Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehabilitation

Drug addiction is actually a disease that affects the brain and other parts of the body. Recovering from drug addiction can be very difficult. This is predominantly determined by how long a person has been addicted and which drug they were addicted to. A person who has been addicted for many years may have a more difficult time than a person who has been addicted for a short while. Nevertheless, any addiction is still an illness that an addict needs to receive treatment for.

Fortunately, there are several avenues an addict can pursue if they are committed to recovery. Treatment involves helping the addict detox from the drug, create coping mechanisms for their triggers and find a community to help them overcome their addiction long-term. Generally, rehabilitation programs for addicts are categorized as either inpatient or outpatient. These terms are similar in meaning with the inpatient and outpatient services offered in hospitals. Finding the right program for a patient depends on various factors and considerations. Regardless of whatever program a patient chooses, the goal of treatment is the same for both programs

Inpatient rehabilitation

As the name suggests, inpatient rehabilitation is a form of treatment where a patient resides in a treatment center for a specified period of time. In this form of rehabilitation, a patient resides in a rehabilitation facility throughout their treatment period. All activities pertaining to the patient’s treatment are conducted at the facility. These include meals, medication, therapy and visitation. Every inpatient rehabilitation facility has unique programs for their patients. Some have more activities than others. For example, some facilities teach yoga and meditation to their patients. The length of stay at an inpatient facility greatly varies from patient to patient. One person can stay for a month and another for up to six months or longer. It is really about the condition of the patient because every patient is different. No two people can be treated the same though they are addicted to the same substance.

There are different types of inpatient programs for addicts. One common example is sober living homes. These are group living homes where residents must maintain their sobriety if they want to stay. These homes however do not offer treatment for the initial stages of addiction recovery such as detox or medication. The benefit of these homes is that they provide accountability and a strict environment for patients to recover.

Another type of inpatient program is the gender-based rehabilitation program. As the name suggests, this program is defined by gender where it can be a men only or a women only program. The benefits of such a program is that patients are more comfortable to share their experiences since most of the other patients can relate. It provides a good community for the addicts.

Inpatient programs can also be specific for teenagers only. In today’s society, many teenagers and young adults are increasingly becoming addicts. There is a need for specific programs for such addicts because teenagers do not relate or communicate in the same way as adults do.

Last but not least, there are inpatient programs that cater for people suffering from other mental conditions such as psychosis or bipolar disorder. These patients require special treatment and care to treat both their mental condition and their addiction. Dual treatment inpatient programs are very useful for such addicts.

Outpatient rehabilitation

Outpatient rehabilitation is less intense than inpatient rehabilitation. This program is for addicts who have made significant progress in their recovery journey or had not progressed in their addiction to warrant inpatient treatment. A patient can either transition from an inpatient program to an outpatient one or start off with an outpatient program. Transitioning from inpatient to outpatient rehabilitation is not very difficult for a patient. As a matter of fact, this shows progress in the addict’s recovery.

Outpatient programs require patients to come in for treatment three to four times a week. Treatment covers all areas including medication, counselling and therapy. This type of program is less intensive than inpatient treatment programs.

Outpatient programs are more useful for addicts who have a stable support system from friends and family. Social support is especially important for the recovery of any addict. Additional, outpatient programs emphasize on recovery groups for the addicts. The effectiveness of recovery groups in the long-term recovery of addicts has been proven through research.

Outpatient programs provide the same care for addicts whether detoxification or medication or therapy as do inpatient programs. You should not think of the inpatient as

Choosing between inpatient and outpatient

When it comes to deciding on which program to choose, there are several factors to consider. Patients whose triggers are deeply rooted in their environment will fit better in an inpatient program. On the other hand, patients who have a good social support system can choose the outpatient program.

Cost is also a factor to consider. It is expected that inpatient programs are more costly than outpatient programs given the level of care they offer. Some inpatient programs are also more expensive than others because of their facilities and any additional services they provide. Nevertheless, cost should never be prized above an addict’s health.

Last but not least, the most important factor to consider is the patient. Patients should be involved in the decision of choosing a treatment program. Since the rehabilitation is for their benefit, they should be given the opportunity to choose. In situations where the person is far much addicted and cannot decide then the family is allowed to choose the program, they deem it best for their loved one.

Whether inpatient or outpatient, the end goal is to provide the best care for addicts. Any program should be able to provide best for the needs of the patient for their long-term recovery. Addiction is a very treatable disease.