Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: What’s the Difference?

Every year, around 23 million people a year require help with drug or alcohol addiction in the USA. 

However, only 11 percent of those people receive treatment at a special facility.

In some cases, this is because they aren’t ready or willing to seek help. More often than not, it’s because they don’t know how to get it. 

There is a huge range of rehabilitation centers out there, with both inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment programs available. But which type should you choose?

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make your decision.

Should You Choose Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab?

If you’re not sure which one is right for you, read on to find out. 

Convenience

Not everyone can take a few weeks or months out of their lives to commit to rehabilitation.

If you have a hefty work schedule, a family to take care of, or other important responsibilities, you’ll need to manage these at the same time. An outpatient program allows you to do that.

But what is an outpatient program?

In short, it’s a rehabilitation process that works on your terms. Instead of staying at a clinic, you can simply drop in and visit when you need to.

This means that it doesn’t interfere with the rest of your life. You can continue your daily routine, so your income doesn’t have to suffer and no one has to know that you’re undergoing treatment. 

If you’re a student, this may also be an ideal option. This is because you don’t have to miss out on classes, exams or your usual social life in order to treat your addiction. 

Supervised Detox

The first week or so of any rehabilitation program will usually be a detox period.

During this time, patients experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms, which can be difficult or even painful to deal with. If you check yourself into an inpatient program, you can go through withdrawal under medical supervision.

This gives you extra peace of mind, as well as access to certain medication if you need it. 

If you prefer, you can choose to detox on your own terms by seeking outpatient treatment. In this case, you can go through it in the comfort of your own home. While this is a more comfortable option, it can be more difficult when withdrawal symptoms are kicking in.

Cost

When it comes to inpatient vs outpatient rehab, many find that the main factor is cost. 

Since inpatient programs are more comprehensive and include accommodation, they’re much more expensive.

Many of those who are struggling with addiction find it difficult to come up with the necessary funds. When such programs aren’t covered by Medicare, it can make them completely inaccessible.  

That’s why a lot of people find that outpatient treatment is a much more realistic option.

Risk of Relapse

The main downside of outpatient programs is a higher risk of relapse.

When you stay at a rehab facility full-time, you have no choice but to stay clean. A team of vigilant staff makes sure that banned substances don’t make their way into the clinic, so there is absolutely no temptation.

Since patients are subject to much less monitoring in outpatient programs, the chances of falling off the wagon can be significantly higher. In order to combat this, they have to commit to creating the optimum environment for recovery on their own.

This includes avoiding places where other people may be using drugs or alcohol and limiting interaction with people who aren’t supportive of their recovery. In some cases, it means cutting some of those people off altogether. 

However, patients who attend inpatient programs will also have to carefully curate their environments once their treatment is over. So, some look at it as simply putting off the inevitable. 

When you take the outpatient route, you have to form these positive habits from the very start. That can make it easier to stay on-track later on.

Contact with Friends and Family

In many inpatient treatment facilities, contact with people outside the center is limited.

This means that patients may not be able to receive visits, phone calls, or any kind of contact from friends or family for a certain amount of time. Sometimes, personal devices are also taken away. 

This isn’t intended to isolate the patient. Instead, it’s meant to reduce distractions and allow them to fully focus on their treatment.

However, many patients find that this makes their rehabilitation feel more like a punishment. When they have to go through the process alone, it can be much more difficult. 

If you choose an outpatient program, you can keep your loved ones by your side throughout the entire process. 

Treatment Programs 

When you admit yourself to an inpatient program, you can fully immerse yourself in a comprehensive treatment schedule. 

This doesn’t just mean meeting with a counselor and talking about your issues. There’s a huge range of other treatments that can help you, too. 

For example, Casa Serena offers residential treatment programs with a range of treatment methods, including fitness and art programs to supplement therapy sessions. 

However, opting for an outpatient program doesn’t mean that you don’t have access to this range. Sometimes, it simply means that you can pick and choose the ones that are most suitable for you, or that best fit with your busy schedule. 

Commit to Recovery

Whether you opt for an inpatient or outpatient rehab program, it’s vital that you stick to it.

Rehabilitation is a long-term commitment. Even when your program is over, you’ll have to continue the behaviors you learned in order to stay on the right path.

Likewise, if you’re supporting someone who’s battling addiction, you’ll have to stay vigilant. However, don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process. 

To find out how to strike a balance, read our post on how to help a loved one who’s struggling with addiction without losing yourself.