You’ve decided to get help for a substance abuse problem. However, the road to recovery isn't always a straight line. Instead, there are usually some forks in the road. Case in point is the inpatient vs outpatient treatment choice.
Why Many Rehab Facilities Offer Multiple Treatment Options
Helping you succeed in your goal of attaining and maintaining lifelong sobriety is a rehab staff’s primary goal. However, just as each program participant is different, there have to be suitable addiction treatment programs. What works well for one person may not suit you. This understanding applies to therapy options as well as the program choices.
Inpatient vs Outpatient: Inpatient Rehab Programs
Inpatient, or residential rehab, involves living at the rehab center. The overall duration varies, and you occasionally have the option to extend it if needed. During that time, you'll be away from your job and your family as you focus on healing.
Residential addiction treatment programs involve 24/7 supervision as individuals have access to comprehensive therapies and programs. Examples include:
- Group therapy that creates a progressively building peer support network through sharing and problem solving
- Individual therapy sessions that help you explore emotional and mental growth opportunities
- Workshops that enable clients to develop interpersonal skills and build self-confidence
Because relapse prevention is a major factor in recovery, many program participants prefer the residential treatment option. It creates a short-term buffer between the individual and the drug culture. During that time, individuals build the personal strengths and convictions to handle trigger situations without using.
Inpatient vs Outpatient: Outpatient Rehab Programs
Outpatient rehab programs have many benefits. They provide a more flexible experience than an inpatient rehab program. Many people with professional or family obligations find it difficult to "get away" from everyday life. Additionally, outpatient rehab programs are typically less expensive than residential addiction treatment programs.
However, outpatient treatment isn't right for everybody. For instance, because an outpatient program allows participants to live out home, it's more difficult to maintain a level of accountability. At the first sign of trouble, it's easier to relapse because individuals aren't under 24/7 supervision.
Unless you’ve made a clean break with those who did drugs with you, you’ll still have to handle those influences outside of your therapy sessions. For someone with a mild addiction problem, it could work out. However, outpatient rehab programs often work best following an experience at a comprehensive inpatient rehab program.
Inpatient vs Outpatient: You Know Yourself Best
The inpatient vs outpatient debate makes it clear that outpatient care isn't right for everyone. In fact, it’s only for a narrowly defined demographic. Typically, people who struggle with drugs need to get away to have a chance at healing. A residential setting provides this level of care and enables you to take the next steps in peaceful surroundings.
About The Clearing's Residential Addiction Treatment Program
Located on San Juan Island in Washington State, The Clearing offers a 28-day residential rehab program where individuals can begin healing. Our compassionate professionals understand that addiction is a debilitating disease. Our proven counseling strategies empower you to understand the "why" of your substance abuse problem and then overcome it.
Our substance abuse programs in WA include:
- Non 12 Step Rehab approaches grounded in Spiritual Psychology
- 120 hours of counseling (that's over two years of counseling in 28 days)
- Dual diagnosis treatment that works to address co-occurring mental health issues along with addiction
Questions about the difference between inpatient vs outpatient treatment? Call The Clearing today at 425-275-8600.