Addiction to drugs and alcohol can harm your health, relationships, emotional well-being, and every other aspect of your life. Most people with drug and alcohol addiction require professional, comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to recover and live healthy, sober lives.

Participating in substance abuse treatment can improve your life, but finding the correct type of care to meet your unique needs is crucial. The first decision you’ll need to make When selecting an addiction treatment program is which level of care you need. Addiction treatment programs are available in several levels of care to meet people’s different needs, including inpatient and outpatient options. But what level of care is right for you?

This article will explore the differences between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs and how to choose the appropriate level of care for your unique needs. Contact the Arise Treatment Center specialists to learn more about our holistic substance abuse programs or to find support at any stage of your recovery journey.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: An Overview

All substance abuse treatment programs aim to help people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Addiction is a complex condition with physical, emotional, and behavioral roots, and no two people have exactly the same experiences with it.

To meet people’s varying needs, addiction treatment programs are available in many settings and several levels of care that provide specialized treatment to help people reach their goals. There are two primary levels of addiction treatment: outpatient rehab and inpatient treatment programs.

Inpatient rehab

Inpatient rehab programs provide intensive, round-the-clock treatment to people who need constant monitoring and care during the earliest stages of recovery. Many inpatient rehab programs offer medically supported Detox Services to help people manage the symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal and avoid relapse when their sobriety is most fragile.

Inpatient programs are sometimes called residential programs because patients in this level of care reside in the treatment facility while receiving comprehensive treatment plans. Typical Inpatient Rehab treatment programs use a combination of evidence-based and holistic Therapies to address the complex behavioral, emotional, and physical aspects of substance abuse.

These therapies include:

• Individual behavioral therapies
• Group counseling
• Family therapy
• Medications
• Relapse-prevention education
• Aftercare planning
• Nutrition support, exercise, art therapy, and other holistic therapies

Some of the benefits of inpatient rehab include:

• Constant access to medical and mental health services
• Constant supervision
• A safe, secure environment
• Adequate treatment time
• Fewer distractions and daily responsibilities allow people to focus solely on their recovery
• A community of staff and peers

Inpatient rehab programs are ideal for people with deeply rooted addictions, co-occurring mental health conditions, or complex medical needs during detox and early recovery.

Outpatient rehab

Outpatient rehab programs are best suited for people who do not meet the criteria for inpatient care. Some people may attend outpatient rehab after completing a higher level of care, such as inpatient residential treatment. An outpatient rehab program allows people to get high-quality, comprehensive care while working, attending school, caring for family members, and other daily responsibilities.

There are several levels of outpatient rehab. these include:

• Outpatient detox programs: Patients consult with medical and addiction specialists throughout the detox process for screenings, mental health checks, and medical monitoring.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): Patients attend treatment sessions several hours daily, 3-5 days per week.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): Patients engage in treatment for 5-6 hours per day on most days of the week.

The treatments used in outpatient rehab programs are the same as the ones offered in inpatient care. However, the flexibility of outpatient rehab allows people to get the care they need with less disruption to their lives.

Some of the benefits of outpatient rehab include:

• Flexibility to accommodate work, family, socializing, and responsibilities
• Staying connected to your social support system
• Freedom to socialize and participate in regular daily activities
• Chance to practice relapse-prevention skills in your real-world environment

Outpatient rehab is an excellent option for people who need high-quality addiction treatment services but do not meet the criteria for inpatient treatment.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: Which Level of Care is Right For Me?

Before beginning substance abuse treatment, it is crucial to understand your unique needs and goals. A doctor or addiction specialist will perform a substance abuse evaluation that will allow them to recommend an appropriate level of care and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

A substance abuse evaluation typically includes the following:

• Questions about your substance use–what you used, how much, when, how you ingested it, etc.
• Information about your family’s substance abuse history
• A mental health history
• Medical exam
• Lab testing

The information you provide during your substance abuse evaluation will allow your treatment team to develop a specialized treatment plan that will most likely succeed. Your treatment team will also use this information to recommend a level of care to meet your needs.

Find Help Today

If you wonder whether inpatient vs. outpatient rehab is right for you, contact the Arise Treatment Center specialists for guidance. Our team of addiction experts can help you find the level of care that is right for you and help you get started on your recovery journey. Don’t wait for the help you need. Call us today.