The first step on the road to recovery is admitting to yourself and others that your relationship with drugs and alcohol is no longer healthy. Once you acknowledge that help has become necessary, the next step is reaching out for guidance and determining which level of clinical care is right for you. Because active addiction is far from a one-size-fits-all disease, the best choice will be based on your specific circumstances. Before making any definitive decisions, it is a good idea to thoroughly understand the difference between inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment.

At Recovery Centers we understand how overwhelming making such an important decision can seem. The good news is, there is a team of highly experienced advisors standing by to help walk you through the process and make sure you make the most reasonable, self-serving choice. All you have to do is contact us and we will begin the process of finding the right level of care for you. Reach out today to learn more or to begin.

Inpatient & Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab

For many, the first step in the addiction treatment process is entering into a medical detoxification center. Even if active addiction was short-lived, the symptoms associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable, and might lead to serious complications if not closely overseen. In most cases, medical detox lasts for between 3 and 7 days depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Once a person has been deemed physically fit to continue with their recovery journey, they will traditionally transition into the next appropriate level of care. This could be inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment, depending on your needs.

What is Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient rehab programs provide clients with a safe, structured, and substance-free living environment where they reside for a prolonged period of time. The majority of inpatient rehab programs last for between 28 and 90 days depending on individual need, but some longer term rehab programs can last for up to 6 months or longer. The duration of your stay in inpatient rehab will depend on several factors, including:

  • The severity of your substance use disorder.
  • The presence of any underlying mental illnesses, like anxiety or depression.
  • The type of substance/substances you were using.
  • The presence of unresolved trauma.
  • The presence of co-occurring behavioral addictions, like an eating disorder or gambling addiction.

Inpatient rehab programs often provide clients with a combination of clinical and therapeutic services. Many longer term rehab programs combine behavioral therapies with 12 Step program education, holistic treatment methods, and a range of other services like relapse prevention training, case management, and family support. If an inpatient rehab is therapeutically-based it means it offers a range of evidence-based therapies in an individual, group, and family setting. The accommodations provided by the rehab can range from standard to luxury. In most treatment centers you will find private or shared bedrooms, a cafeteria or group dining room where meals are eaten, client lounges, and several other group spaces — perhaps a gym or dedicated yoga studio. Luxury rehab centers offer private bedrooms, gourmet, chef-prepared meals, and amenities like a swimming pool, spa, and massage therapy sessions.

What is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment programs come in many different forms. Some are more intensive than others, and meet five days a week for between 6 and 8 hours each day. Some are less intensive, and meet two or three days a week for a few hours in the morning or evening. Outpatient treatment can be broken into several distinctive levels of care:

  • Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
  • Outpatient Treatment (OP)

The main difference is how frequently treatment groups meet and for how long. The majority of outpatient treatment programs offer a combination of relapse prevention training, individual and group therapy, vocational and/or educational training, peer support groups, and built-in accountability by way of regular drug testing. The main priority of most outpatient addiction treatment programs is to provide clients with the opportunity for ongoing healing and access to support while helping them build a sober support network.

Which Level of Care is Right for Me?

How do you know which level of care is right for you? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including:

  • Whether or not you have been through treatment in the past.
  • The severity of your substance use disorder.
  • The presence of underlying mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
  • Whether or not you have pre-existing obligations and responsibilities you cannot comfortably step away from for weeks at a time.
  • The severity of consequences associated with your addictive disorder.
  • Whether or not you have a supportive home environment to return to.

Inpatient treatment is always a good idea for those who have moderate or severe addictive disorders and who have lost nearly everything at the hands of their addiction. In many cases, active drug or alcohol addiction strips people of things like their career, meaningful relationships, financial stability, physical health, and even of a place to live. Some lose everything, eventually finding themselves on the streets with no money in their pockets. Others lose their familial support and self-worth, finding themselves isolated, alone, and not sure where to turn or who to turn to.

The best way to determine which level of care is to simply gauge how bad things have gotten. How much have you lost at the hands of your addiction? Are you seeking treatment early on, before consequences have accumulated? If you are wondering how you are going to go about rebuilding your life, seeking the built-in support of inpatient rehab is likely a good idea. If your substance use disorder is mild and you have been maintaining a career, attending school, or continuing to keep up with other responsibilities, outpatient care might be a viable standalone treatment option. Contact us today to learn more.

When it comes to the effective treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, it is of the utmost importance to seek professional care as quickly as possible. Because addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, associated symptoms will only worsen in severity the longer they are left untreated. If you are unsure whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is the right choice for you, we recommend reaching out to someone who can help. As soon as you make the decision to contact us you will be connected with someone who has helped others through the process; someone who will guide you towards the best decision using their own insight and experience. Whether you decide to enter an inpatient rehab or commit to an outpatient program, we will help you find a reputable treatment center near you. Contact us today to begin.