Outpatient vs. Inpatient Drug Rehab: Which One Is Right For Me?

You’ve been in a toe-to-toe battle with your drug or alcohol addiction and it’s taken its toll on your entire life. While every day may seem like an uphill fight that you’re constantly on the desperate, losing end of, there’s one strategy that can wipe your addiction off the map entirely.

Addiction rehab can help you detox, restructure your mind, reprioritize your life and teach you essential skills to forge a lifelong sober future.

If you’ve landed here today, you’ve probably already admitted to yourself that you need help and it’s time to pursue rehab. One of the hardest parts of the recovery journey is done, and we commend you for taking this step.

Now you need to decide where and what type of addiction rehab you’ll attend. Let’s walk through your rehab options and the top things to consider when choosing a rehab facility.

Choosing a Drug Rehab Program

There are two main types of addiction rehab treatment programs: inpatient and outpatient.

Both rehab avenues are supremely focused on your recovery and sobriety success. There are similarities and differences between the two types, but what really differentiates them is location, length of the rehabilitation process and individualized care.

Deciding which route is best for you is a big decision – one that must strongly consider your unique needs, personal situation and the severity of your substance use disorder.

You know yourself better than anyone. Take time to understand your options and truly evaluate what type of rehab will work best for you.

Outpatient Drug Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab is typically done at a facility or clinic close to your home. During designated times and appointments – usually daily or multiple times a week, depending on the program you choose – you travel to the facility to participate in addiction therapy and counseling sessions.

• These sessions can be conducted in both an individual and group setting.
• These sessions typically focus on drug abuse education and various forms of counseling.
• These sessions usually employ a step-down approach, where treatment sessions become less frequent and intensive the more you go, progress and show signs of sobriety.

While outpatient recovery programs are designed to be effective in helping addicts conquer their drug or alcohol dependence or addiction, they’re not as intense or restrictive as most inpatient rehab programs.

On average, outpatient treatment programs require you to commit 10-12 hours a week to your addiction treatment and therapy. An entire outpatient treatment program can run longer than inpatient rehab, lasting anywhere between three months to a year. It all depends on your needs and preferences.

Overall, outpatient drug rehab is an excellent option for someone with a mild addiction (not requiring medical attention for detox) who wants to stay close to home and maintain their family and professional life.

Inpatient Drug Rehab

Also referred to as residential rehab, you live at the inpatient drug rehab facility for a specific amount of time – usually 30, 60 or 90-days. Many rehab facilities can be located out-of-state in more remote, serene environments if privacy and escape from your everyday life is what you need to recover.

Inpatient drug rehab is designated to be intensive, with set daily schedules of addiction therapy and counseling sessions.

• These sessions can be conducted in both an individual and group setting.
• These sessions focus on drug abuse education, various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health therapy, lifestyle coaching, relationship counseling and coping mechanisms to help recovering addicts deal with addiction triggers or life stressors without returning to drugs or alcohol.
• These sessions are personalized and based on an all-encompassing treatment program that is developed to meet an addict’s exact needs.
• These sessions foster immense consistency.
• These sessions walk an addict through recovery phases, such as detox, reflection and growth, and typically utilize a step-down approach to help recovering addicts prepare for life after treatment.

Inpatient recovery programs employ 24-hour care and support from doctors, therapists and licensed addiction experts.

Overall, inpatient drug rehab is an excellent option for someone with a severe addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition. Inpatient rehab programs are almost essential for addicts who require medical attention for detoxification, as the withdrawal process can become very dangerous with some substances.

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Rehab

Outpatient Drug Rehab: Top Things to Consider

Positives

• You can stay at home during the outpatient drug treatment process.
• Outpatient treatment schedules are flexible, allowing you to attend evening and weekend appointments and sessions.
• The intensity level of outpatient therapy can fluctuate more, and most programs give you the freedom to choose the level of intensity that you will most benefit from.
• The cost of treatment is usually less than an inpatient treatment program.

Negatives

• Most outpatient programs don’t assess for or treat co-occurring disorders – increasing the risk of an undiagnosed mental health condition perpetuating your drug addiction.
• Outpatient drug rehab facilities are typically not open 24/7, reducing your contact with essential support and medical assistance.
• Outpatient rehab is only as effective as your commitment and punctuality, as outpatient treatment relies on you to regularly attend and actively engage in sessions without the nudge from anyone else.
• Outpatient rehab usually does not offer medical assistance or prescriptions to medication that can be helpful or essential in the detox and recovery process.

Inpatient Drug Rehab: Top Things to Consider

Positives

• Inpatient drug rehab programs are usually available in short- or long-term sessions, such as 30, 60 and 90-day periods.
• Residential rehab facilities deliver 24-hour attention, giving you the most individualized, all-inclusive care. This is critical for individuals with the most severe forms of addiction, as well as those contending with a co-occurring mental health disorder.
• Inpatient drug rehab is very structured and thoroughly covers every phase of addiction, such as detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, life and relationship counseling and lifestyle restructuring.
• Inpatient drug rehab helps you step away from the negative influences and temptations that trigger your addiction.
• Residential rehab facilities are a healthy, distraction-free, safe, resort-like environment to recover in.

Negatives

• Inpatient drug rehab places distance between you, your home, your family and your normal day-to-day routine and encounters. Inpatient rehab requires you to take a leave from your job as well.
• Because inpatient rehab is very structured, your day-to-day must follow a challenging, intensive treatment schedule.
• Inpatient rehab is usually more expensive than outpatient services. Oftentimes, however, the individualized care and positive success rate outweigh the monetary difference

Holistic Inpatient Recovery at Ranch Creek Recovery

Do you feel you would benefit from an inpatient drug rehab program? With customized treatment plans that fit your unique recovery needs and offering an alternative to the traditional twelve step program, Ranch Creek Recovery’s holistic treatment services will help you stop the vicious cycle of addiction. Learn more about Ranch Creek Recovery, including what we offer and what we treat.

Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us today.

CALL NOW: (877) 293-8607