When making the decision to seek treatment for drug and alcohol addiction issues, it is important to find the type of program that best fits your particular situation. Drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs generally fall under one of two categories: inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Both types of programs focus on recovery and rehabilitation, utilizing similar services to combat addiction such as group and individual therapy, as well as medication management. The difference between these two types of treatment lies in their differing amounts of clinical supervision.
Choosing the type of treatment that is right for your particular circumstances can make all the difference when starting on the journey of recovery. Understanding the differences between inpatient and outpatient programming is key to determining which approach is the best fit for you or a loved one.
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Inpatient Rehab
The inpatient approach to treating substance use issues takes place in a residential setting, meaning that patients enrolled in the program live and receive treatment on-site. More often than not, inpatient rehabilitation starts with medically supervised detoxification, especially when dealing with opioid and alcohol use disorders. After a patient completes an inpatient program, they often step down to an outpatient level of care where they can practice newfound recovery skills and techniques while under the supervision of medically trained professionals.
Features of Inpatient Treatment
While most of the features of inpatient programming will vary between facilities, there is a set of features that are universal across most programs. These include
- A length of stay anywhere from 28 to 90 days
- An emphasis on individual, group, and family therapies
- Medication management, if necessary based on client needs
- Special care for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Recreational, adventure, or spiritual therapy programming
- Participation in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or 12-Step fellowships
The Pros and Cons of Inpatient Rehab
When searching for the type of program that fits your exact need in treatment, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each. Here we’ve laid out the positives and negatives of inpatient treatment programming:
Some positive aspects of inpatient rehab may include
- Around-the-clock medical support and accountability
- Informed and comprehensive care for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Recovery in a safe atmosphere, removed from the people, places, and situations that can be triggering in the early stages of recovery
The potential negative aspects of inpatient rehab may include
- The inability to work or fulfill obligations at home while in treatment
- Some insurance policies may not fully cover inpatient treatment programs
- Potential higher costs associated with around-the-clock care
Features of Outpatient Treatment
During outpatient treatment programming, clients are able to fulfill their obligations at home and work while in recovery. Outpatient treatment can typically be scheduled around work hours, allowing clients to work uninterrupted and giving them flexibility while still providing a high level of care.
Much like inpatient residential treatment, the programming used during outpatient treatment can vary greatly between different facilities. That being said, most outpatient programs employ some or all of the following features. These features include
- An average program length of 90 days
- An emphasis on individual, group, and family therapies
- Medical referrals for medication management
- Participation in recovery support programming such as Alcoholics Anonymous or 12-Step fellowships
- Recreation, adventure, and spiritual therapy
The Pros and Cons of Outpatient Rehab
Much like inpatient rehab programming, outpatient rehab has its pros and cons. It is important to consider the following when choosing the treatment center that is right for your situation:
Some positive aspects of outpatient rehab may include
- Flexibility in treatment scheduling, allowing for the fulfillment of obligations at home
- Allowing clients the ability to maintain employment without interruption while in recovery
- Reduced likelihood of the client having to travel outside of of their local community in order to find addiction treatment services
The potential negative aspects of outpatient programming may include
- Still living at home in a potentially triggering environment, which can lead to a higher ease of access to harmful substances and situations
- Less medical support and accountability
- Less time and opportunity to identify and address potential co-occurring mental health issues
Comparing the Cost of Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment
The truth of the matter is, when it comes to treatment for substance use issues, cost can be a huge factor in deciding which approach is right for you. Because of the heightened level and around-the-clock nature of their care, inpatient programs are almost always more expensive to attend than outpatient programs. The cost of inpatient rehab programs can cost anywhere from $2,000 a month for the most basic services to upwards of $40,000 a month for the most comprehensive programs in the nation. In contrast, the cost of outpatient programs is much less, typically costing less than $1,000 in total.
Another important aspect to consider when thinking about which treatment option is best for your situation is whether or not your insurance will pay for some, or all, of your treatment. Many insurance providers may be more willing to pay for outpatient programs, or may only pay for inpatient programming after outpatient programming has proven to be ineffective for the individual. It is important to research the details of your insurance policy because the cost of rehab can vary widely depending on your insurance plan and current health status.
Success Rates for Different Rehab Programs
According to research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) that tracks individuals in treatment over extended periods, most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning. This is true for both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
Other government studies have even shown intensive outpatient programs (IOP) can be just as effective in helping clients find positive outcomes as inpatient programs. However, the effectiveness of treatment, regardless of type, will depend on a number of factors related to the individual and the compassion and competence of medical staff.
Determining Which Approach To Rehab Is Right for You
By reading this article, you’ve already taken the first step in determining which course of action is right for you and your situation. Choosing the correct rehab program should be a decision that requires careful consideration. While learning about different types of programs on your own is an important first step, it can also be extremely helpful to consult with a medical professional. Licensed mental health counselors, addiction specialists, and physicians can help you assess your needs in treatment and even help you locate treatment facilities in your community.
Summary of Key Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Programs
The most crucial difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment programs is that clients that are undergoing inpatient care live in the treatment facility full-time and have access to around-the-clock care. In outpatient programs, clients live off-site: at home or in sober living residential housing. Some other key differences to take into account when considering the best approach to care include
- Inpatient programs are able to provide better withdrawal support, often assisted by medication.
- Outpatient programs are often able to work around a client’s schedule, allowing them to fulfill their obligations at home and work.
- Inpatient treatment can provide around-the-clock medical support and supervision.
- Outpatient is typically much more affordable due to the less-intensive nature of the programming.
- Inpatient treatment removes the client from potentially triggering situations at home, making them less likely to return to using while in treatment.
Help With Drug Addiction Is Here With Support From Denver Recovery Center
When making the choice, you should give strong preference to the recommendation of your doctor or a mental health expert. They’re in the best position to understand your needs and circumstances. Beyond that, you must consider your own personal and financial circumstances.
Denver Recovery offers outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial-hospitalization programs in the Denver, CO area. Don’t allow drug addiction to dictate the direction of your life. You can take back control with help from a rehab program like those at Denver Recovery.
Give us a call at 833-201-4938 today.
FAQs:
- What’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment?
While both treatment approaches aim to address the underlying causes of addiction, they use different methods. Inpatient rehab programs have a client live full-time in a facility while they receive treatment, while outpatient programs allow the client to live at home.
- Which is better inpatient or outpatient?
Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs have their advantages and disadvantages, it all depends on the which type of treatment fits best in your particular situation.
- What is considered outpatient therapy?
Outpatient rehabilitation therapy is when a client lives at home but attends individual, group, and family therapy sessions once or multiple times per week.
- How long can a patient stay in rehab?
While a majority of rehab programs last somewhere from 28 to 90 days, many facilities offer extended care programs for relapse-prone individuals that can last much longer. It varies from facility to facility.