When a person has made the important decision of getting help for substance abuse, there are many options available to them. Aside from the different types of rehab such as 12-step or gender-specific to take into consideration, people also need to think about whether residential rehab or outpatient treatment is going to be more effective for them. Generally speaking, when individuals are assessed during the first consultation at a rehab center, the most appropriate type of rehab for their personal needs will be recommended.
The basic differences between outpatient and inpatient drug rehab are as follows:
- Inpatient drug rehab requires patients to reside at the facility, where they will remain until the completion of their program or such times as they are assessed as being ready for recovery.
- Outpatient services are delivered on a more flexible basis so that individuals can remain at home and attend therapy and counseling sessions at times suitable to them.
What Kind of People Should Seek Outpatient Care?
When looking at treatment options, the level of a person?s substance abuse issues should be assessed. If they are likely to need supervision throughout treatment, inpatient rehab is better as they will receive the more intensive treatment they need.
On the other hand, a person who has recognized their substance abuse issues at an early stage of developing the illness may only have mild symptoms of addiction. This group is more likely to respond to treatment while they remain at home, enabling them to carry on with professional obligations while they get better.
Outpatient addiction treatment is often used as a form of aftercare for people leaving residential rehab. When individuals are transitioning from the safety of a rehab environment back into their daily lives, they often need extra support. Outpatient aftercare allows them to continue receiving support which acts as powerful relapse-protection for as long as they need it in recovery.
The Benefits of Residential or Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
For those who have decided on inpatient drug rehab as the best option for their personal needs, they are in safe hands. For the majority of people requiring substance abuse treatment, residential care is often better for numerous reasons including the following:
- They are completely removed from familiar environments they associate with substance abuse
- There are no enabling influences or temptations to use drugs or alcohol
- They are introduced to others in rehab who are at various stages of a rehab journey which serves as vital support and motivation, often beyond the program
- Inpatient rehab is structured so there is therapy, treatment or counseling taking place the whole time. This immerses people into their care, leaving them little time to dwell on negative issues
- Significant changes need to be made to a person?s lifestyle when they seek recovery from substance abuse. Inpatient facilities provide a solid framework in a sober environment from which people can build the foundations for a new and substance-free life
Inpatient Detox Usually Recommended
The most important and crucial first step of rehab, whether outpatient or inpatient, is detox. Before a person can be rehabilitated from substance abuse, they have to be free of any chemical influences left in their system as a result of their addiction. It is not possible to determine the severity of a person’s withdrawal from alcohol or drugs as much depends on their physiology, psychological state, and other significant factors. For this reason, it is almost always recommended to undergo detox by attending inpatient substance abuse treatment.
Some substances have a significant effect on a person?s physical, emotional and psychological health such as opioid-based prescription drugs, heroin or cocaine. In many cases, withdrawal from these substances can produce significant symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.
In nearly all cases of substance abuse, the detox phase of treatment should be carried out in the supervised environment of inpatient drug rehab. Having medical professionals present to administer treatment for difficult withdrawal symptoms as they emerge makes a big difference and can save lives.
There Is No “Best” Option for Substance Abuse Treatment
Many people are of the opinion that outpatient addiction treatment is somewhat diluted because patients remain at home. However, this type of program is mostly recommended for people whose addiction treatment can be managed effectively as they continue to carry out responsibilities at work or home. For those who need to be monitored to see they are progressing through treatment successfully, the residential option is likely to be more effective.
Addiction is a very complex illness that affects people in different ways and is driven by varying factors. Finding the right treatment path for the individual concerned is integral to their recovery outcome. Individuals should feel completely comfortable with the treatment they receive, which for some means immersing themselves in a sober environment of inpatient substance abuse treatment whereas for others, learning to cope with daily life as they receive treatment is the better option.
