When it comes to addiction recovery, rehabs usually divide patients into two main groups “inpatients and outpatients”. Inpatients are those that will be treated while they stay inside a center, whereas outpatients will not be required to stay in the center during their treatment.
You can often hear the terms inpatient or outpatient being used to refer to a type of therapeutic procedure or diagnostic. “Inpatient” then means that the patient needs to be admitted to an addiction treatment center for therapy and detox, typically because he/she needs to be closely monitored. “Outpatient” treatment, on the other hand, provides the same type of treatment but without the structure of inpatient.
The Advantages of Outpatient Care
There are several advantages of outpatient treatment at an addiction treatment center.
First, patients can recover in the comfort of their own homes surrounded by their loved ones. They can stay in their own house, yard, or wherever they want, and find the most comfortable position on their chair, couch or bed while enjoying whatever activities they want. They can organize their own time the way they want and can cook and prepare their own food.
Second, outpatient care most of the times costs less than any other comparable inpatient care. Even those with good health insurance can still save a lot if they choose to have outpatient care instead of inpatient. In lots or cases, the difference in money between inpatient and outpatient care can be thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
Third, the individual receiving treatment can continue to live his or her life. They can go to work, attend school and take care of their children. They go to therapy sessions and meetings before and after work or school to receive their treatment.
Fourth, Many individuals in addiction recovery who choose outpatient treatment don’t have to continue living at home if they feel it isn’t the best option for them. Many sober living homes will accept individuals who are currently in treatment as long as they have been through detox first. This benefit lets you take advantage of rehab services while also maintain a job.
The Advantages of Inpatient Care
When you decide to go with an inpatient treatment program you can allow yourself to take a step back from your daily responsibilities, like work, parenting, and personal relationships, so that you can focus entirely on your recovery. Self-care is an important part of relapse prevention, and inpatient care can help you focus entirely on you and your recovery.
If you opt for an inpatient recovery program you can get round-the-clock care and quality treatment from highly-qualified professionals. A good inpatient rehab facility has a professional, trained staff equipped with the experience and skills for handling such difficult situations. In addition, they are also trained to be aware of all and any developments that could possibly disrupt the patient’s recovery or safety.
Inpatient treatment centers aren’t clinical and sterile like many think. In fact, most treatment centers offer home-style apartments and houses that provide a home-away-from-home feel. Many include amenities like swimming pools, Flat-screen TVs, on-site laundry facilities and fully-furnished rooms.
Inpatient Care Is More Intense Than Outpatient Care
While outpatient care can also be very effective, inpatient care offers more intensity and security.
Since patients aren’t allowed to leave the center or rehab facility while they’re undergoing their treatment, they have more of a chance to participate in more rehab activities, like attending group meetings regularly and meeting with their counselors on a daily basis.
Which One Is Best for You?
Every person has different needs, and no one reacts the same to addiction. That’s why you need to choose a program that will provide you with individualized, personal care. Inpatient care programs are the best solution for people who think that their current home situation and lifestyle are no conducive to their recovery.
If you think that you can really commit to your sobriety, whether you’re at home or at the center, then you should be able to succeed in an outpatient care program. These programs usually offer patients flexible schedules and those participating are able to continue living at home, go to work or school, while also benefits from rehab. In order for outpatient treatment to be successful, however, you will need a strong support system to help you conquer drug cravings.
If, on the other hand, you think that your community, your family or even your workplace might trigger your relapse or are simply not safe for you, inpatient may be the answer.
In the end, the one thing that matters the most is that you make sure to reach out to a counselor or a medical professional that will guide you and help you choose the best treatment option that’s available for you. The important thing is that you’ve already made the most important decision there is to make, and that’s to get better. Both outpatient and inpatient rehab programs can help you with that, you just need to decide, with the help of your physician, which program would suit you best. With a little help, you’ll be on your way to recovery in no time.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab
When it comes to rehabilitation, patients choose the type of care they want to receive on their own. This usually applies to care that pertains to drug recovery as well as physical therapy. These sort of inpatient admissions aren’t exclusive to centers only, but can also include specialized physical rehabilitation facilities.
Effectiveness
Whether outpatient or inpatient treatment is more effective for a particular person can depend on a few factors as well as on their specific and individual needs. A full and constant care, which includes complete detox, always has a greater chance of providing the best and most successful addiction treatment, and inpatient addiction care is often more equipped to provide you with this level of care.
Inpatient treatment works best for patients with poor support systems and psychiatric disorders who usually succeed more and do better in inpatient therapy.
