Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Drug And Alcohol Rehab

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Rehab: Differences And Similarities

Individuals have several factors to consider when choosing a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Treatment is available in a variety of ways to accommodate patients, so those seeking treatment may find themselves wondering whether inpatient vs. outpatient rehab is more suitable to their needs. Inpatient rehab is the traditional rehab type requiring patients to stay on campus. Here, individuals undergo counseling, receive meals, attend 12-step groups, get treatment medications, and receive treatment unique to that facility. Additionally, individuals get 24-hour hands-on assistance to help them through the detox process. Inpatient treatment programs run between 3 to 6 weeks (short-term) and 6 to 12 months (long-term).

Outpatient rehab offers some of the same treatments as inpatient rehab including medication, medically supervised detox, and 12-step group access. There are several types of outpatient treatment programs, including standard outpatient programs, Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). All types provide options for detox and treatment while the patient has the option to also manage work, school, or other responsibilities. Patients can stay between 1 to 6 weeks, and often receive outpatient treatment after completing inpatient treatment.

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab: Benefits

The main benefit of outpatient rehab for some is that the individual is not required to stay on campus to recover. Patients get 1 to 2 therapy sessions per week in standard care. As another option, patients can try intensive outpatient programs for different schedules. For example, patients get 10 to 20 hours of weekly counseling over 3 days a week. When comparing inpatient vs. outpatient rehab, its important to recognize that inpatient treatment is best for patients who have severe chemical dependencies, need hands-on support, and may need to be separated from their environment in order to start recovery. This support can provide needed structure to help with sobriety. Additionally, patients can choose inpatient programs for their liking, as a variety of treatment programs based on gender, faith, dietary needs, and accommodations exist.

Outpatient treatment is more appropriate for patients who do not have as severe of an addiction or who cannot go away, whether due to family needs or other responsibilities. Furthermore, outpatient rehab is better for people who are on a budget and have already finished inpatient treatment. An attractive benefit for outpatient treatment is the flexibility. The patient can balance work and commitments alongside their treatment, only attending for a few hours daily. They are able to get some of the benefits of rehab without the pressure of staying within the facility all day and night. As a result of the flexibility, individuals have the option to feel more in control and have a sense of freedom as they get clean. Furthermore, they can stay more connected to friends and family every day, maintaining some sense of normalcy in their lives. A primary benefit is that they live in their environments while attending treatment, so they can practice coping strategies and report back to the group or counselor. A disadvantage is the lack of 24-hour supervised care available in inpatient facilities.

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab: Traveling Versus Staying Local

Another major difference in inpatient vs. outpatient rehab is the range of location options. Inpatient rehab grants patients wider access to traveling locally, nationally, or internationally. For example, destination rehab can be an option for inpatient care since patients are staying on campus. They can recover in an exotic setting, or they can choose to get care in different states. Another benefit of inpatient care is someone choosing a facility further away from their hometown or home state. Traveling for rehab, even if it is hours from one’s hometown, can be helpful. The commitment to treatment without having the reminders or tempting distractions in one’s hometown can help someone focus on their recovery.

In contrast, outpatient rehab allows someone to stay close to home if they want family support. It also allows patients to attend treatment a few days a week for a few hours a day. Oftentimes, this can lead patients to stay local as opposed to traveling for rehab. Since they may stay on campus for a few hours, they are restricted to local facilities. A benefit of both is family therapy or family involvement and support on campus. Family members can be allowed on campus for inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment unless patients travel for treatment.

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient: Costs

When comparing inpatient vs. outpatient rehab, cost is an important factor to consider. Inpatient facilities can vary in price depending on the type of facility (luxury versus state-funded rehab, local versus out-of-state, short-term versus long-term care); however, outpatient is often more budget-friendly. Inpatient facilities costs can run between $250 to $475 to $800 daily for a month. However, some can cost over $500 each day, to $5,000 to $80,000 for a month. Factors including the type of treatment one gets for chemical dependencies can also impact costs. For some inpatient facilities, some patients in Opioid treatment programs paid $1,176.50 monthly.

Outpatient rehab is less costly because patients don’t get services like meals, nor they don’t sleep on the premises, or have 24-hours hands-on care like inpatient facilities. Some outpatient programs cost between $1,400 to $10,000 for 3 months. Costs of inpatient and outpatient rehab will also vary depending on insurance or grants used to aid the patient. Medicare, Medicaid, scholarships, and grants can shave off rehab costs by hundreds. To determine individual costs, patients should look at websites like SAHMSA to discover grants and financial assistance, as well as contact the facilities they are interested in.

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Both inpatient and outpatient facilities treat both drug and alcohol addictions. Whether its for you or a loved one, there are many approaches to substance abuse treatment ready to be explored. Don’t let fear hold you back; contact a dedicated treatment provider to discover what recovery options are available.