The first step on the road to recovery is admitting you need help with your addiction. The next step is choosing either an inpatient or outpatient center for your treatment. So, which is the right choice for you? There are pros and cons to both inpatient and outpatient rehabs. In this article, we will compare them both.
Inpatient rehabs
Inpatient treatment requires a 30-day (or longer, depending on needs) stay in a rehab center. There are many advantages to this form of care. Firstly, patients are removed from their environment and the people and things that contributed to their addiction. This helps them focus on getting better without any distractions. Being surrounded by triggers can make it difficult to move forward, so removing yourself from these triggers can be very helpful.
Secondly, inpatient rehabs offer a safe and supportive environment. Patients are surrounded by people who are also working to recover, which can provide motivation and encouragement. Staff at inpatient rehabs are typically experienced and knowledgeable about addiction and how to best help patients overcome it. These facilities also offer 24-hour care, which can be important for those who need around-the-clock support.
Finally, inpatient rehabs provide a structured environment that makes you part of a community. This can be helpful for those who need guidance and may be struggling to stay on track. There are typically set meal times, activities, and meetings, which can help patients stay accountable.
There are also some disadvantages to inpatient rehabs. First, they can be expensive. Costs can vary depending on the center, but they often range from $14,000 to $27,000 on average. Second, inpatient rehabs can be difficult to get into. There is often a long waiting list, so you may have to wait months before being able to start treatment. You will also be subjected to rules and will not always be able to move around freely.
Outpatient rehabs
Outpatient rehabs offer a less restrictive option than inpatient rehabs. Patients typically attend treatment sessions three to four times per week for two to four hours at a time. This allows patients to continue living at home and working while they are receiving treatment.
There are several advantages to outpatient rehabs. Firstly, they are often more affordable than inpatient rehabs. The average cost of treatment is around $4,000 and may be even less with insurance coverage. Additionally, you will not be completely removed from your environment during treatment. Patients can continue working and living at home while receiving addiction therapy. This makes it a great fit for those who are busy and do not want to take a lot of time off from daily responsibilities.
Secondly, these types of programs can be more flexible with schedules. Many outpatient rehabs offer sessions during the day or in the evening, which makes it easier for patients to make it to their treatment sessions. Many offer sessions on the weekends as well. Patients also have more flexibility when scheduling appointments with doctors, therapists, and other staff.
Many outpatient programs also have family therapy, which can be a great way to include family members and help them understand what you are going through. These sessions can also help strengthen family relationships so that you have more support moving forward.
One of the primary disadvantages of outpatient programs is that you will still be exposed to potential triggers and reasons to begin using again. If you are not able to fully commit to treatment or if you are not willing to make significant changes to your lifestyle, then outpatient rehab may not be the best option for you.
It is also not likely that you will develop the same sort of connection with those who you go through treatment with because it is not as immersive as inpatient treatment.
When it comes to rehab, the most important thing is choosing one that best suits your needs. If you are struggling with addiction and are not sure which route to take, speak to a counselor or therapist for more guidance. They can help you assess the pros and cons of each type of rehab and find the one that is right for you personally.
