When you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, life becomes difficult and can even seem hopeless at times. But you don’t have to live this way. With the right addiction treatment, a healthy life is within reach.
The good news is that there are more treatment options than ever these days. That said, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed and confused by the kinds of different treatment approaches available. At See Purpose, we can help you navigate these options. In the meantime, one of the biggest things you will need to decide upfront is whether or not you want outpatient or inpatient treatment. Here’s what you need to know.
Outpatient Treatment vs. Inpatient Treatment
Traditionally, people check into rehab and stay there for the duration of treatment. This is inpatient treatment, and it allows addicts to focus on detox and addiction recovery in a fairly secluded setting that takes them away from everyday life. The pros here are that treatment can be kept shorter and highly focused. The patient can also detox and recover safely while under supervision from medical staff. The con is that the reintroduction back into society and everyday life can prove to be shocking for many people.
Inpatient treatment takeaways:
- Detox and addiction treatment take place back-to-back at the same facility
- Treatment programs run shorter
- 24/7 professional supervision
- Health issues can be more readily prevented
- Outside distractions do not get in the way
Outpatient treatment meanwhile allows patients to receive treatment during the day while still being allowed to return home at night. Detox may either be done at home (after being started in a facility) or through partial hospitalization, after which treatment continues with the patient living at home and only coming in for appointments and counseling. The pros for outpatient treatment are that it allows for greater scheduling flexibility and also prevents any real world “return shock”. Patients can start building a sober life from day one and learn coping mechanisms for everyday life early on. The con is that treatment often spans a longer period of time as a result and may not be as focused as inpatient options.
Outpatient treatment takeaways:
- Recovering addicts can return every day to the comfort of their home
- No “real world” shock that can contribute to relapse
- Patients have outside support system
- Scheduling flexibility
- Progress is made steadily and worked in more seamlessly with everyday life
Which Kind of Treatment Is More Effective?
Generally speaking, one kind of treatment is not “better” than the other when talking about outpatient vs. inpatient treatment. As detailed above, both programs have their strengths and can be very effective. The right choice for any individual comes down to a few different factors:
- Addiction length and severity – Heavier drug abusers may need the closer care that inpatient treatment options.
- Everyday commitments and schedule – Parents, for example, may find outpatient treatment both effective and convenient.
- Personal preferences – Some people will naturally prefer certain treatment options over others.
- Past experience in rehab – If someone has been through a program before without success, then a different approach may be needed.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, it’s important to know that you’re far from alone. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has found that around 22 million Americans suffer from drug abuse and addiction every year. However, SAMHSA has also found that of those people, less than 20 percent go on to seek treatment for the problem.
Don’t let yourself or your loved one become another statistic. At See Purpose Treatment Center in Indiana, we offer individuals from all backgrounds the addiction treatment they need to finally turn over a new leaf. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late. We invite you to get in touch with us today to learn more about your options and how we can help.