When a person is struggling with an addiction and decides to seek professional help from a drug rehab facility, there are a few options to consider. For example, he or she may choose to be treated inside of a center or on an outpatient basis. It is important to compare inpatient vs outpatient services. At Long Island Interventions, our team is ready to help individuals get back on the path of recovery.
What is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient care for addiction takes place in a drug rehab facility. It is very similar to hospital care, which includes sleeping and receiving treatment within the rehab. Throughout a stay, a patient receives 24/7 care and observation. Generally, most programs last a few days to a month. During a person’s stay, he or she gets to the root of his or her problem and learns how to develop coping mechanisms so that returning to normal life does not lead to relapse. In many cases, a plan for aftercare is developed as well.
Benefits of Inpatient Care
- Provides Comprehensive Care for a Dual Diagnosis. A dual diagnosis occurs when a person is battling addiction along with a mental illness. Treatment may be quite complex.
- Eliminates people and places that encourage drug misuse
- Management of medication
- Provides various therapy options
What is Outpatient Care?
With outpatient care, a person does not remain overnight for treatment. Most of the sessions occur in groups or individual counseling appointments. Outpatient care allows an individual to practice normal activities along with treatment. Therefore, it is still possible to work or to be at home at night with family. This type of treatment is less intense than an inpatient program. A person usually spends approximately 10 to 12 hours each day in treatment. This takes place over three to six months. Therapy will likely include individual and group sessions that teach a person how to cope with cravings.
Benefits of Outpatient Care
- Flexibility
- More private
- Less expensive than inpatient treatment
- Ability to live a more normal life while in treatment
How Inpatient Treatment Differs from Outpatient Treatment
It is essential to weigh the differences between inpatient versus outpatient drug rehab. This will ensure that you receive the best care for your individual needs. To repeat, the major difference is whether you decide to reside in a facility for treatment or not.
Types of Outpatient Rehab Programs
At Long Island Interventions, a patient can take advantage of a number of outpatient programs.
- Partial Hospitalization Program. This “Day Treatment” is quite structured and is one step below inpatient treatment. Individuals spend several hours each day of the week in sessions that last several hours.
- Intensive Outpatient Program. Usually, patients meet three times a week for a few hours each session. Treatment is led by nonmedical staff.
- Standard Outpatient Program. Typically, patients meet one or two times a week for a few hours. It is the least intensive program of this nature and works well for people who need ongoing support.
Daily Life During Inpatient Treatment
Throughout an inpatient treatment program in a drug rehab facility, a resident’s complete focus is getting sober. This occurs away from everyday life’s distractions. Typically, a day is filled with a variety of scheduled therapy sessions. A certified counselor or physician will meet with a patient on a one-to-one basis and in a group environment.
Usually, the first part of inpatient treatment is detox. Since a person can get very sick during this process, having a professional team available ensures maximum safety. Medication may be prescribed to curb negative side effects as well. Cravings will be prevented so that relapse does not occur.
Inpatient Vs Outpatient Care: What’s Right for Me?
When it is time to get help for an addiction problem, you want to seek the best treatment so that you can enjoy a future life of sobriety. No two people are the same, which means that no one treatment option works best for everyone. After comparing inpatient vs outpatient care, it is possible to make an informed decision. Inpatient treatment at Long Island Interventions offers great access to a trained staff and a comfortable environment that heightens the chances of preventing relapse. However, for certain people, it may not be easy to leave family for a long period of time. Also, the cost may be unaffordable. On the other hand, it is an excellent option for people who have attempted outpatient treatment without success. Anyone with a long-running and complex addiction problem is advised to try an inpatient treatment as well. Many impatient programs are geared toward dealing with opioid addiction, which may require medication assistance. To repeat, inpatient treatment works well for detox, especially when a person suffers with medical afflictions that make the process more dangerous.
When a person has limited funds, an outpatient program may be the preferred option. It provides similar programs without the added costs of housing and meals. Many people who suffer with alcohol misuse disorders find success with these types of programs. However, there must be a strong level of support at home.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Rehab
There are certain things to consider when choosing between inpatient outpatient treatment.
- Does a person’s current living situation support long-term sobriety? Many people do not have a stable home life that encourages them to remain drug-free. Living in an environment that is filled with temptation will likely lead to relapse. Therefore, inpatient treatment is wise.
- Does a person’s family provide support? If an individual’s family does not offer a safe haven during treatment, it is best to enter an inpatient facility. There, a patient receives constant support and a calm environment that discourages drug and alcohol misuse.
- Is it possible to leave work, school, or home for a long time? Most people have unavoidable duties. Certain employees will not hold a job while a worker attends rehab. Also, a parent with young children may not have care available at night or after school. This is when outpatient treatment is best.
- Do you suffer with a co-occurring disorder? If you are challenged with both a mental illness and a drug misuse disorder simultaneously, it is best to pursue inpatient treatment. There, it is possible to address both problems and to be prescribed with proper medication that does not hinder sobriety.
- Do you have solid transportation? If you do not have a dependable vehicle that can bring you to your daily therapy sessions, it may be best to remain at the facility for inpatient treatment.
Working with Long Island Interventions
Both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs can change a person’s life for the better. Addiction is like a chronic illness, which means that recovery is an ongoing process. It is important to understand the differences between the two types of treatments so that the best results can be enjoyed. The goal of both is to help individuals live sober lives. At Long Island Interventions, we offer inpatient and outpatient care. We help individuals learn ways to deal with drug misuse disorders and to get back to sober lifestyles into the long term. It is never too late to take the first step. For more information, contact us today.