Inpatient vs Outpatient Drug Rehab: Which is Better for You?

Drug rehab is not about fitting people into boxes.

There are a variety of approaches that could be right for you and recovery services are there to provide you with the tools you need to get clean.

One decision you need to make is the inpatient vs outpatient decision. Is it best for you to be admitted for your rehab, or is this something you can manage better in your own home?

We know this is a challenging decision, but our guide can help you to make the right choice for you.

Benefits of Inpatient Treatment

Many people are attracted to the thought of inpatient rehab.

They see it as a chance to get away from their old life and surroundings for a time; a chance to start a new chapter in a fresh environment.

This leads us to the first major benefit of inpatient rehab – you can totally focus on your recovery.

You’ll be in a safe environment where not only you but everyone who works there as well, is completely focused on giving you the support you need to get clean.

Professional Support

This will include support from counselors, who will be able to give you tailored therapy over an extended period of time. Many people find that getting to the root of their addiction in this way is the key to their recovery.

Also on hand are doctors who can supervise the process, and give you access to medications that will support your rehabilitation.

Who is this Suitable for?

This could be the most suitable option for you if you are also going through mental health difficulties, having suicidal thoughts or have a serious addiction.

Staying for a longer period, a minimum of 90 days and sometimes longer, will give you the best chance of overcoming your addiction.

Avoid Relapse

One clear benefit of inpatient care is that the opportunity to relapse is effectively taken away.

As you’ll be in a secure facility and will be monitored 24/7, you simply will not have access to drugs or alcohol. When the going gets tough, you’ll have support on hand to help you battle through, rather than to relapse.

Drawbacks of Inpatient Treatment

While long, inpatient stays in rehab are associated with much better outcomes, there are drawbacks to be considered when weighing up inpatient vs outpatient care.

Lack of Freedom

One of them is that you will be in an institution, and have rules to follow that will limit your freedom. Some people find this very liberating as they can more easily get into good routines – others could find it challenging.

Further Considerations

You also have to consider your other responsibilities while you are having inpatient care. This might mean making arrangements for childcare, leave from work and temporarily rehousing pets.

The cost of inpatient treatment is also a factor to think about. Check with your insurer what they will cover, as some may not have provision for inpatient rehab.

Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

While inpatient rehab has many advantages, there are cases in which outpatient treatment is more suitable for people battling addictions.

Who is it Suitable for?

If you have a moderate or mild addiction, this may be a more appropriate option for you. With outpatient treatment, you still attend the rehab center on a daily basis but are able to go home each day.

Social Support

The advantages of this system are that you don’t lose your connection with your family and your social support system.

Family and friends who understand what you are going through and know the kind of support you need can be a great help in your recovery.

It also helps to maintain a sense of normality in your life that you might lose if you enter a rehab center.

Cost Effective

Many insurers are also more likely to cover the cost of attending a treatment center on an outpatient basis. This means that you might find it more financially viable than an inpatient stay.

As you are not living at the facility, the costs are significantly lower than inpatient stays.

Drawbacks of Outpatient Treatment

The evidence shows that while there are advantages to outpatient treatment, outpatient treatment is definitely not the best option for everybody struggling with addiction.

Slower Recovery

Recovery usually takes longer and may not be as successful as for those who choose the inpatient option.

Of course, the severity of the addiction and other factors play a part. However, the focus that you are able to give to dealing with your addiction in an inpatient facility will always be greater than on an outpatient basis.

Possibility of Relapse

As you will remain in your usual environment, access to drugs or alcohol will not be off limits like it would be in a secure inpatient facility.

Therefore, you need to be honest with yourself about whether it will be possible with your current level of addiction to resist those triggers in the outpatient setting.

Fewer Social Bonds

People who enter an inpatient program are often able to form bonds with others on the program that go on to support their recovery after rehab has finished.

This, along with more regular access to counselors and doctors, aids recovery during the process and can provide support to you after the program has finished.

This is something you’ll have less chance to develop on an outpatient program.

The Bottom Line: Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab – Which is Best?

As mentioned at the outset, there is no one size fits all solution to the treatment of addiction.

There are pros and cons to both options. So when weighing up the question of inpatient vs outpatient care, some honest self-examination and frank discussions with your doctor are needed.

How severe is your addiction? How strong is the temptation to relapse?

Considering these points, you’ll be able to make the best choice for you to overcome your addiction.

To find out more about the services that we offer at Real Hope Recovery, click here today.