Finding the Right Support: Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab Facilities
Finding the right facility impacts your recovery. We look at some of the key differences between inpatient vs outpatient rehab and how to choose between them.
About 20 million people in the US have a substance use disorder, but most never receive the treatment they need. These disorders are linked to other health problems and can lead to overdose and death. Before that happens, consider treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehab center.
What is the difference between inpatient vs outpatient treatment? Read on to find out. After reviewing this guide, you can begin your own recovery journey.
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient or residential rehabilitation is an intensive treatment program. Individuals reside in specialized facilities for a duration to receive comprehensive care.
Choosing inpatient rehab will provide you with structure and scheduled treatment sessions. You’ll remain in a supervised environment and receive around-the-clock support. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will offer treatment based on your needs.
The duration of your stay at an inpatient treatment center will vary based on your needs and treatment goals. These drug rehab programs usually include:
- Medical detoxification
- Therapy sessions (group, family, individual)
- Medication management
- Educational sessions
The primary goal of inpatient programs is to provide immersive treatment experiences. The program will allow you to address underlying problems and develop coping skills. After treatment, you’ll transition into a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Effectiveness
These programs involve immersive and intensive support. You’ll develop coping mechanisms you can use in your everyday life. You’ll receive insights into your condition to build the skills for long-term recovery.
The effectiveness of these programs varies based the:
- Individual’s condition
- Quality of the program
- Level of engagement from the individual
- Availability of aftercare support
Inpatient rehab can help individuals seeking treatment for mental health conditions, addiction, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment can help you maintain long-term sobriety. It can also improve your psychological well-being.
What Is Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient rehab allows individuals to receive treatment while residing in their own homes. They’ll attend scheduled treatment sessions at a drug treatment center. Individuals can receive treatment for mental health conditions, addiction, or substance abuse disorders.
You won’t need to stay in a facility overnight. Instead, you’ll attend therapy sessions and appointments during the day before returning home.
Outpatient rehabilitation is more flexible. It’s designed for people who want to continue their daily responsibilities. These include:
- Caregiving
- Work
- School
Meanwhile, you’ll receive the care and support you need for your recovery journey. The structure and intensity will vary based on the program. You may need to dedicate several hours a week to sessions.
Effectiveness
Outpatient rehab programs are as effective as inpatient treatment for most individuals seeking care. The flexibility they offer can promote the application of skills in real-time situations. Individuals may have an easier time transitioning into a more sustainable lifestyle following treatment.
Positive outcomes include:
- Reduced substance use
- Improved psychological well-being
- Increased rates of abstinence
As with inpatient programs, the results can vary based on the individual. Active participation, dedication, and motivation are important factors. It also helps to have a strong support system inside and outside of treatment.
Outpatient rehab isn’t ideal for individuals struggling with a severe addiction. People with co-occurring disorders may require more intensive care. People in unstable living environments should also consider inpatient treatment.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab
Before choosing between inpatient vs outpatient rehab, sit down with a provider. They can help you determine which suits your needs and goals. Here are a few key differences between these drug rehab programs to consider.
Setting
Inpatient rehab requires people to reside in a special facility for the entire duration of their treatment. This allows you to receive around-the-clock care and supervision. Inpatient settings are ideal if you may need help avoiding triggers or environments that can lead to relapse.
Outpatient allows individuals to live at home. These individuals attend treatment sessions at a clinic. They can return home and continue with their daily responsibilities between sessions.
Structure
Inpatient rehab centers are more structured. They involve an immersive treatment experience. You’ll receive constant support.
Outpatient rehab is more flexible. You’ll schedule sessions at specific times based on your routine and responsibilities.
Environment
Inpatient rehab occurs in a controlled environment. This removes individuals from negative influences or triggers.
Outpatient rehab involves individuals to control their own environment. These individuals rely on their support systems while receiving treatment.
Level of Care
Inpatient rehab is ideal for individuals with more severe addictions. These individuals often require:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy sessions
- Medication management
- Medical detoxification
- 24/7 monitoring
- Intensive care
- Psychiatric evaluation and support
- Holistic therapies
- Family therapy
- Aftercare planning
Outpatient programs are ideal for individuals with less severe conditions. Most have already completed a higher level of care. They can receive ongoing support from their outpatient program.
Treatment methods offered in outpatient rehab centers include:
- Individual counseling sessions
- Group therapy and support groups
- Flexible scheduling
- Collaborative care with primary healthcare providers
- Access to community resources
- Relapse prevention planning
- Family therapy
- Medication management
- Psychoeducation and skill-building workshops
Talk to a provider to develop a customized treatment plan. Customizing your plan will ensure your recovery journey aligns with your needs.
Time Commitment
Inpatient rehab requires a bigger time commitment. You may stay in the treatment center for a few weeks or months. The duration will vary based on the severity of your addiction.
Outpatient rehab offers more flexible commitments. You can receive treatment a few hours a week or schedule several sessions a week.
Begin Your Own Recovery Journey Today
Still not sure how to choose between inpatient vs outpatient rehab? This isn’t a choice to make lightly. Consider consulting a provider to determine which option best suits your needs.
With help, you can begin your recovery journey with access to the resources and support necessary for long-term sobriety.
Eager to begin an outpatient rehab program? Visalia Recovery Center isn’t just another treatment center. Since 1999, we’ve offered our empathy and expertise to treat substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Rely on our ethical and effective treatment options. Our team of qualified professionals and in-house medical staff are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.