Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: Which One is Right For Me?

Drug and alcohol addiction harms your health, relationships, and emotional well-being, as well as many other aspects of your life. Living with an untreated addiction can keep you stuck in a cycle of addiction that determines what will happen to you. Instead of living the life you choose, you live the life addiction chooses for you.

People with addiction require comprehensive, compassionate treatment to address the underlying physical, behavioral, and psychological parts of their substance use so that they can begin living the healthy, sober lifestyle they choose.

Everyone has different needs during addiction treatment, and programs are available in several levels of care. There are two primary types of rehab: inpatient and outpatient. This article will explore the differences between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab and how to determine which level of care is best for you.

Reach out to the team at Archstone Behavioral Health now to learn about our holistic treatment programs or schedule an intake evaluation.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: The Basics

The most important goal of inpatient and outpatient addiction rehab programs is to help people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Substance use disorders are complex and deeply rooted conditions that require holistic care for a person’s body, mind, and spirit.

Because people have different needs, there are many types of treatment programs in several levels of care. Each provides specialized treatment to help people achieve their goals and maintain long-term sobriety.

Here is an overview of what to expect from inpatient vs. outpatient rehab programs.

Inpatient rehab

Inpatient rehab programs provide intensive, 24/7 supervision and treatment for people who require significant care to achieve stabilization. Patients in an inpatient rehab program receive constant monitoring, assessment, treatment, and care that ensures their safety during detox and in the earliest days of their recovery.

Inpatient programs are sometimes called residential programs because patients live in the treatment facility while undergoing treatment. Each patient follows a tailored treatment plan consisting of evidence-based therapies, including:

• Individual counseling
• Behavioral therapies
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Medications
• Screenings
• Mental health treatment
• Medical care
• Relapse-prevention education
• Coping skills practice
• Nutrition support, exercise, acupuncture, and other holistic practices that can support overall health and general well-being

Many people participate in an inpatient rehab program before moving on to outpatient care. Inpatient programs provide the physical and emotional support people need to safely manage drug and alcohol withdrawal and provide valuable structure as people navigate early sobriety.

Some of the benefits of inpatient rehab include:

• Round-the-clock access to medical and mental health care
• Consistent supervision and monitoring
• Distance from triggers that may lead to relapse
• A safe, secure environment
• Adequate time in treatment
• Fewer distractions and responsibilities, allowing people to focus solely on recovery
• A supportive community of peers and staff

Inpatient rehab programs may be ideal for people with a long history of substance abuse or addiction, people who have not been able to maintain sobriety in outpatient treatment, and those with significant medical or mental health needs during rehab.

Outpatient rehab

Outpatient rehab programs offer different levels of support to people who need addiction treatment but do not meet the criteria for inpatient rehab. Many people attend outpatient rehab after finishing residential treatment.

An outpatient rehab program gives people the high-quality, comprehensive care they need but allows them more flexibility to balance their daily responsibilities. Depending on the level of outpatient rehab required, people may be able to continue working, attending school, or caring for children and other family members.

There are several levels of outpatient rehab. They include:

• Outpatient detox programs–Patients work with medical and addiction specialists during detoxification. They may take medications, participate in therapy, and submit to screenings.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)–Patients attend treatment sessions several hours daily, three to five days a week.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)–Patients participate in an intensive schedule of daily treatment sessions every day of the week.

Outpatient rehab programs provide many of the same therapies and treatments as inpatient rehab programs but on a less intensive schedule. Patients in outpatient rehab return home after treatment sessions and do not live in the rehab facility.

Some of the benefits of outpatient rehab programs include:

• More flexibility to accommodate school, work, family, hobbies, and socializing
• Allowing people to remain close to their support networks in the community
• The freedom to participate in regular daily activities and stay active in hobbies
• The opportunity to practice coping and relapse-prevention skills in the “real world”

Outpatient rehab programs are an ideal option for people who require consistent support and treatment to maintain sobriety but do not require the round-the-clock supervision of inpatient care.

How to Decide Between Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab in Florida

If you or someone you love need help determining which level of care is right for you, reach out to the team at Archstone Behavioral Health. Our specialists will get to know you and your goals so that we can recommend the right level of care for your needs.

Don’t wait another day to start your recovery journey. Take the first step today by contacting the team at Archstone Recovery.