So you may have asked yourself, “What’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab? Is one better than the other? Where do I even begin?” Well, let us first congratulate you on taking the time to research these addiction treatment options. The process to recovery can be difficult but you are taking that most important first step to bettering you or your loved ones life.
Drug and alcohol treatment programs fall into the two categories of either inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab. We will review the differences between each treatment option and what makes them particularly effective against drug and alcohol abuse.
The biggest difference to call out between the two treatment options is where they actual occur. Inpatient rehab occurs at a licensed in-patient facility over a longer period of time. It’s an opportunity for the patient to detach from the distractions of everyday life, and truly focus on their addiction treatment.
An inpatient rehab facility is an intensive process for individuals with moderate to severe addiction. A typical Inpatient treatment program will run anywhere from 28 days to 6 months, depending on the individual, and their particular needs. During that time, the patient will live at the facility until they feel they are ready to move forward with their addiction treatment balanced with their lives at home.
With inpatient rehab facilities set to manage a moderate to severe addiction patient, the programs are highly structured, and will likely begin with a level of medically assisted treatment. During the detox period a licensed physicians and addiction specialists will monitor the patient’s vitals, as the drugs begin to exit the patient’s system. Over time, the medication levels are decreased while support is provided, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawals with the addition of therapeutic support programs which may include any of the following:
Now that we’ve covered inpatient rehab treatment, it’s time to review outpatient rehab.
The biggest difference here is that, although outpatient rehab’s treatment programs still focus on establishing a drug-free and alcohol-free lifestyle for the patient, these programs are completed daily, at which the patient can return home to their daily lives.
An outpatient rehab program is typically recommended for an individual with a mild addiction, or as a long-term treatment program plan, usually following an inpatient rehab facility. Patients receive anywhere from 10 to 12 hours of treatment per week at an outpatient rehab center, where individuals learn to cope without their drug or alcohol use. This allows for a flexible schedule, and independence as the patient strengthens in their sobriety with the use of a ‘step-down’ approach to addiction treatment for long-term success.
Outpatient programs will focus on therapy, counseling and group sessions, segmented three specified tiers.
There are benefits to each therapeutic area when it comes to addiction rehab, and it is not one size fits all, but rather a journey each individual patient embarks on when they are ready. The key will be finding what you or your loved ones specific path might be and committing to a treatment dedicating to better one’s life, and freeing those afflicted by this challenging disease.
We hope the information in this article was of help, but if you have further questions about you or your loved ones addiction, or questions about the specific inpatient rehab program offered by Long Island Center for Recovery please call us at 631-728-3100, we’d be happy to assist you any way possible.
Posted in: Inpatient RehabOutpatient Rehab
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