When deciding to engage with addiction treatment, people must first consider the differences between outpatient treatment vs. inpatient treatment.
Generally, inpatient programs are ideal for those with severe addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders. In most other cases, outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment delivers similar outcomes alongside more flexibility and affordability. Read on to learn more about inpatient rehab vs outpatient rehab and find out how to connect with the most appropriate and effective treatment for your needs.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient Rehab: What to Know
Inpatient vs outpatient drug treatment involves access to similar therapies and both forms of treatment have the same underlying goal: to help people achieve and maintain abstinence from addictive substances. Despite these similarities, inpatient and outpatient rehab differ in terms of the style, intensiveness, and duration of treatment.
Style of Treatment
Inpatient rehab, also known as residential rehab, involves a person remaining at the treatment facility for 30 to 90 days. It focuses on providing immersive care and support, with continuous medical supervision and a range of therapies that include MAT (medication-assisted treatment), psychotherapy, individual, group, and family therapy, and holistic interventions like mindfulness and meditation.
Outpatient rehab offers a more flexible approach to treatment, enabling people to continue living at home and maintaining their everyday obligations. Treatments are similar to those in residential rehab, although there is often less emphasis on one-to-one therapy and holistic treatments.
Degree of Intensiveness
The main different between inpatient treatment vs outpatient treatment is the degree of intensiveness. Inpatient treatment is the most intensive form of addiction treatment, with therapies and activities scheduled throughout the day. The immersive nature of residential rehab is designed to help people with severe substance use disorders and mental health disorders and includes 24/7 medical care and full-time support from a team of specialists.
Outpatient rehab is much less intensive, with people attending several therapy sessions each week. Those who need more structure and support in their recovery can choose an IOP (intensive outpatient program) or PHP (partial hospitalization program). This model supports individuals with mild and moderate substance use disorders.
Cost
Inpatient rehab is typically more expensive due to the comprehensive care, accommodation, food, and continuous medical support provided. Insurance may cover at least part of the costs of residential treatment, as long as it’s deemed medically necessary.
Outpatient programs are covered by health insurance since the enactment of ACA (Affordable Care Act), meaning that everybody should have access to the addiction treatment they need. For those paying out-of-pocket, outpatient rehab provides the most affordable pathway to ongoing recovery.
Length
Most inpatient programs last for 30 to 90 days or more. The intensive and structured nature of these programs is intended to provide a firm foundation for recovery in a condensed timeframe.
The duration of outpatient treatment can also vary widely, ranging from 3 months to a year or more. The length of treatment can be adjusted according to individual needs and progress.
Pros & Cons
The benefits of inpatient rehab include:
Pros
- Structured treatment environment
- Fewer distractions and triggers
- High level of care and supervision
- Intensive support
Cons
- More expensive
- Significant time commitment
- Less personal freedom
The benefits of outpatient rehab include:
Pros
- More affordable
- Greater flexibility
- Treatment scheduled around commitments
- Enables more family involvement
Cons
- Less focused environment
- Risk of encountering triggers
- Self-discipline required
Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab Success Rates
The success rate of any type of rehab is challenging to quantify as it involves more than helping someone discontinue the use of drugs or alcohol. Successful rehab imparts coping skills and relapse management techniques, enabling people to maintain ongoing abstinence.
Research shows that intensive outpatient treatment delivers comparable outcomes to inpatient treatment for those with mild and moderate addictions. So, it’s not that one type of treatment is more successful than the other, but rather a question of choosing the most effective treatment for your needs and the severity of your addiction.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment: Which is Best for You?
If you need a highly structured and immersive environment in which to address a severe addiction or a co-occurring mental health disorder like depression or anxiety, inpatient rehab might be beneficial.
Most people, though, find it problematic to take a month or more away from their personal and professional commitments. Outpatient programs present a far less disruptive alternative, enabling people to fulfill their regular commitments at home, work, or school. Outpatient rehab also allows people to apply coping strategies in real-world scenarios between therapy sessions. This can help reinforce long-term behavioral change.
Ultimately, the decision between inpatient and outpatient treatment hinges on a thorough self-assessment of your specific needs, responsibilities, and the severity of your situation. Consultation with healthcare professionals can offer further insight and a more accurate evaluation, guiding you to a choice that aligns with your lifestyle, supports your well-being, and enhances your ability to achieve and maintain lasting recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism.
Get Help for All Levels of Care at Renaissance Recovery
Addiction is a progressive condition that presents on a spectrum from mild to severe. At Renaissance Recovery, we offer treatment at all levels of care.
After detoxing from drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications under close medical supervision, you can engage with ongoing treatment at our luxury outpatient facilities.
When you choose outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment at Renaissance, you can remain anchored to your daily commitments without compromising your recovery. Expect to access personalized treatments that include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Psychotherapies (CBT or DBT)
- Motivational therapies
- Holistic treatments
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- One-to-one counseling
- Aftercare planning
Call our friendly recovery specialists today at 866.330.9449 for immediate assistance.
