Is Inpatient Treatment Better Than Outpatient Treatment?

When seeking treatment for addiction, the amount of options can be a bit overwhelming for some. Often, one of the biggest treatment decisions that need to be made is whether you should do inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. Before making that decision, one should look at what each entails, as well as the pros and cons of both.

What Is Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment usually requires checking into a treatment center and remaining there for the duration of the program. The length of the program and the stay can vary, with an average of 28 to 90 days.

This form of treatment provides round the clock care and can easily focus on the preferences and needs of the patient. Many who chose to go with inpatient treatment are looking to completely separate themselves from all of the temptations associated with their addictions.

Inpatient treatment centers provide constant supervision and have a precise focus on sobriety.

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment centers provide 24 hour care to residents.

Outpatient treatment does not require an extended stay in a treatment facility. Patients can have the same treatments trough outpatient care as they would have in inpatient care. They would have to make regular visits to the treatment center instead of staying there.

Outpatient treatment can be combined with treatment from other locations, such as support groups. The care in outpatient treatment may not be as hands on as the care received in inpatient treatment, but it can still be just as effective. For some, the less intensive outpatient treatment can be more beneficial.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment have many benefits and can be easily adjusted to fit the patient. For some, one type of treatment may work while the other doesn’t. The DEA states that addictive substances, like drugs, have a different effect for every person, which can affect how the person is treated for their addiction.

In every case of addiction, the treatment is customized to meet the preferences and needs of the patient.

An advantage of inpatient treatment is that it usually comes will a lot of extras. The specialized services allow patients to be comfortable during their stay and make it easy for them to acclimate themselves. It is because of the additional services that many view inpatient treatment centers as a luxury.

Many inpatient treatment programs can be quite expensive, which can make them unappealing to some. The constant care provided by inpatient treatment can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. The NIDA terms addiction as a condition with a high rate of relapse; the constant care can help prevent a person from relapsing, but it can also cause them to become desensitized to the outside world.

Outpatient care is usually a cheaper and more affordable option than inpatient care. It is also easier for patient receiving outpatient care to remain involved with their home, work, and/or school lives. A big advantage of outpatient care is that it allows a patient to have more contact with family and friends, who often make up the bulk of their support system.

Outpatient treatment, however, can expose a person to temptation and may not be recommended to those who have co-occurring conditions that cause complications during the detoxification process.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, please consider contacting us through our website or by phone at 800-430-1407Who Answers?. You can speak with one of our caring specialists to find out what treatment options are right for you.

Inpatient Drug Rehab Versus Outpatient Drug Rehab