Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab: Which One Is Best?

Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab. Which option is best for you?

Read this article to get more information on both options.

The topic of rehab can be a challenge. Admitting that you or your loved one would benefit from treatment in either environment can be difficult, not to mention confusing. How do you know which place will be right for you? What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab, exactly? To help you make an informed choice, we will explore each option so you can make a decision that best suits your situation and needs.

Inpatient Rehab Treatment

First, let’s take a look at what inpatient rehab means and why this option may be worthy of consideration. What does inpatient rehab mean? Also known as residential treatment services, inpatient rehab means that patients check into a controlled environment to help overcome their addictions. In other words, you live in a monitored and controlled treatment facility for a temporary period of time that typically ranges from 30 to 90 days.

Why Choose Inpatient Rehab?

Patients who choose Inpatient Rehab have access to 24-hour medical and emotional support available to them in the forms of:

• Supervised detoxification with doctors
• Personal and group therapy sessions
• Controlled administration of medication (where appropriate)
• A stable, sober environment
• Reduced risk of relapse
• Individualized treatment plans
• Experiential treatment

Choosing to live in a controlled, yet a supportive environment is a great option for those looking to get away from temptations. Inpatient rehab is the preferred choice if the addict’s current environment consists of people using and abusing around them. It should be noted that there is a higher rate of success from inpatient rehab. A study found that 84% of people who spent longer periods of time in rehab were more successful in recovery.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Inpatient Rehab

While these are all excellent reasons to choose inpatient rehab, there are certain restrictions and other things to think about before making the decision. These include:

• Limited access to the outside world
• Limited access to family and friends
• Taking time off from work or missing school
• Cost

Weighing the benefits to opting for inpatient services also requires thinking about the limitations carefully. Are any of these points of great concern? If so, why? Determining what concerns you have may help you make your decision. If you or your loved one’s addictions are severe or life-threatening inpatient rehab may be right for you.

Outpatient Rehab

Now, let’s take a look at the other rehab option: outpatient. What does outpatient rehab mean? This type of treatment option means the patient continues to live off-site (unsupervised) and visits the rehab clinic at regular intervals. In comparison to inpatient rehab, outpatients get to conduct their lives and engage in their activities apart from a clinical setting instead of inside a structured environment that an inpatient facility provides.

Why Choose Outpatient Rehab?

Choosing this treatment option has its own benefits to consider:

• Living at home while getting treatment
• Ability to continue to work or go to school
• Access to friends and family and other support networks
• Freedom to fulfill other personal responsibilities
• Ability to practice relapse prevention skills in the patient’s actual life
• Reduced cost

Overall, the outpatient rehab option offers patients flexible treatment while allowing the patient to live in a relatively normal environment. During this difficult period, family and loved ones are invaluable to the patient. They will need all the support they can get as they battle their addictions. While it will be tough on friends and family, too, everyone will need to work together to encourage frequent clinic visits to keep the patient on the right path.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Outpatient Rehab

While outpatient treatment comes with flexibility, there are other things to keep in mind before choosing this option, including:

• Inability to access 24-hour medical and emotional support
• Not being in a constantly controlled environment
• Easier access to substances
• Potentially higher relapse risk
• Lack of constant supervision during detoxification

This option is a viable choice for those who have addictions that are not as severe or life-threatening. Do any of these points pose any concerns for you? If so, why? These considerations will help you determine the best route toward recovery.

How to Choose Inpatient Rehab or Outpatient Treatment

After having a look at both treatment options and what they mean, let’s look at what to consider in choosing the correct path. When making the best decision for either yourself or a loved one, you need to honestly consider and assess:

• Is your living environment stable?
• Does your environment support sobriety?
• Are you exposed to substances or alcohol in your environment on a regular basis?
• Do any of your friends or loved ones use substances or drink around you?
• Are you ready for the hard work you’ll have to put in if you remain at home?
• Can you leave your commitments such as your job or school for a set period of time?
• Can you commute to a treatment center several times a week?
• Do you have a strong, supportive network to help keep you going on the sobriety path?
• What are your financial circumstances? What kind of financial commitment can you make and remain solvent?
• How severe is the addiction?

It is important to take a sufficient amount of time to think about these questions. Don’t go with the automatic reactionary choice, especially if this concerns someone you love. Instead, go over the questions carefully and with someone you trust. If you need an unbiased opinion, speak with a professional to help you determine the right path and viable choice. Rehab is a commitment and you need to be prepared for it in the best possible way to get the best results.

Choosing the Right Rehab Facility

Regardless of whether you decide on inpatient or outpatient services, it’s equally important to choose the best and most qualified rehab center. It’s vital you select a treatment program with personnel that cares about its attendees and sees them as, “more than just their addiction”. The professionals at 1 Method Center do exactly that. We have all the essential techniques needed for recovery and put the needs of the patient first. When you’re ready, feel free to contact us so we can start helping you or your loved one get on the path toward recovery and sobriety as soon as possible.