You’ve decided to enter substance abuse treatment, or you’re looking into the possibilities. This is a huge but intimidating step in the recovery process — you should be proud of yourself for acknowledging you need help.
However, once you’ve made the choice, it can be difficult to know which route is the one for you. If you’ve been researching treatment options, you may be wondering what inpatient therapy is and how it compares to outpatient treatment. In this article, you can learn more about inpatient vs. outpatient treatment to make the best decision for you and your recovery journey.
What Is Inpatient Therapy?
So, what is inpatient treatment? This type of rehab requires you to live in a controlled environment while receiving treatment for a substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health disorders. During your stay, you’ll reside in a safe, secure environment with immediate access to clinical and medical staff for emotional support and withdrawal management.
The goal of inpatient treatment is to provide structure and help you develop a daily routine free from harmful substances, social temptations and distractions so you can focus entirely on yourself and your recovery.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient programs are less restrictive, and great for people who need to honor other social or work obligations. In an outpatient program, you can continue living at home and go to work or school while receiving treatment. These programs vary, catering to different addiction levels and lifestyle needs.
For example, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) meet anywhere from 9 to 15 hours per week, while partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) meet for about 5 to 6 hours per day nearly every weekday. In outpatient treatment, you’ll learn relapse prevention techniques and have access to counseling or support groups to sustain long-term recovery.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment: How to Choose
You’re not alone — more than 20 million Americans aged 12 and older struggle with a substance use disorder. Because addiction affects so many people, it’s important to have multiple treatment options accommodating various addiction needs and lifestyles. Although inpatient and outpatient treatment provide similar services, there are a few things to consider when deciding which option is best for your situation.
Environment: 24/7 Monitoring vs. Scheduled Sessions
Since inpatient treatment provides 24-hour care and support, these centers are ideal if you’re in the early stages of recovery and face a higher risk of relapse. The structured setting is designed to immerse you so the only thing you need to focus on is overcoming your addiction and any mental health factors influencing your urge to use substances.
However, this isn’t feasible for everyone. If you have life responsibilities you can’t afford to miss, the flexibility of outpatient treatment makes it possible to schedule sessions during your free time, helping you balance treatment with other obligations.
Cost and Duration of Treatment
Inpatient treatment is the most intensive level of care, meaning it’s also the most expensive and time-consuming option. On average, inpatient treatment lasts a minimum of 28 days, but some centers offer extended 90- or 120-day stays, depending on the severity of your addiction. This intensive structure is necessary for some people. However, others can’t make this big a commitment or simply can’t afford to.
If you’re worried about time constraints or affordability, outpatient treatment is usually more affordable and less time-consuming but still helps you build a positive support system within your community.
Treatment Needs
Although lifestyle and cost are important factors to consider, your experience with addiction should also guide your treatment decision. For example, if you’re actively using a substance because you’re worried you’ll go into withdrawal if you stop, inpatient programs are usually better equipped to help you detox and manage your withdrawal.
If you’re torn between which option best aligns with your needs, try asking yourself these questions:
- Will daily stress interfere with your recovery?
- Do you live in a toxic environment that encourages substance use?
- Have you tried to quit drugs or alcohol in the past and failed?
- Do you need a structured environment to stay focused on recovery?
If you answered yes to any of these, inpatient treatment may be your best bet at achieving sobriety.
Find Local Resources Near You
Now that you know what inpatient therapy is and how it differs from outpatient treatment, it’s time to take action and overcome your substance abuse for good. Mental Health Hotline partners with substance abuse and mental health resources throughout the country, ensuring you have access to the help you need. Reach out to us today and take the first step on your recovery journey.