Addiction Recovery Options: Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment

Are you trying to manage addiction, or do you have a family member or loved one in that same situation? 

Addiction is hard to beat alone. It’s best to have someone there to guide you on your way so you can make a full recovery with support and a group of people that know what you’re going through. 

When it comes to choosing between inpatient vs outpatient rehab, different options are better for different people and life situations. But what form of treatment is right for you? 

Let’s figure it out together. Keep reading to learn about how inpatient and outpatient treatments compare.

Cost

Cost is a factor for most people when they’re choosing a rehabilitation program. When looking at inpatient vs outpatient costs, there’s usually a clear difference. 

As a general rule, inpatient care is more expensive. You have around-the-clock support, more access to medical care, and often a lot of amenities that you can take advantage of while you’re going through treatment. They also provide meals and support groups in-house. That said, you’re unable to work during treatment, making the cost greater.

Outpatient treatment is cheaper. You don’t receive around-the-clock care, but you do have supportive mental health professionals for your appointments. You’ll still get a support group if you want one, but you won’t have them there all the time. You are able to work (if you choose) while in outpatient care. 

Intensity of Care

When someone is deep enough in their addiction that they’re going through withdrawal, inpatient care may be necessary. Withdrawal can be dangerous, causing symptoms from shakes and vomiting to seizures. Inpatient care also allows for a more intensive mental health routine that could include several sessions per day.

Outpatient treatment is suitable for care after the initial medical care is complete. Therapeutic sessions won’t happen as often (though they may be daily as needed) and while there are intensive outpatient programs, outpatient doctors and counselors can’t provide quite as much attention as inpatient ones. 

People with different severities of addiction problems benefit from different intensities of programs. Considering inpatient vs outpatient care requires knowing yourself and how much care you need.

External Stressors and Influences

Rehabilitation is a vital step in recovery. People who choose inpatient treatment are removed from the environment that influenced the addiction in the first place. They’re removed from the stressors of work and home, any bad influences in their friend groups, and any form of temptation. That said, being away from family may be a stressor in and of itself.

People in outpatient care usually aren’t removed from the stressors of their lives. They probably have to work or go to school, manage tasks around the home, and avoid any bad influences on their own. They are, however, able to spend time with supportive friends and family members if they have them. 

Inpatient vs Outpatient: What’s Right for Your Situation? 

There are many factors that will go into your decision between inpatient vs outpatient rehab. If you or your loved one needs medical intervention or full-time therapy, or if they’re unable to manage the stress and influences of their lives in recovery, inpatient care is the right decision.

If the cost of inpatient is too high and you or your loved one is capable of balancing recovery and life, outpatient is also a good choice.

Pick the rehabilitation program that’s right for your lifestyle and start the road to recovery today.

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