Rehab can be a scary prospect when you don’t know what to expect. Moreover, some people hate the idea of having to live in a facility, away from their families. Others worry about their childcare responsibilities if they seek treatment. However, you have options in rehab. No two people are alike and for this reason, no two treatment plans are going to have the same exact effect. The main two different programs you’ll see are inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient rehab involves clients living for a period of time at the center where they receive treatment. Outpatient centers allow clients to live at home and commute to the treatment center. Besides that, what’s the difference in inpatient vs outpatient rehab? How do you know which of these two options is best for you?
Inpatient vs Outpatient Addiction Treatment
An inpatient program is a form of treatment that involves living in a rehab facility. Also known as residential treatment, this type of program can be very beneficial for those in recovery.
The length of a typical inpatient stay varies as it depends on your individual needs, facility type, and insurance plan. Also, some residential treatment centers are more like luxury resorts, while others are very basic or have a back-to-nature focus. But, what they all have in common is housing for residents.
Outpatient rehab allows clients to participate in counseling sessions during the day and return home at night. This can be very helpful for those who may have to tend to various responsibilities while getting treated for addiction. For example, some people have work obligations they can’t miss, so this type of treatment may work for them. Outpatient treatment can also be suitable for someone whose substance dependency issue is mild or short-term.
In deciding between inpatient vs outpatient treatment, you’ll get more guidance on the best option when you contact a professional facility.
Each of these programs can have certain subcategories of treatment, such as intensive outpatient programs. So, no matter the program you enroll in you can rest assured your treatment is of the highest quality. The important thing is to get into treatment, regardless of the program.
The Other Differences Between Inpatient vs. Outpatient Programs
While the main difference between residential and outpatient treatment is where a person lives while receiving treatment, there are many other differences between the two. Those who are seeking treatment should consider these contrasts before deciding on the program that is right for them.
Length of treatment program
One major contrast between these two programs is the length. Often, outpatient programs last longer than residential treatment programs.
Cost of treatment
Another difference between inpatient vs. outpatient addiction services is the cost of the program. In many cases, inpatient programs are more expensive than outpatient programs.
Access to care
Inpatient facilities offer the benefit of having 24-hour access to professional and medical care. This can be very helpful for those who are working to recover from a severe substance use disorder or are having difficulty working through the early stages of recovery.
As you learn more about these programs for addiction treatment, you may begin to wonder how you can make the right decision as far as your care is concerned. It can be overwhelming to try to work through the pros and cons of each decision. Truly, trying to figure out the best course of action for your treatment can be much easier said than done.
But, this is why it’s so important to get professional help during this process. Reaching out to a treatment center that will work with you to determine the right process to suit your needs will prove to be extremely helpful!
Which Is Right for You?
While outpatient treatment may sound ideal to someone who needs to continue working, it’s not the right rehab choice for everyone. A person with severe addiction issues usually requires inpatient care. They may gradually move to outpatient, but this will be after progress in residential rehab.
In fact, in the early stages of recovery, some people need around-the-clock support. They may find it too difficult to resist their cravings without help. Being able to return home at night could pose too high of a relapse risk. This is why understanding inpatient vs outpatient care is so important.
Thorough assessments can help the professionals at your chosen facility decide on the right plan for you. Additionally, you may have to begin with inpatient care, and after 30 or 60 days, move into outpatient treatment. You’ll continue therapy sessions during the day and return to the comfortable and familiar surroundings of home at night.
What is Involved in Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs?
As mentioned earlier, individuals who go to inpatient or outpatient facilities experience therapies and other helpful resources.
So, whether you are in an outpatient care program or a residential one, it is likely that you will benefit from some of the following therapeutic approaches throughout your treatment:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Holistic therapy (yoga, mediation, acupuncture, etc.)
- Family therapy
- Nutritional therapy
Each of these approaches can work to meet the specific needs of those in recovery from addiction. Every individual who is working to overcome substance dependence has a different experience than the next person. All of those who are in recovery have individual needs. So, a professional treatment center should work to address those needs.
Thankfully, here at Crest View Recovery Center, we work to meet each client at the point of their needs, offering a variety of services and programs to help each individual. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process as it helps to address the emotional and mental health of those recovering from addiction.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment During Inpatient and Outpatient Care
A dual diagnosis program may also prove to be an essential part of treatment. Whether you enroll in a residential or outpatient program for addiction treatment, it’s important to consider your mental health.
Individuals who have a mental health disorder and a substance addiction have what is known as co-occurring disorders. In cases such as these, it’s best for people to seek professional help. But, not just any treatment will do. A dual diagnosis program is necessary throughout the treatment process. So, if you’re suffering from a mental health disorder in addition to substance use, you should consider getting help through a program that will address every area of your health and recovery.
Some of the mental health disorders that often co-occur with addiction include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Stress disorder
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Dual diagnosis programs are designed to approach the matter of co-occurring disorders in a way that best suits those who are living with these disorders. Unfortunately, many individuals who are suffering from addiction and mental illness are unsure about where or how to get help. They may go through treatment that doesn’t address both needs, leaving them at risk for developing more problems or experiencing a relapse.
For example, if an individual suffers from alcoholism and a stress disorder, these disorders may be intertwined. The person may drink in order to cope with stress. But, this can be both dangerous and ineffective.
Getting treatment for the individual’s stress disorder may help the person to learn more about managing mental health symptoms. However, the individual may not receive treatment for alcohol misuse. This can lead him or her to continue misusing alcohol. In some cases, symptoms of mental illness can return or continue.
So, it’s definitely important for people who are suffering from co-occurring disorders to seek help from a dual diagnosis program. These types of programs work to address mental health disorders in addition to the effects of addiction.
Compassionate Addiction Recovery
Are you looking for a treatment center to help you overcome drug and alcohol addiction? Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, North Carolina offers a variety of treatment options at our tranquil facility in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each and every one of these options can be effective no matter your substance abuse issue. For example, our substance abuse programs include:
- Drug addiction treatment
- Alcohol addiction treatment program
- Prescription drug abuse treatment
- Reality therapy
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
If you need a fresh start, find it here with us! Our compassionate and understanding team here at Crest View Recovery Center is devoted entirely to your recovery. With our assistance, you can feel confident in your treatment programs, the facility itself, as well as the staff.
There’s no need to wait any longer to get help for addiction in your life. Just call the friendly team at Crest View Recovery Center today for more information on inpatient vs outpatient care. We can also give you any other information you may need as you begin to seek help for substance abuse.
Know that we are here to help you find your way to a life that is healthy, happy, and free from alcohol and drug misuse. We look forward to walking with you on the journey to sobriety and freedom!
