Addiction recovery occurs through drug rehabilitation. To regain life without substance abuse, you may need behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Rehab programs vary in intensity and duration. There are two main types of drug rehab: inpatient and outpatient. To choose the right one, you must understand the differences between them.
An inpatient program is one where people remain in a facility for a prolonged amount of time and participate in activities such as therapy, group counseling, and self-help groups. Outpatient rehab is a different approach to addiction recovery. Instead of staying in a facility for an extended period, the person goes home after treatment ends and continues therapy independently or with the help of family members or friends. Let’s take a deeper look at both these options.
How Does Outpatient Drug Rehab Work?
Outpatient rehab programs are designed to help people recover from addiction without having to stay in a treatment center. Instead, they can continue therapy on their own or with the help of friends and family members. There are many types of outpatient drug rehab programs, each providing support and counseling. Choosing the right program and adhering to your treatment plan is crucial. You must stay committed to staying sober even when faced with a variety of triggers.
A support system in place is essential to success with outpatient rehab. Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs often relapse when they do not feel supported. Families, friends, and professional counselors are all key members of the support system. It is particularly important to share your experiences with family and friends so that they can be there for you when times are challenging. Often people who find out about outpatient therapy learn about it from family and friends who have completed the program.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
Now that we’ve explained how outpatient drug rehab works, we can compare it to inpatient rehab. During inpatient rehab, someone stays at a facility for an extended period and participates in therapy, group counseling, self-help groups, and other activities designed to help them change their behavior. Inpatient rehab is more structured and intensive than outpatient rehab. Because of this, it is usually more expensive.
A different approach to addiction treatment is outpatient rehab. Rather than staying in a facility for extended periods of time, the individual goes home after treatment ends each day and after the program winds to an end continues therapy on their own or with the help of family or friends.
How to Decide Which One is Right for You
Both inpatient and outpatient rehab have pros and cons. Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment where the individual can focus on recovery without distractions. Outpatient rehab is less expensive and allows the addicted person to maintain a sense of normalcy while receiving treatment.
There are several factors to consider when choosing between inpatient and outpatient rehab, including the severity of the addiction, the person’s ability to stick to a treatment plan, and their overall support system. Recovery can be achieved with the right treatment plan.
The Recovery Journey
Both inpatient and outpatient programs can help people achieve recovery. There are four phases to the recovery journey:
- The first phase is called “treatment initiation.” This is the process of preparing for, and starting, treatment. When patients enter treatment without understanding what treatments are involved, or without being properly informed about what to expect, they can end up sabotaging change.
- The second phase is called “early abstinence.” This is the first step in recovering addicts’ lives. An “abstinence milestone” occurs when someone engages in their first sober activity without using drugs or alcohol.
- The third phase is called “maintenance abstinence”. It is now viewed as a lifestyle choice. There are many ways people can choose to stay sober.
- The fourth phase is called “advanced recovery.” This stage aims to improve the function and quality of life by continuing to make healthy, life-affirming choices in daily life.
If you or someone you know is thinking of choosing between outpatient rehab or inpatient rehab, give us a call at 844-903-2111 and we can help you find the right treatment option for your needs. If you receive the right support, you will be able to decide on an effective way to recover from addiction.
