Inpatient and outpatient care differ in a few key ways. Inpatient treatment is more intensive and requires a longer commitment for addicts with severe addictions. In outpatient rehab, you live at home while receiving treatment, but it may not be as effective for more severe addictions. In the end, the best decision is the one that is right for you. You should speak with your doctor or a mental health professional about the type of care you need.
When choosing between inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment programs, there are at least two key factors that can help you decide which is right for you: the severity of your addiction and your general health. Begin with the severity of your addiction. An inpatient program may be your best option if you have a severe addiction. If not, an outpatient program may suffice. Next, consider your health. A pre-existing medical condition may require constant care in an inpatient program. If you’re relatively healthy, however, you may want to choose an outpatient center. Finally, if you live in a chaotic or stressful environment, it may be hard to focus on your recovery. You may need an inpatient rehab program.
Inpatient vs Outpatient: What’s the Difference?
Inpatient and outpatient treatment both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s vital to weigh all your options before choosing one. There is no right answer. What’s best for you is up to you. You should be aware of the differences between inpatient and outpatient care before making treatment decisions. There is also intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), which is a hybrid of the first two options. The level of care is between outpatient and inpatient treatment.
Inpatient Care
An inpatient rehab program might be the best choice if you have a severe addiction that requires 24-hour care, or if you have other mental health issues or co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder. Treatment usually requires the individual to reside at the facility for the duration of treatment, making it the more intensive form of care. Medical professionals can provide around-the-clock monitoring and care, as well as a higher level of structure and support. Since residential rehab programs are both protected and highly structured environments, this allows patients to focus solely on their recovery without having to worry about everyday stress. In this program, they are kept away from any triggers or temptations that might lead to a relapse.
Outpatient Care
In contrast, outpatient care may be a better option if you want to live at home and continue with your normal routine while receiving addiction treatment. If you have a dedicated support system at home or have mild addiction issues, this can be a good option for you. An individual can live at home while attending treatment during the day with this less intensive form of care. For those with less severe addictions or those with family or work obligations that prevent them from staying in a residential facility, this can be an excellent option.
Intensive Outpatient Care
In an intensive outpatient care program, an individual attends treatment during the day and then goes home at night. This is a good option for people who have less severe addictions or have responsibilities that prevent them from staying in a residential facility. While the intensity of this hybrid program varies, it usually includes at least nine hours of therapy per week. An IOP allows individuals to continue working or going to school while they receive treatment. It is also less expensive than inpatient care. The downside of IOP is that it can be difficult to stay disciplined with treatment when you live at home. In addition, there is a greater risk of relapse since there is less structure and support than with inpatient treatment. Call us today at 833-610-1174 if you’re ready to get started. Our counselors can assist you in determining the best type of care for your situation when it comes to addiction treatment.