Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab: How to Choose the Right One for Your Recovery

woman in recovery

Drug overdoses are now the #1 cause of injury-related deaths in the United States. The CDC even says that drugs account for 114 deaths a day.

Unfortunately, studies show that almost 90% of those who need help and treatment don’t get it. This could be for many reasons, such as aversion to the program, lack of funds, no time for rehab. 

But this does nothing but snowball an already-escalating problem. If you need help, be the 10% who receive it. Take your life by the reins and allow yourself the opportunity to heal and be healthy!

Which is best for recovery — inpatient or outpatient rehab? The answer isn’t always one-size-fits-all. It depends on your lifestyle, your addiction, your financial situation. . .

We’re here to help break down the difference so you can choose the best recovery option possible!

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab, or residential treatment, is a multi-layered, thorough process. It helps clients in many different ways. We’ll touch on some here.

In this situation, a person attending rehab would stay at the treatment facility. Treatment usually lasts anywhere from 30 days to a year or more. This method of recovery is more intense, ideal for those with a stronger addiction.

Inpatient treatment has many benefits.

They usually offer a supervised detox in addition to offering addiction education. This helps addicts understand their disease. 

Addicts are free from triggers, like a tumultuous home life or other destructive influences. They’re surrounded by medical professionals as well as peer support. 

Inpatient rehabs focus on different forms of therapy, from physical to mental rehabilitation. There’s anything from one-on-one sessions with a counselor to daily physical activity. Yoga classes and art therapy are just a couple of things offered at most facilities. 

As well as individual therapy, programs usually offer marriage and/or family counseling.

This method of treatment, although more expensive, has higher rates of success. This is especially true for those with severe addictions. The follow-up care is especially helpful for preventing relapse.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient therapy is best for those with a mild substance abuse problem. If you think your problem is in its early stages, you could get help here. This is ideal for those who recognized their problems and said something right away.

Rather than staying in a facility, you go to regularly-scheduled treatment sessions. There are different areas of focus and levels of intensity. This gets determined by your personal situation.

Treatment varies in 3 different ways:

  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) — Focuses on relapse prevention. Client comes in a few times a week for a few hours
  • Therapy/Counseling — Best used after a patient has already completed an inpatient program. Therapy supplements other forms of treatment
  • Partial Hospitalization Outpatient Treatment — Medical observation, typically at hospitals. 3-5 days a week for 4+ hours per day

Outpatient rehabs provide addicts with counseling and a support group. They also provide them with access to their family. This is important for those who can’t spend a full month (or more) away.

Because of this, treatment is more flexible and affordable. If you’re determined to have success, then you could do well with the lenient schedule.

Which Treatment Is Best for You?

When it comes to making the choice, you’re in charge. Only you get to make the decision to receive the help you need. Deciding between in- and outpatient rehab is the first step to a long and rewarding road of recovery.

Are you a binge drinker or an extreme drug user? Are you able to spend uninterrupted time at a facility? Do you think you need space to be away from your distractions and triggers?

These are only a few of the important questions you’ll need to consider.

Begin with healing yourself first — but don’t forget the loved ones who’ve been there, too. Here are 3 ways to rebuild relationships after addiction.