When you decide to pursue treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, you are taking the first step towards healing and health for the rest of your life. This initial choice also carries with it a seemingly endless array of options – where will you attend treatment, and what level is appropriate for you? Only by being honest with yourself about your needs and the extent of your substance use disorder can you answer these questions. Today, we’ll examine the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, so that you can decide which is right for you.
Inpatient Rehab
The term “inpatient rehab” refers to programs where clients will stay on site in provided facilities for the duration of treatment. It typically includes services based around detoxification, medication management, and various therapies.
This proven treatment for addicts who have attempted to detox – and failed – provides the necessary support and education required for lasting recovery. This is the most effective type of care for the treatment resistant, allowing clients to fully focus on their addiction and recovery with round-the-clock care, including 24/7 access to clinicians.
Most inpatient rehab programs last between 28 and 90 days, depending on your needs and goals. Because every program is different, recommendations made by staff will need to be tailored to each individual.
Preparing for inpatient treatment is very important. Before departing, you should be sure to speak with your employer – Family and Medical Leave Act laws should protect your position. It’s also vital to arrange a living situation for children or other family members, plan out your transportation to and from the center, and educate yourself about which personal items are allowed during your stay.
Additionally, you can ensure success by involving family members in your recovery process – many centers recognize the importance of this, and will have structured therapy sessions and communications schedules that accommodate family members.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient addiction treatment is designed to meet the needs of people who have mild addictions, have already have made significant progress in their recovery, or have a significant amount of structure and support at home. It is for those motivated to recover. These flexible programs may be intensive or standard in nature, requiring varying degrees of time commitment from clients.
By pursuing outpatient treatment, you will benefit from the therapeutic services and lessons delivered by standard inpatient facilities while also being able to live at home. This enables those with challenging schedules and outside commitments to maintain their responsibilities while concurrently receiving treatment for their substance use disorders.
Outpatient levels of treatment also vary by need – generally, they may last from three months to over a year. Weekly commitments generally range from 10 to 12 hours per week, depending on your center of choice.
Which is Right for Me?
The decision of whether to attend an inpatient or outpatient treatment center is completely up to you. However, it is important to note that inpatient treatment is the gold standard for a reason – it has a higher success rate overall, meaning that outpatient treatment may not be as effective. This is because clients are able to fully immerse themselves in the pursuit of recovery, rather than being swayed by old acquaintances or friends who are still using. Many people’s home lives are not conducive to recovery, which can make the process difficult. This is why a brief “vacation” from daily life can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Is Rehab Covered by My Insurance?
Whether you select an inpatient or outpatient program, some variation of both will likely be covered. While inpatient treatment generally comes at a higher cost, it does provide 24-hour care and treatment with professional therapists, counselors, and clinicians. Be sure to contact the admissions staff at your center of choice to find out which treatment plans will be covered by your insurance provider.
Austin-Based Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Services
BRC Recovery has helped people who others couldn’t. By specifically designing programs to cater to the treatment-resistant and chronic relapsers, founder Mark Houston created a center that gives men and women everything they need in early recovery. Dial 1-866-461-1759 to speak with our admissions staff and discuss your treatment options.