By: Ava
May 14, 2020

Inpatient vs Outpatient: Whats Right For You?

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Rehab is an important part of any sobriety journey and without it, the likelihood of relapse skyrockets, and the struggles that a recovering addict can face are greatly increased. With the help of the right rehabilitation program, you can get sober and live the life you have always dreamed of. There are two main types of addiction treatment, inpatient and outpatient, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

What Is Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment is an addiction treatment program in which the addict checks into the facility for an allotted amount of time and stays there for the duration of the program. The person sleeps at the facility, eats there, exercises there, and completes individual and group therapy there. Depending on the program and levels of flexibility, some people are allowed to go off-site during the program to visit a family member or attend a 12-step addiction meeting. Some inpatient treatment centers will also take the clients out for group outings. 

The first step of inpatient (depending on what substance you’re addicted to) is usually detoxification. This is the process of removing drugs, alcohol, and any other toxins, from your body. On average, the process lasts about five to seven days, but can also depend on the person and severity of their addiction. After detox, the addict will work with counselors and therapists to try to figure out the root of their addiction. Through wellness activities and group therapy, the addict will also build a support system with the other clients in the inpatient program. 

Inpatient is generally better suited for drug or alcohol users that have a severe addiction and require medical detox, or that might not have a strong support system at home. Inpatient treatment offers 24/7 support and monitoring and may be a better option for addicts at risk of relapse. Some people find it beneficial in the beginning of the recovery process to be removed from society. 

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment functions similarly to inpatient treatment but allows for more flexibility in the addicts personal life. When you attend outpatient treatment, you sleep at your own house. This type of treatment is optimal for those who want to attend addiction treatment near their own home, feel more comfortable sleeping at home, or have personal obligations that can’t be put off for an extended period of time. 

There are three main forms of outpatient treatment: partial day programs, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Generally, someone struggling with addiction will start with a partial day program, then step down to intensive outpatient, then end with outpatient treatment. If you attend any of these programs, you receive the same care and attention to detail as you would in an inpatient program, but you don’t have to remove yourself from society. Some addicts find it much more helpful to remain at home and integrated with society while seeking addiction treatment. By attending a form of outpatient treatment, you won’t experience any “shock” when you enter back into “the real world”. It can also be helpful to maintain some of your same routines while learning how to incorporate sobriety into it. Outpatient treatment utilizes all the same therapies as inpatient, like individual and group therapy, and support groups. Co-occurring disorders can also be addressed during outpatient treatment. 

What Treatment Is Right For You?

When it comes to choosing the treatment that is right for you, it is important to keep in mind the nature of your addiction, and how you best respond to treatment. If you have a strong support system at home, children you have to tend to, or a job you find to be extremely fulfilling and don’t want to lose, then outpatient treatment may be right for you.

For those that may not have a safe place to live or feel like they want to leave their current environment, then inpatient treatment could be the right choice for you. In most cases, it is best to take the time to speak with an addiction treatment professional that can help you determine the best course of treatment for you. 

Let Us Help

For those looking for addiction treatment help in Los Angeles, California, Multi Concept Recovery is here for you. We offer partial day addiction treatment programs, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment. We’re experts in the addiction industry and will work hard to address your particular addiction. We’ll also give you all the tools you need to overcome substance abuse. Contact us today to learn more about our services!