With more than 23 million US adults struggling with drug addiction, the chances of you or a loved one being affected are high. Admitting there’s a problem is the first step, but knowing what to do next can be a challenge.
There are so many types of rehab facilities and different approaches to treatment, it can be hard to know where to begin. To break it down, here’s the difference between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab and which is right for you.
Inpatient Rehab
Also known as residential treatment, this is what many traditionally think of as rehab facilities. This is when the patient stays in a controlled environment day and night for an extended period of time. The residential clinic has medical and emotional support to aid the process of addiction recovery.
What Happens at Inpatient Rehab?
During inpatient treatment, patients follow a full program designed to help recovery. This program combines individual and group exercises, which have different benefits.
The group experiences enable patients to share their struggles with others. From this, patients learn more about how addiction affects different people. This can be particularly beneficial for developing self-awareness and a recovery community.
The program will also include meetings with doctors, psychiatrists, and counselors. They will work together to create a care approach that suits the individual.
Inpatient rehab is typically offered to those with more severe or complex addictions. While in inpatient rehab, there is limited contact with the outside world. This is to help get you through the toughest parts of detox.
How Long Does Inpatient Rehab Last?
This depends on a lot of different factors. Your rehab clinic may have a standard treatment period, for example, 6 or 10 weeks. Alternatively, the recovery team may expect to see you reach certain milestones before you finish treatment.
Your treatment time will also depend on the nature of your addiction. Different types of addiction all have different recovery processes. You can find out more about alcohol rehab here: Hoperisingrecovery
Inpatient rehab is more intensive than outpatient rehab. This means it can be completed more quickly under certain circumstances.
Outpatient Rehab
In contrast with inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab is not residential. This means you stay in your own home and receive treatment at a local rehab center.
What Happens at Outpatient Rehab?
An outpatient rehab program is less restrictive than an inpatient program. Patients will attend sessions for several hours per week. This can include meetings with recovery specialists and therapists.
The approach focuses on understanding your addiction and developing the personal tools to manage lasting recovery. This process helps to prevent relapse.
Outpatient rehab is typically offered to those with more mild addictions. It is a less controlled environment, putting more responsibility on the patient for their recovery.
How Long Does Outpatient Rehab Last?
As a treatment for less severe addiction, the detox stage of outpatient rehab can generally be completed quickly in a matter of weeks. The ongoing therapy and recovery management will depend on your engagement with the program and your individual needs.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
Taking the first steps towards recovery can feel overwhelming. However, there is so much support available. Choosing between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab is another step in the right direction. If this article has inspired you, check out our other health and wellness reads!
