Inpatient vs Outpatient: Which is Best for You?

Making the decision to end your dependency from addiction to alcohol or drugs is a major lifestyle change. Recovery from addiction takes work and your chances of success increase when you engage in a recovery program. Programs typically come in two forms: inpatient and outpatient.

Both inpatient and outpatient follow similar programs when it comes to helping people recover from addiction. Their main difference is in the manner in which you participate in the process and an assessment with a professional helps you determine which form of treatment is right for your situation. Following is a look into what you can expect from inpatient and outpatient recovery programs.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, involves you living at the rehabilitation facility while you go through the program. This type of treatment is best for people who need to be removed from sources of temptation and situations that trigger the need for drugs or alcohol.

Entry into inpatient treatment is determined by a trained medical professional. The professional evaluates your living situation, your patterns of use, and what drives you to use substances. A decision is made based on the information you provide during the assessment. If it’s found that you need intensive treatment and isolation from your living situation, the professional will recommend inpatient treatment.

What to Expect from Inpatient Treatment

Living in a residential program means performing all of life’s daily functions at the facility and participating in the recovery program that was designed for you by your medical provider. Support from trained medical professionals is key to helping you recover from your addiction and stay clean, and they can deliver their treatment in the best possible way when you’re living in the facility. And your participation in your rehabilitation is more likely because you’re already at the facility and don’t have distractions that keep you from reaching an appointment.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment, also known as OP, is best suited for people who want to stop using an addictive substance but need the ability to work with their personal schedule. This type of treatment is best for people who have responsibilities that they cannot afford to give up or have caregiving duties that require them to be present. There are three general categories of OP treatment:

Daytime Programs

OP daytime programs are similar to inpatient programs in that you have to show up anywhere from five to seven days a week and stay for a set amount of time. While you are in the facility, you’ll participate in your scheduled therapy, counseling, and any other forms of treatment deemed necessary.

You are allowed to return home or to a sober living facility after all of your daily requirements are completed. It may be difficult to maintain outside responsibilities and participate in a daytime program. Instead of a daytime program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) may be a better fit.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP), is, as its name suggests, more involved than a traditional outpatient program, but less intense than a daytime program. It’s designed for people who don’t need to undergo medical supervision during their detox period and are responsible enough to show up for scheduled meetings and therapies. Participating in an IOP involves living at home, maintaining a work schedule, and staying within the family unit while undergoing the detox and rehabilitation process.

Continuing Care

Continuing care comes in the form of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and related programs. These groups are informal, don’t have attendance requirements, but do provide support and require personal responsibility from members. Licensed therapists typically lead the meetings and act as mediators while allowing people to discuss their issues. Ongoing support extends and reinforces the tools gained and lessons learned from the rehabilitation process so you can keep leading a productive life free from substance abuse.

Rehabilitation and recovery from substance abuse is different for everyone. The type of treatment you undergo is different from everyone else. It’s important to go through the intake and assessment process to determine what treatment is best for you. A licensed professional is there to help you reach your goals of getting clean and free from substances for the rest of your life.