What are the Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab?

If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol and considering rehab, you have options. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment offer therapy and support, but they have key differences to consider.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient treatment is 24-hour care in a facility with a controlled environment that lasts for between 30 days and 6 months. You’ll go through a period of medically supervised detox and receive both individual and group therapy. Detox may involve medication to relieve symptoms, and your vital signs will be monitored to ensure that you are safe.

Your days will be very structured with a set schedule for therapy sessions, meals, and other activities. This structure provides you with consistent emotional support so that you don’t feel isolated, which can make cravings worse.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab programs come in two forms. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) involves treatment for six to eight hours per day, up to seven days per week. You’ll have the flexibility to live at home, or in a sober living facility, and travel to treatment each day.

The other form of outpatient rehab is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that consists of three to four hour therapy sessions, three to five days per week. Again, you’ll travel to therapy from home or a sober living facility.

Therapy in both types of outpatient programs is individual and in groups and focuses on relapse prevention strategies and healthy coping mechanisms. Both programs can last for three to six months.

The Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

Several key differences in inpatient and outpatient rehab programs should be considered.

Nature of the Addiction

For people with less severe addictions, or those who have been addicted for a shorter period of time, outpatient treatment may be effective. Withdrawal may be less intense, requiring less medical supervision.

For those with severe, long-term addictions, inpatient treatment is generally necessary. Constant medical supervision, and sometimes medication, are required to keep these patients safe and comfortable. Additionally, inpatient treatment is more comprehensive, diagnosing and treating underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Detox

In inpatient detox, you are cared for and monitored 24 hours a day, potentially receiving medications for withdrawal and for underlying mental health disorders. In outpatient programs, you may be required to attend medical checkups to check your vital signs and sometimes receive medications, but you don’t get the benefit of 24-hour medical supervision. That’s one reason that inpatient treatment is better for severe addictions.

Intensity and Structure

Inpatient treatment programs are very intensive, providing continuous support and structure. You never have to be isolated, and you are not at risk of giving in to cravings. You have to find other, healthy ways to cope with what you’re going through.

In outpatient treatment, you’re on your own unless you’re in your therapy sessions. You may find yourself alone, depending on your living situation, or you could be exposed to people and places that previously were associated with your substance use. These things can be triggers for cravings and can lead to relapse.

Social Support

In an inpatient setting, you have continuous social support from peers who are going through similar challenges. This kind of support can be invaluable in your recovery journey. However, you’ll have limited support from family or friends. Phone calls and visits will likely be kept to a minimum, although some inpatient programs include family therapy sessions.

In outpatient programs, you’ll have access to your family and friends when you’re not in your therapy sessions. For some people, this can be helpful if the people in their lives are supportive and not judgmental. It’s important, however, to have peers you can turn to for support as well.

A Full Treatment Program

The most effective treatment, particularly for severe addictions, is a full treatment program that begins with inpatient rehab and is then followed by PHP and IOP. Most treatment providers, like Bridges of Hope, offer this option. Going through the full course of treatment reinforces relapse prevention and coping strategies and keeps you accountable for a longer period of time. Much research shows that a full course of treatment leads to higher success rates.

After Treatment

It’s important to understand that addiction recovery is a lifelong process, requiring vigilance and ongoing support. Many people find it helpful to continue individual therapy weekly or biweekly after all treatment programs are over.

Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or SMART Recovery, are often even more effective. They provide peer support and an opportunity to make supportive friends to turn to when you’re struggling.

Often, people also keep in touch with people they meet during treatment, providing mutual peer support. These relationships can turn into priceless friendships that can last a lifetime.

The bottom line is that you have to keep working on your recovery as you move forward, finding the type of support that works for you.

In Closing

If you’re struggling with addiction, inpatient and outpatient treatment are both positive options. It’s up to you and your situation to make the choice. Keep in mind that a full course of both inpatient and outpatient rehab is generally the most effective route. It all begins with one phone call to ask for help. It will be your first step on the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life.