If you’re evaluating the decision to choose an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab center, it’s a good idea to know the difference. Treating an addiction is a personalized experience and some patients will need things that others will not. Likewise, some patients need more intensive care than others. Understanding the options for the most efficacious treatment is the best way to ensure that you choose the right one for yourself or your loved one. Let’s find out more.
What is Inpatient Rehab?
Also referred to as residential treatment centers, inpatient rehab centers are designed to remove the patient from their everyday environment. During treatment, he or she will live on site. The reason for this is to stay away from the people, places and situations that drive the addiction. The length of time for treatment varies from a few days to several months, depending on the patient and the nature of their addiction. Once discharged, the patient will continue treatment outside the residential facility.
Inside an inpatient center, many treatment options are available and will be added to a treatment plan, based on the patient’s needs. They include any of the following:
- Mental health care
- Medical detox
- Group, individual and family counseling
- Support groups
- Medication management
What Happens in an Outpatient Drug Rehab Center?
While attending outpatient rehab, a patient is able to live at their own home during the program. In some cases, the person may live with someone else or in a sober living home. This allows the patient to continue going to work or school and taking care of their other daily obligations. There are multiple levels of care that go with an outpatient treatment program and that will be dependent on the patient’s needs and the level of their addiction. Some programs require a full day’s commitment, while others are only a couple of hours each day.
Like inpatient care, there are a variety of ways that addiction is treated. Some of the most common are listed below.
- Therapy for groups or individuals
- Assistance finding resources
- Support groups
- Medication management
- Supervision and structure
Which Should I Choose?
While inpatient and outpatient rehab are similar, there are some key differences that will help you decide which is right for you. In general, inpatient rehab is usually the best choice for severe addictions, those who are triggered to use in their current environment, need constant supervision, and those who require a highly structured program to keep them on track.
Outpatient rehab is much less costly and is a viable choice for patients who need flexibility for their daily obligations, are less likely to be triggered by their home life and have support from family and friends outside treatment. Your doctor and loved ones can help you determine which is best for you.
Do you want more information about what happens in an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab center? Contact Canon Human Services Centers Inc. today and we can answer your questions and help you find the treatment you need.