Drug and alcohol treatment programs generally fall into one of two categories — inpatient or outpatient rehab. While equally focused on rehabilitation, each type has unique attributes and benefits to offer. Inpatient rehabs are intensive, residential treatment programs designed to treat serious addictions. Outpatient rehabs are part-time programs, allowing the recovering user to keep going to work or school during the day.
It’s important that both the addicted person and their loved ones understand the differences before selecting a treatment program. Finding the right treatment program can put you or a loved one on the road to sobriety
Primary Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
Making the decision between inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance abuse can be a difficult one. These two types of programs provide very different pathways to sobriety, yet each offers individuals the potential to enjoy a lifelong recovery. The key is in determining which is right for you, between the big choice of inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Primary Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
Making the choice between inpatient and outpatient treatment comes down to your personal needs, the level of addiction and how long addiction has been part of your life. Below, the two types of treatment are explored:
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient rehab is usually a minimum of 28 days in length, during which time patients live in a closed treatment environment. This treatment center provides a safe and secure place for patients to undergo more intensive rehab treatment than outpatient care can offer. Within the inpatient environment, daily schedules are predetermined for patients who must follow them without deviation. This helps patients to rebuild basic responsibility, integrity, life skills and other personal attributes lost to addiction. The structured environment also removes people who are addicted to substances from their stressful home circumstances that often make them feel compelled to use. In inpatient treatment, patients are highly focused on recovery from addiction without distraction.
