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Apex Recovery Blog

Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehabilitation: Which Should You Do?

a therapist groups smiles as someone shares their story.

A recent press release from the NIH highlights some shocking statistics.

Their data shows that at least 10% of Americans have struggled with a drug use disorder and 33% struggle with alcohol use problems. Yet around 75% of these people never receive treatment.

It’s not impossible to ease addiction without treatment, but it’s difficult. The chances of maintaining ongoing sobriety without treatment are slim. 

Have you or a loved one decided to reach out for help with recovering from addiction? The next step is choosing between inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centers in your area.

Keep reading to find out more about your options for drug and alcohol treatment centers in the USA.

What Is Inpatient Rehabilitation?

Inpatient rehabilitation involves taking time out from your daily life to work on your recovery. It’s a full-time commitment and involves staying in the rehabilitation facility 24/7 for 30 to 90 days. 

The facilities provide around-the-clock supervision and treatment. These include group sessions and private therapy.

Other pastimes include exercise and other meaningful activities to ease the transition to sobriety. 

Medical care is on hand to ensure patients suffer no ill effects from withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawals can be fatal. 

Qualified practitioners may prescribe medication to help soothe symptoms and cravings during detox. Intense cravings, pain, and nausea are common once you stop taking drugs or alcohol.

These types of rehab also offer ongoing cognitive behavioral therapy.

These sessions help patients cope with co-occurring conditions, like depression. Some may offer trauma counseling too. 

Inpatient rehab centers immerse patients fully in recovery, far from the stresses of daily life. They’re a highly effective way to start the journey toward recovery and a good fit for most people suffering from addiction. 

In some ways, inpatient rehabilitation helps establish routines for living a sober life. These include a healthy diet, exercise, and regular group therapy that can form part of their sober life.

Disadvantages of Inpatient Rehabilitation

For many, one of the biggest drawbacks of inpatient rehab is the cost. Non-stop medical care, counseling, board, and lodging cost a lot of money.

Most healthcare plans pay for some or all the costs of rehabilitation, and some rehab centers offer payment plans, too. You must have clarity on how you’ll pay for your treatment before you commit.

Other people don’t fit in well with the structured routine of these types of rehab facilities. Some can’t afford to take time off work or abandon their family responsibilities. 

Fortunately, there’s another way. Outpatient rehab offers an alternative way to get sober without disrupting your life completely. 

About Outpatient Rehabilitation

Outpatient rehabilitation doesn’t disrupt your life as much as inpatient rehab does. You continue with your ordinary routine but you report to the rehab center for a specified number of hours per week.

This kind of rehab offers many of the services provided by inpatient rehab. They don’t offer overnight facilities, meals, and some other programs.

Outpatient clinics do offer medical monitoring and medically-assisted detox if necessary.

Established recovery programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can play a vital role in outpatient treatment.

These programs offer no assistance with detox. Yet, they have a good track record when it comes to helping people maintain sobriety. 

Disadvantages of Outpatient Rehab

The problem with outpatient rehabilitation is it’s difficult to focus on your rehabilitation while surrounded by the stresses and triggers of daily life. 

In this way, they’re not ideal for people suffering from severe addiction. If other parties in the household have a substance abuse disorder, it’s extremely challenging for the patient to stay clean and sober.

It’s difficult for people who’ve been practicing addictive behavior for a long time, to change their habits when surrounded by familiar routines.

It’s also a lot easier for those with a low commitment to sobriety to skip sessions, or relapse during trying times. 

That said, outpatient rehab is often the only thing preventing people with substance abuse problems from becoming another tragic statistic. Especially if they can’t afford inpatient rehab. 

Is there a Middle Ground?

Partial hospitalization programs offer a solution for patients with severe addictive disorders. Especially those who can’t commit to inpatient rehab.

These treatments are a kind of day-rehab, where patients enjoy all the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation programs, but return home at night. These types of rehab are often a good fit for people with young families that need their attention in the evenings.

Finding the Right Rehab for You

Your doctor, a local branch of NA or AA, or your minister can help put you in touch with rehabilitation centers and treatment options in your area.

As far as possible, it’s a good idea to visit them all to gauge which one might suit you best.

Undergoing rehabilitation is bound to have its challenges. Yet, it’s vitally important to enter a program where you feel comfortable.

Speak to some of the patients if possible and engage with the onsite personnel. Do they seem happy, relaxed, and committed to recovery? 

If you don’t feel safe in the environment, it’s unlikely you’ll experience the full benefits of treatment.  

Your available support system is another important consideration when choosing a rehab. 

Can you rely on someone to take care of your family or your pets if you attend inpatient rehab? Will your employer, family, and friends support you enough to help you through the hardships of outpatient rehab?  

Finally, are you ready to commit to a new and better life? 

Start Making Changes Today

We offer a wide range of treatment options for all kinds of addiction at our San Diego alcohol rehabilitation centers.

As one of the leading luxury rehab centers in San Diego, we can help you make the right choice when it comes to your recovery. We have years of experience helping people escape the clutches of addiction.

Get in touch today for more information. 

Call Our Toll-Free Hotline 24/7 at 877.881.2689