Inpatient vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab: Choosing the Right Path for Recovery

If you or a loved one are interested in receiving treatment for substance use, there are two major program types: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient programs involve living in a treatment facility, hospital, or clinic while receiving care for addiction. Outpatient programs allow you to live at home. There are benefits to both settings.

What Is Inpatient Drug Rehab?

Inpatient drug rehab is considered residential, meaning you will live at the treatment center. Typically, inpatient drug rehab is located at an addiction treatment facility or a hospital. In an inpatient setting, you will receive frequent, continuous care throughout the day. Your days will be structured with specific appointments, support groups, and more.

Partial hospitalization programming is available when participating in inpatient drug rehab. This may be useful for those who need assistance with detoxification from drugs and/or alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, and it helps to have a team of medical professionals to alleviate the physical and/or psychological discomfort.

What are the pros and cons of inpatient drug rehab?

Some people choose not to attend inpatient programs because they require you to leave your home in order to receive treatment. Your days in inpatient programs are very structured, which can also feel restrictive. It can feel isolating to be in an inpatient program. You will have to leave work, family, and other obligations.

What Is Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Outpatient drug rehab means that you are participating in drug rehab programs while still residing at home. The time you will commit to outpatient drug rehab programs varies. Intensive outpatient programming will require you to attend programming for many hours a day. Other outpatient programming may require a couple hours of commitment a week. The time commitment typically is based on the level of care you require.

Outpatient programs, like inpatient programs, will usually involve counseling sessions and support groups. You may benefit from an outpatient program if you are interested in still living at home while receiving treatment for your substance use disorder. You may be able to attend school or work, depending on the number of hours that your outpatient drug rehab program requires.

What are the pros and cons of outpatient drug rehab?

If you need a high level of care for your addiction, an outpatient drug rehab may not be sufficient. If you are actively dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it may be better to attend an inpatient program, at least until symptoms are more manageable. 

Similarly, it may be easier to access drugs and alcohol if you are still living at home while receiving support through an outpatient program. It may be challenging to prevent drug use while living at home, as you may be around familiar people or places that involve substance use. In this case, an inpatient program may be more beneficial while you build awareness about recovery.

What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Inpatient and outpatient drug rehab both offer high levels of care. Where you reside during these programs can affect your experience. For some, it is helpful to attend an inpatient rehab program because such programs empower people to completely restructure their lives. You can gain a fresh perspective on your substance use, and you will receive consistent care for your addiction. You will also be living with other people who are navigating the road to recovery.

Others benefit from outpatient programs because they like maintaining a balance between their everyday surroundings while developing habits for long-term recovery. Both outpatient and inpatient programs use similar programming such as therapy and support groups. While you may attend a treatment center or treatment facility that offers both inpatient and outpatient services, those who enroll in an outpatient program are able to go home at the end of the day.

The program you select should be based on your specific needs.

What’s the Cost of Inpatient and Outpatient Drug Rehab? 

The cost of inpatient and outpatient drug rehab varies depending on your insurance plan. Speak to a representative from your insurance company to learn about the coverage you can receive for inpatient and/or outpatient drug rehab.

What Are the Success Rates of Inpatient and Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Success rates vary for inpatient and outpatient drug rehab. The definition of success in drug rehab is also different from person-to-person. Some define success as 100% abstinence from drugs or alcohol. Some define success as making strides towards long-term recovery. Statistics around success rates are reported by different inpatient and outpatient facilities.

At Aware Recovery Care, our at-home treatment program has a 78% success rate – a compelling alternative to other outpatient options. 

How Do You Choose an Inpatient or Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Choosing an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab program is an important part of identifying what will work for you in recovery. Some will request the advice of an addiction specialist or a medical professional, who can perform an assessment of your needs.

Other people may choose an inpatient or outpatient program based on insurance coverage or based on personal preference. You want a program that aligns with your unique goals as well as your lifestyle.

What Are Inpatient Drug Rehab Options?

There are options available for inpatient drug rehab

  • Medical detox involves helping drugs or alcohol leave the body’s system to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
  • Inpatient rehab involves living at a rehab facility while receiving support for substance use disorders.

H2: What Are Outpatient Drug Rehab Options?

There are options available for outpatient drug rehab:

  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer structured, daily programming for alcohol or drug addiction. You can expect to participate in programming for many hours a week, but you will go home each day.
  • In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) offers support for substance use disorders from the comfort of your own home. You do not have to leave home in order to participate.

When Does IHAT Make Sense for Outpatient Drug Rehab?

IHAT is worth exploring if you are interested in a customized approach to addiction treatment. Rather than commuting to a clinic or facility, you are able to receive treatment from the comfort of your own home. 

With over 10,000 people treated, Aware works with you to personalize a plan for your substance abuse disorder. You don’t have to put life on hold for treatment. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more about in-home addiction treatment, we are here to speak with you about how to support your unique recovery journey. We provide convenience, privacy, and flexibility by allowing treatment at home. Contact us using this link.

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