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Outpatient vs. Inpatient Drug Rehab

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    If you’re one of 40.3 million people in the United States dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD), choosing to receive treatment is a courageous step toward recovery. But recovery is an ongoing and sometimes unpredictable task — one that inpatient or outpatient drug rehab centers can help you through.

    Neither plan is better or more effective than the other. However, understanding the differences between inpatient versus outpatient addiction treatment can help you choose a rehab model suited to your needs. 

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    What Is Outpatient Rehab?

    Outpatient rehab refers to part-time programs that allow individuals overcoming an SUD to receive the help and support they need without staying overnight at a treatment facility.

    Key Features

    Outpatient care involves:

    • Living at home: Those who choose outpatient drug rehab can continue living at home while receiving treatment.
    • Treatment at a facility: These programs provide a structured daily treatment plan involving individual therapy, counseling or group sessions. Those participating in partial hospitalization plans come to the facility every weekday, whereas those in intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) only come in on select days. If necessary, you might begin treatment with a detox program led by a medical team. 
    • A step-down approach: Outpatient programs often use a step-down system, which means your group counseling or individual therapy sessions will become less intensive and frequent as you learn and grow throughout treatment.

    Benefits

    Outpatient programs can help you adjust to sobriety in your daily life, offering the following benefits: 

    • Enjoy flexible scheduling: You can create a treatment schedule that works for you, determining the best days and times for your routine. 
    • Maintain your commitments: As you live at home and have a flexible schedule, you can continue to care for your children or family members, go to work or stay on track at school while overcoming your addiction.
    • Access to your support system: Outpatient treatment allows you to stay close to your friends and family, who can be a crucial source of emotional support as you navigate recovery. 
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    What Is Inpatient Rehab? 

    Inpatient rehab refers to full-time programs that involve staying at residential treatment centers. Those overcoming addiction receive the necessary care in a highly supervised, safe and comfortable setting.

    Key Features

    Inpatient addiction treatment involves: 

    • Live-in care and supervision: You’ll receive around-the-clock supervision and care from highly qualified doctors, therapists or counselors. Many treatment centers also include amenities such as private rooms, freshly cooked meals and outdoor recreation areas like swimming pools. 
    • A structured environment: Life in a residential treatment center is carefully planned around activities and therapies, creating a daily schedule designed to keep you focused on your recovery. This sense of routine can lay the foundation for a better life, allowing you to adapt to a new structure without substances. 
    • Intensive therapy and treatment: Due to this structured schedule, inpatient drug rehab involves intensive and frequent treatments and therapies. You’ll attend individual and group therapy sessions while living with others recovering from an SUD. If needed, you’ll receive medically assisted detox at the beginning of the program. 

    Benefits

    Inpatient programs can help you learn how to sustain long-term sobriety and address important issues before you return to your daily life. Here’s how you can benefit from this rehab model:

    • Recover away from your triggers: Residential rehab facilities provide supervised and structured environments for your recovery, free from potentially triggering situations.
    • Receive care for more complex conditions: The intensity of inpatient programs is particularly effective for those who require treatment for tough issues, such as both physical and psychological dependence. Plus, you can receive medical treatment and therapy for co-occurring disorders such as major depression, anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 
    • Access an understanding community: Residents of inpatient rehab centers are united by the common goal of achieving lifelong sobriety, fostering an understanding and supportive community. Both in and out of group sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to and learn from those going through a similar experience. 
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    What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment?

    When deciding between inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, consider these main differences:

    Level of care and supervision

    Inpatient rehab involves living at the facility, whereas outpatient participants return to their homes after treatment. As a result, inpatient rehab plans tend to be more intensive. While both programs include education and counseling, outpatient treatment plans typically have less frequent and structured sessions.

    Duration of treatment

    Inpatient programs usually last a minimum of around 30 days. Although outpatient options often only involve a few hours of treatment each day, they usually span about two months. However, the length of your treatment will depend on your unique needs and addiction history. For example, some individuals may partake in rehab programs for anywhere between 90 days to a year, regardless of the model. 

    Cost of treatment

    Generally, inpatient programs require a greater financial investment. Outpatient rehab can be a more budget-friendly option because you don’t have to pay for room and board. It also allows you to continue your cash flow by attending work while receiving care.

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    How to Decide Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

    Some people may be better suited to outpatient treatment, whereas others will find residential care facilities more effective. To help you decide between inpatient versus outpatient drug rehab, think about which option is best for your situation. 

    Outpatient rehab might be the right choice if you: 

    • Can maintain long-term sobriety on your own: Outpatient programs are only advisable if you can maintain your sobriety for days at a time. Since these programs are less intensive and don’t involve around-the-clock supervision, you’ll get the most out of your treatment if you already have healthy habits in place to avoid relapse.
    • Have a stable home environment: Individuals with a stable home life might find it challenging to live in an unfamiliar setting away from their loved ones. Outpatient rehab can be a great treatment choice if you have a stress-free and supportive environment to return to in the evenings.
    • Are transitioning from inpatient care: If you’ve completed an inpatient program, outpatient services can help you navigate the transition into your daily life. Outpatient care can offer the ongoing support and aftercare you need to continue your recovery journey, especially since studies show that more than 90 days of treatment is ideal. 

    Inpatient rehab may be the better option if you: 

    • Need medical support: If you have additional medical needs, such as a dual diagnosis, inpatient treatment’s 24/7 care can help ensure you remain safe and comfortable. As Diamond House Detox offers Incidental Medical Services, our fully licensed medical practitioners monitor our clients’ health statuses and oversee their self-administered medication use. 
    • Are new to recovery: Inpatient programs’ high level of structure, support and supervision is critical for individuals in the early recovery stages. If this is the first step of your journey toward sobriety, residential facilities offer the entire scope of the care you need. 
    • Are without a strong support network: If you don’t have the strongest support network at home, inpatient drug rehab might be ideal. You’ll have help and encouragement from peers, doctors and therapists who have your best interests in mind.

    Why Trust Us With Your Recovery?

    At Diamond House Detox, we specialize in medically assisted detox and provide highly individualized recovery plans for those recovering from addiction and co-occurring disorders. We understand that recovery is a highly personalized experience and everyone has different treatment needs. That’s why we offer both outpatient and inpatient services, helping you achieve sobriety with a rehab model that works for you. 

    Whether you choose our residential treatment program, IOP or partial hospitalization program, our expert practitioners will support you in reclaiming your life. Our top priority is to help you start and stay on your journey to recovery, so we provide the same level of insight and commitment to all our offerings. 

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    Get the Treatment You Need With Diamond House Detox

    Whether you need the round-the-clock guidance and structure of inpatient treatment or the affordability and flexibility of our outpatient options, Diamond House Detox is here for you. Our highly trained doctors and therapists will take a compassionate approach to your treatment with a custom recovery plan for your needs, helping you overcome addiction in a safe environment. 

    Take our quiz to learn more about the best treatment plan for your personal needs, or contact us with any questions about our various programs. 

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