Outpatient vs. Inpatient Rehab: Which Is Right for Me?

Addiction is on the rise in the US, affecting millions of Americans in one way or another. Unfortunately, as many as 1 in 10 adults in the US will face substance use disorder (SUD) in their lifetimes.

If you think you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, you may have already looked into some of your options. Most treatment plans fall under the umbrella of inpatient or outpatient programs, both of which are designed for certain people. Let’s talk about outpatient vs. inpatient rehab and see which is right for your needs!

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment covers a wide variety of treatment options. It’s an umbrella term for any type of rehab treatment that takes place while living at home, not necessarily in your home. Common examples include:

• Doctor visits
• Therapy services
• Support groups (AA, NA, etc.)

The list goes on. Generally, these are recommended for patients who have already completed the detox stage and have abstained from a substance for at least 30 days.

Also, there are intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) that are more comprehensive, often with around-the-clock treatment services in the comfort of your home. If you can’t commit to a stay at an inpatient facility, this is a great option.

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab programs offer anything you could find in an outpatient program. The only difference is that you live in the facility for a designated period, typically between 30 and 90 days.

Inpatient treatment has the added benefit of detox services, around-the-clock access to medical services, and a substance-free environment free from temptation. Generally, we recommend inpatient treatment to anybody in first-time recovery, especially during detox, which is the most sensitive period of recovery.

Certain substances can come with lethal withdrawal symptoms or complications. Access to medical oversight and detox services can save your life and your long-term health and also prevent relapse during peak symptoms.

Most facilities offer support groups, medical oversight, therapy services, and plenty of recreational activities. These facilities seek to offer you the tools you need for a sober life on your own in the best environment possible. 

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Rehab: What’s the Difference?

We can’t say one is better than the other without assessing your situation in life, the nature of your condition, and other extenuating circumstances. We can say that inpatient rehab is the better option for detox and early recovery, as this is the most sensitive period of the journey. However, addiction recovery is not a 60-day process but a lifelong commitment.

For these reasons and more, we strongly recommend using a combination of the two services. Even the best inpatient rehab centers have a 40% to 60% relapse rate, which is a strong testament to the nature of the disease. Rehab is not a “cure” but merely the first step in a lifelong process. Ideally, outpatient services like support groups and therapy should play a role in maintaining abstinence after early recovery.

Alternative Treatment Options

If you can’t commit to a 60-day stay in an inpatient facility but you’re worried about the effectiveness of an outpatient program, there are other options for those in early recovery.

Like IOPs, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) seek to offer the best of both worlds. This is the highest level of care a facility can offer without disrupting your life entirely. Essentially, you can continue your work or personal obligations during treatment and report to an inpatient facility at night.

PHPs are an excellent way to distance yourself from temptation in your free time, but they require strong willpower for patients to choose to report back to the hospital every day. We would typically only recommend these to patients who limit their substance abuse to personal downtime at home and who cannot take time off of work.

Get the Help You Need Today

Now that you understand the difference between outpatient vs. inpatient rehab programs, you can see that one isn’t necessarily better than the other. Instead, you will have to choose one based on your needs and where you are on your journey to recovery. 

Remember, any treatment is better than no treatment at all. Get the help you need today, and feel free to contact us with any questions or to find the program that works for you!