Inpatient Rehab vs Outpatient Rehab Differences

What are The Differences Between Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab for Addiction and Mental Health

The subtle and important differences between inpatient vs outpatient rehab may not be immediately obvious. With so many different treatment options available, understanding the difference will help you get the best rehab treatment possible to meet your needs and be successful in treatment.

On the most basic level, outpatient programs allow you to continue your regular daily activities while receiving daily or weekly services. Inpatient services are provided through residential treatment programs and provide 24-hour assistance. Both options have benefits and disadvantages so choosing the right one is important as you begin down the road to recovery.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient Treatment programs provide treatment with minimal disruption to your regular daily activities. Services are usually provided in an office or central location and are designed for people who need minimal treatment.

During Outpatient treatment you:

• Stay in your home while receiving services
• Are in the same environment that led to drug or alcohol use
• Receive services with little disruption to work and family
• Exposed to other addicts, stressors and negativity
• Receive treatment during daily or weekly meetings
• Have to wait until your next appointment or scheduled business hours to get help
• Go through withdrawal symptoms on your own, increasing the temptation to use
• Have limited access to medical professionals to help through the withdrawal process
• Participate in short individual or group meetings
• May not have a strong support system through friends and family
• Generally receive treatment in the form of counseling and cognitive behavior therapy to learn new methods of coping and to make lifestyle changes
• Are on your own to practice the new skills you learn

Inpatient Treatment Programs

Inpatient Treatment programs provide intense and thorough treatment during residency at the facility. Services are provided in a residential treatment center and are designed for people who need maximum support during rehabilitation.

During inpatient treatment you:

• Stay in a residential facility while receiving services
• Are in a neutral, safe environment free of the stressors and elements of your home environment
• May need to take time off from work and explain long absences to family
• In a safe, positive environment away from other addicts and triggers
• Receive treatment and support 24 hours a day
• Have immediate access to staff and help any time you need it
• Go through withdrawal symptoms in a safe place without access to substances, decreasing temptations
• Have immediate access to medical professionals who can monitor you while going through withdrawals
• Participate in intense, focused treatment throughout the day
• Have access to a strong therapeutic support system with other residents and staff
• May receive treatment in the form of counseling and cognitive behavior therapy but the main focus is on making lifestyle changes that will lead to successful rehabilitation
• Practice new skills you learn in a therapeutic environment with constant support and immediate feedback on progress. Skills are practiced as a daily life skill.

Choosing Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab

Choosing the right treatment program could mean the difference between a successful rehabilitation and ineffective treatment. For some, outpatient treatment may be enough but for most, full rehabilitation and success comes from residential inpatient treatment followed by ongoing outpatient services based on individual, on-going needs.

The Treatment Specialist offers information and treatment resources for both inpatient and outpatient rehab options. Call 866-64-7911 now to receive a free confidential assessment to review what level of care might be best for your specific situation and needs.