What Is the Difference between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab?

Once you have come to accept you have an addiction that requires help to overcome, you will have two basic options available at inpatient and outpatient rehabs near you. It is important to determine which type of program will best suit your needs and types of addictive behaviors. For some people, starting with an inpatient program and then transitioning to an outpatient one works best and helps prevent relapses.

What Is Inpatient Drug or Alcohol Treatment?

This type of rehab program is where the individual with the addiction checks into a rehab facility for help. During their stay, they will have access to support and the care they need to start living a sober life. It can be beneficial for people with serious addiction problems, who know that they will not be able to just stop using and who need to spend the first 30-days detoxing their bodies. Effective inpatient programs should be at least 90-days long to reduce risks of relapses.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehab

The primary benefit is you are taken through a series of steps to redevelop your living habits and start your sober life. Your body will be detoxed, and you will start to learn how to eat nutritious meals, along with starting one-on-one and group support. In addition, the likelihood of a relapse during this time is greatly reduced.

Disadvantages of Inpatient Rehab

The main drawback to inpatient treatment programs is you are essentially cut off from the outside world during the treatment program. Some programs also contain a “black-out” period during the first 30-days of treatment, where you cannot have any outside contact or visitors, as it is essential to your recovery.

What Is Outpatient Drug or Alcohol Treatment?

Outpatient treatment programs are where addicts attend regular one-on-one treatment sessions and group support meetings. Normally, there are a set number of sessions and meetings one must attend each week to monitor progress. This type of treatment can work for some addicts if their addiction has not fully consumed their life and it is in the early stages, as well as for those who have completed inpatient treatment programs.

Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

The main benefit of outpatient treatment programs is being able to maintain your job, go to school, and have access to your family and friends. You are free to fulfill your personal obligations and do not have to worry about potentially losing your job or falling behind in your schoolwork.

Disadvantages of Outpatient Rehab

One drawback to outpatient treatment is there is easier access to drugs and alcohol, which could lead to a relapse. If you have friends and family members who use drugs or alcohol around you or at home or work, it is easier to be tempted.

To help determine which type of treatment program would be best for you, it is beneficial to talk to a drug and alcohol treatment center counselor and complete a generalized self-evaluation. If you are ready to start your sober life, contact Yellowstone Recovery at (888) 941-9048 today!