What Are the Pros and Cons of Intensive Outpatient Rehab Versus Inpatient Rehab?

The first step in recovering from an addiction is admitting that there’s a problem. Once you’ve acknowledged the problem, it’s important to seek the right form of help. So how do you go about deciding what type of help is right for you?

When you’re ready, there are two forms of treatment that you can choose from; inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Each form of treatment has its advantages and disadvantages and knowing what they are can better assist you down the road to recovery.

What is inpatient rehabilitation?

Inpatient rehab simply means that the patient stays in the hospital/facility for an extended period of time. If you decide to go forth with inpatient rehabilitation, then you’re looking at a 28-90 day stay in the facility. This may vary depending on the type of insurance you have so, it’s essential that you talk with your health care provider about your coverage. Under inpatient treatment, you will most likely go through a detoxing process. Most inpatient centers will have a detoxing program available.

Pros of inpatient rehabilitation.

  • No alcohol is allowed in the facility. This means there’s a lesser chance of relapse.
  • There aren’t nearly as many distractions because you’re pretty much cut off from the rest of the world. All of your focus can go towards beating the addiction.
  • You have someone there for you 24/7. No matter the time, there are trained professionals ready to help you in whatever way they can. You are not alone.
  • You’ll be with a community of people walking the same road you are and can support you through your own journey.
  • This treatment is more intense and offers specialized forms of therapy, such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture. That being said, you have a heightened chance of success.

Cons of inpatient rehabilitation.

Like everything, there are some things you should take into consideration before deciding what treatment option works for you.

  • Your life gets out on pause. Family, friends, and hobbies may all have to take a seat on the back burner while you’re in rehab.
  • Because room and board are provided, inpatient rehabilitation tends to be more expensive.
  • There are certain rules and time restraints that you’ll have to adhere to. Restraints can include a curfew, visiting hours, free-time, etc.

What is outpatient rehabilitation?

Unlike inpatient rehab, you don’t have to stay in a facility. Outpatient rehabilitation allows you to continue on with your everyday life and focus on your mental health and sobriety. In doing this, you’ll go to weekly meetings (NA, AA, etc.) a couple of times a week and meet with a psychiatrist to prescribe meds to help with your withdrawal.

Pros of outpatient rehabilitation.

  • One of the biggest advantages to outpatient treatment is it’s cheaper. Outpatient rehab is also more likely to be covered by insurance.
  • You won’t have to put your life on a back burner. This treatment allows you to continue your daily activities.
  • Most organized meetings are at night and sometimes on the weekend so you won’t have to miss work.
  • Your family can play a bigger part in helping you recover. Sessions can be held with your family to help face the core of your addiction and any issues that may have contributed to it.

Cons of outpatient rehabilitation.

  • With outpatient treatment, the chance of relapse is much higher. Facing the same triggers and influences that led to substance abuse can be harder to resist when recovering.
  • Choosing sobriety doesn’t mean your family and friends are ready to do the same. This can run the risk of you having access to drugs and alcohol.
  • Round the clock care won’t be available to you. A therapist may not always have the time to sit down with you as one would at an inpatient facility.

Substance abuse is a major disorder that should be handled with care. You don’t want to rush into a recovery method without fully being aware of its perks and defaults. Take the time to really understand the advantages and disadvantages of outpatient and inpatient care. Once you’ve got a handle on that, you can make an informed decision on which treatment option is right for you. To get started, contact your local rehabilitation center at 844-639-8371 and discuss with a professional the type of inpatient and outpatient services they have and the cost of each. Don’t hesitate! There is no better day like today!

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