping skills, and relapse prevention skills. This treatment option will provide you the time to reflect on past behavior, and learn more about yourself on a deeper level, away from drug use.

If you are ready to start your journey to a drug-free life, Golden Road Recovery is here for you. Contact us today at (877) 372-0536 and hear about the options available to treat your addiction.

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