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What is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment?

What is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment?

2022-11-28 18:36:24

Finding the right drug rehab can be a tricky endeavor. Many, if not all, drug treatment facilities offer a wide variety of evidence-based inpatient and outpatient therapy programs tailored to meet your specific needs. If you are in the process of finding a drug treatment program, you may wonder what the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is. Is one treatment program better than the other? What program will help you overcome addiction and help you achieve long-term recovery?

This article will help you better understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment. You will better understand inpatient and outpatient treatment and learn about the pros and cons of inpatient and outpatient therapy. If you need quality drug treatment, call Find Luxury Rehabs toll-free today. We work with a vast network of drug rehabs and will help you find the perfect program that fits your unique needs.

What is Inpatient Treatment?

Also known as residential treatment, an inpatient program involves you residing in a treatment facility or housing on campus. Away from the temptations and triggers of your home environment, your sole focus is addressing and overcoming your substance abuse issues. The facility is safe, and secure and feature semi-private rooms and state-of-the-art amenities. You will undergo a personalized treatment program featuring the following components:

  • Medical detoxification
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • 12-step group support
  • Holistic therapy
  • Life and coping skills training
  • Dual diagnosis treatment (if needed)
  • Aftercare programs, including sober living

Many inpatient programs last for 30 days, but many rehabs offer programs that last for 60 days, 90 days, and even longer, depending on the severity of your addiction.

What is Outpatient Treatment?

The other popular level of drug treatment offered at many rehabs is outpatient therapy. The main difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is that clients in outpatient therapy continue to live at home and receive treatment at the facility during specific times of the day. People can attend outpatient treatment during daytime or nighttime hours according to their work or school schedule. The programs and services found in outpatient treatment are similar to inpatient treatment but focus on relapse prevention.

On average, people will attend outpatient treatment 2-3 times weekly for 2-3 hours per session. Another difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is the frequency of sessions; the length of each session can be stepped down as someone progresses in their treatment program. An average outpatient drug treatment program lasts 9-14 weeks but can last longer, depending on the client’s situation.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Therapy: The Pros and Cons

The difference between inpatient and outpatient therapy is more clearly seen when you look at the pros and cons of each level of treatment. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of both inpatient and outpatient rehab:

Inpatient Therapy

The most significant advantage of inpatient rehab is that you live at the facility and are free of temptations in your home environment. This is excellent if you lack a strong support network of family and friends or have failed to complete drug treatment in the past. In an inpatient rehab, you have a structured day filled with recovery-centered activities such as therapy, 12-step groups, and life and coping skills training. Also, inpatient treatment features medical detox, which helps you better tolerate the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.

The main drawback of inpatient treatment is the time commitment away from family and work. If you are unable to make appropriate arrangements, you may be disqualified from entering residential care.

Outpatient Therapy

The obvious advantage of outpatient care is it allows you to live at home and receive treatment. As previously stated, outpatient treatment is flexible around your work and family schedule. Outpatient treatment is an excellent choice if your addiction is relatively mild, have a strong support network at home, and don’t require detox. Additionally, outpatient treatment is less expensive when compared to inpatient programs.

The main disadvantages of outpatient care are that it isn’t for people who need medical detox or have co-occurring mental health issues. Since you are living at home, you are exposed to drugs and alcohol and are more vulnerable to relapse. Additionally, the stresses and distractions of your home and work environments can cause you to lose focus and make you vulnerable to relapse.

Need Help Finding the Right Rehab?

Finding the right rehab is crucial to long-term recovery. Contact Find Luxury Rehabs toll-free today if you have questions on the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment and finding which rehab is best for you. We work with a wide network of quality treatment facilities, and our experienced team will work with you to find the perfect rehab that fits your specific needs. Call us today and start your recovery journey on solid ground. Find Luxury Rehabs can put you in contact with luxury drug and alcohol rehabs near you. Whether you are looking for luxury drug rehabs in Florida or a California luxury addiction treatment center, we can help.

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