Recovery from drug or alcohol use is always a process. There’s no set timeline for substance use recovery; each individual and each situation is unique. No matter the type of substance use treatment you’re receiving – detox, therapy, counseling, etc. – it will typically qualify as either inpatient or outpatient care. Depending on your individual needs and the nature of your situation, either inpatient or outpatient care will be recommended by your licensed healthcare professional.
It’s important to note that when it comes to inpatient and outpatient rehab, one type of care isn’t an outright better option over the other. Rather, the nature of your situation qualifies either inpatient or outpatient care as a superior option, depending on a variety of factors.
What is inpatient drug and alcohol rehab?
Also known as residential rehab, inpatient drug and alcohol rehab helps individuals with more serious substance use challenges. Individuals who participate in inpatient rehab live at the treatment facility, in an environment structured by healthcare professionals that help manage your recovery every step of the way.
Inpatient centers typically offer 24-hour, onsite support, for anyone requiring immediate help. One of the benefits to inpatient treatment is the fact that it removes individuals from environments that are encouraging damaging habits. These same individuals are then encouraged toward recovery, toward breaking those self-destructive cycles with the help and healing that inpatient treatment can foster.
Many inpatient rehab programs are also partnered with de-escalation programs, to help those suffering from substance use practices take second and third steps toward achieving and sustaining freedom and distance from drugs and alcohol.
What can I expect from outpatient drug and alcohol rehab?
Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab treatment is perfect for anyone looking to mitigate their substance use practices. Individuals who participate in outpatient substance use rehab can typically participate in programming from their own homes, either by receiving therapy through online means or by attending partial-day clinics. In addition, outpatient rehab offers individual levels of care, as treatment is tailored according to each client’s needs.
In general, outpatient therapy is designed for anyone in recovery, and helps to accommodate a wide range of individuals. Programs are commonly offered 1-2 times a week, for at least 60-90 minutes per session. Outpatient therapy can take the form of individual, one-on-one sessions between client and counselor, or as family or group therapy sessions. Individual therapy helps identify opportunities for progress in your own life, while group therapy helps you and all members focus on specific skills, themes and trends useful in helping you reverse self-destructive substance use habits, and actively pursue and maintain freedom.
Am I better-suited for inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab?
Inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs differ in both treatment type and overall program length. Similarly, both inpatient and outpatient programs offer respective benefits, as each offers you the appropriate level of care and attention that your stage in recovery requires.
If you’re undecided about whether you need inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
1) How often do I feel urges to use substances?
Individuals who experience more frequent, more aggressive urges to practice unhealthy substance use habits are usually better-suited for inpatient care. On the contrary, if you experience more infrequent, less aggressive urges to use substances, it’s likely that outpatient care is better for you.
2) How motivated am I to attend sessions?
If you have difficulty attending individual or group therapy sessions on your own, you might be better off thriving in an inpatient environment, where health professionals are already on-hand to help you receive the care you need. However, if you’re already well motivated to attend and benefit from your therapy, counseling or treatment, outpatient drug and alcohol rehab might better benefit your situation.
3) Do I also need treatment for co-occurring disorders – eating disorders, bipolar disorder, etc.?
If you also need treatment for co-occurring disorders, inpatient care is likely better suited to deliver all the medication you need, when you need it. In addition, inpatient care helps to provide you with the help you need managing substance use practices in light of already-existing disorders.
Take your first steps toward freedom today
No matter the type of care you need to help manage substance use habits, help is standing by. Find the inpatient or outpatient rehab programs you need to take back your freedom, when you call Rehab After Work at (610) 644-6464, or request a consultation today to discover the benefits that premiere substance use treatment services can offer you.
