Now that you know you need help for your struggle with addiction, it is time to decide whether you want to go to inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab. Searching for “outpatient recovery programs near me” can give you a ton of different results and it can be hard to decide which one to choose. Keep reading to learn the differences between inpatient vs outpatient rehabs and factors to consider when choosing what is right for you.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehabs
Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Each person who experiences it walks a different path and may take different twists and turns than the next person. Finding what is right for you can be tricky — especially when you’re not sure what might be right for you. That’s why weighing the pros and cons of inpatient vs outpatient rehabs can help you make your decision.
Inpatient Rehabs
Inpatient rehab is also known as residential rehab or residential treatment. With this type of treatment center, you will move into the treatment facility for a period of time, such as 30, 60, or 90 days. At inpatient rehab facilities, you will have access to 24-hour medical care and supervision, medicated-assisted detox, and the development of an aftercare plan.
Inpatient rehabs are ideal for anybody experiencing addiction, especially individuals who:
- Have been experiencing addiction for a long period of time
- Are experiencing negative consequences due to their addiction
- Have a severe addiction
- Have been to treatment before for their addiction
- Are diagnosed with, or may have, a co-occurring disorder
Pros
- Removal from typical environment. You may be surrounded by triggers in your daily life and not even know it. The stress of family, work, the bar at the corner, the liquor store along the walk home, the toxic relationship with your partner, and much more can be enough to trigger a relapse. By going to inpatient rehab, you’ll be able to remove yourself from all your triggers and temptations, learn tools and tips for how to deal with them in a healthy way, and return home better able to avoid relapse.
- Living with like-minded individuals. At inpatient rehab, you are not alone. You will be surrounded with an instant support system, including people just like you who are experiencing recovery alongside you. Learning from their stories and sharing your own to help others can be very rewarding.
- Immersed in a new way to live. Living with addiction causes bad habits that can be difficult to break. In inpatient rehab, you will learn how to build a routine and schedule of healthy activities that you can take back home with you.
Cons
- Time away. One of the downsides to inpatient rehab is that you will be spending time away from family, other loved ones, your job, and your regular responsibilities. However, treatment at inpatient rehabs are temporary, and it will allow you the opportunity to return to all of those things as a better version of yourself.
- Cost. The cost of inpatient rehabs are greater than the costs of outpatient rehabs. However, every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft. When savings related to healthcare are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1.
Outpatient Rehabs
Outpatient rehab facilities are very similar to inpatient programs, however, a key difference is that individuals do not live in the treatment center. There are different levels of intensity for outpatient rehabs depending on your needs.
Outpatient rehab may be right for you if:
- Your addiction is not severe
- You have a very strong support system at home to keep you on track
- You have just been through an inpatient treatment program and are looking to stay on track afterward as a step-down approach
Pros
- Cost. The cost of outpatient rehab is typically lower than inpatient rehab facilities
- Ability to recover at home. Outpatient rehab allows the opportunity for individuals to recover while also living at home. Patients can continue to take care of personal responsibilities such as family, work, or school.
Cons
- Chances for relapse are high. During this sensitive period of early recovery, relapse rates are the highest. By continuing to live at home and surrounded by triggers you do not yet have the tools to deal with, your chances for relapse are extremely high.
- No access to 24-hour support or medical care. If you are having a hard time during the off-hours of your outpatient facility, you may be risking a relapse or a potentially deadly overdose.
- No accountability. By not immersing yourself in the recovery process with inpatient rehab, you do not have the structure in place that keeps you accountable. You may start missing meetings or therapy sessions here and there, which can quickly lead to leaving your program or relapse.
About Seasons in Malibu
Both inpatient and outpatient rehabs can help you detox, receive therapy, and put you on the right path toward long-lasting recovery. If you are still unsure as to which one might be right for you, we can help. Our admissions team is on hand to help answer any questions you have about treatment, the treatment process, and the programs involved.
Treatment at Seasons in Malibu is systemic, integrative, and client-centered. Our philosophy is grounded in the understanding that for the client to heal, the entire system needs the opportunity to heal along with them.
With our exceptional team of clinicians, we can succinctly pinpoint those areas of focus that will give the client the most advanced opportunity for success. Our approach towards healing is collaborative, comprehensive, and committed.
