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Comparing Residential and Outpatient Treatment

the differences between inpatient and outpatient programs

Deciding on a treatment option must always be your first priority while detoxing from drug use or addiction. If a person evades treatment – they are more likely to relapse. 

If you are seeking addiction treatment programs – you might wonder what exactly the difference is between inpatient and outpatient rehab programs – and how they compare.

Before we get into that – let’s first define addiction.

What Is Addiction?

Drug addiction is described as one of the most complex and chronic diseases of the brain. Such chronic diseases are responsible for causing compulsive substance use – all the while knowing the dangers of it. 

Most people going through substance abuse suffer from an ongoing and intense focus on harmful substances.

Substance abuse and addiction, in turn, create many problems for people, including in their emotional health, mental health, physical health, social life, and work life. 

Some examples of addictive substances include marijuana, alcohol, opioids, in addition to others.

Addiction results in altered thinking, impaired judgment, poor decision-making, memory, learning, and altered behaviors. 

Constant substance abuse creates intense cravings for the substances. The effects of substance use continue long after the intoxication event.

Differences Between Residential and Outpatient Rehab 

The major differences between the inpatient programs and the outpatient treatment programs can and may include factors such as:

  • Program Timeline
  • Intensity of Treatments
  • Costs 

In this post, we will thoroughly discuss the Indiana Center for Recovery – inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, the difference between the two, and what both entail. This post is planned to help you make the best choice for yourself or your family members.

Outpatient Rehab Programs

Outpatient rehab involves people attending meetings or appointments for their addiction challenges. Patients in outpatient rehab programs are not required to stay at the facility for an extended period. 

Outpatient rehab programs are mostly a good option for patients who have continuing responsibilities, including childcare, work, or home maintenance.

Residential Treatment Programs – Inpatient Care

The residential rehab program or the inpatient rehab program – on the other hand, is different. The residential program necessitates individuals stay in the residential treatment center (treatment facility) for an extended period – until their treatment program concludes.

Patients who take up residential rehab programs have to take time away from work and home while going through treatment to overcome their mental illness or drug addiction. 

However, in doing so, they undertake the required therapy sessions, medical detox, and social activities – all of which are imperative to help them kick their substance abuse and lead a sober lifestyle.

Which to Choose

Outpatient rehab programs and inpatient residential rehab programs each have their unique advantages and disadvantages. When making a decision between residential vs. outpatient rehab programs and facilities – there will be no one-size-fits-all answer. 

An individual’s history with substance use disorders, alcohol addiction, and daily routine with other factors shall determine which of the effective treatment options are most suitable.

Advantages of Outpatient Rehab Programs

Many individuals prefer outpatient care owing to multiple and manifold benefits. The outpatient treatment programs offer patients multiple and flexible treatment options with typically lower costs. 

The affordable costs of these programs make them more approachable for the average American suffering from substance addiction. Outpatient therapy, however, is not the best solution for every patient.

Let’s explore outpatient services and programs in depth. 

Outpatient programs offer:

Increased Flexibility

Even in intensive outpatient programs – flexibility comes around as the major benefit. Owing to such flexibility – patients won’t have to live at the facility until their outpatient therapy is completed.

Oftentimes patients go through numerous ongoing challenges in their day-to-day life – and the outpatient rehab programs facilitate them in balancing their lives and their treatment. 

With some of the programs, the patients are even able to schedule their own appointments – making them more favorable to the inpatient programs.

Lower Cost

At Indiana Center for Recovery – our staff of medical doctors and support personnel believes that every person going through substance abuse deserves treatment with an unyielding medical support system. 

This is the primary reason why we offer intensive outpatient programs at our rehab center. The good news is, at Indiana Center for Recovery, you get to enjoy lower costs with the best outpatient treatment programs.

Patient Confidentiality

Our patients enjoy a level of confidentiality, so they do not have to worry about their work finding out about their drug abuse problem – as the outpatient therapy sessions are discrete. 

No one needs to know that you visit the treatment center a few times a week – and you can easily maintain your current occupation.

Building Skills

In some treatment cases, outpatient rehab programs act as the transition stage from inpatient treatment to the outside world. 

The outpatient treatment programs also offer patients a chance to build the skills acquired during the inpatient treatment programs.

Custom Outpatient Treatment Programs

Residential treatment programs at Indiana Center for Recovery (residential facility) are highly structured and take place in group settings. 

But with our outpatient rehab services – you are likely to work with your medical professionals for tailor-made treatment programs that effectively meet your specific needs.

All of this becomes possible as one-on-one attention is the prime motive of outpatient programs.

Advantages of Residential Rehab Programs

The outpatient treatment programs do come with a long string of practical advantages. However, some people find the inpatient treatment programs more suitable to their needs – especially when they evaluate how residential and outpatient rehab programs compare.

Residential treatment programs mostly offer a comprehensive process – including group therapy, group sessions, group meetings, individual therapy sessions, and family therapy – all of this while living at the residential treatment facilities (treatment center).

Some other benefits of Inpatient programs include:

24/7 Care

The prime difference between outpatient rehab and residential rehab programs is the facility and availability of around-the-clock care. 

With residential treatment programs – patients check in for weeks or months. The compassionate and professional staff at treatment facilities are trained to offer help to recovering addicts – making sure patients stay safe with zero lapses in care.

Efficacy for Long-term Addiction Patients   

Outpatient rehab and residential program success rates are better than simply not getting any mode of care at all, but some individuals prefer checking into a residential rehab facility – for the necessary holistic substance abuse treatment.

This becomes the ideal long-term solution for many.

Easy Transition – Detox to Therapy

As everything in an all-encompassing treatment program happens in the residential rehab facility – the patients can easily transition from medically assisted detox to therapy without suffering from any unwanted interference.

Safe Environment

One of the major differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment – is that residential rehab or inpatient programs let patients stay in a medical treatment facility.

  • Residential rehab offers patients a compassionate and safe environment that is free of temptations and the distractions of the outside world.
  • Patients with a history of long-term substance abuse or multiple substance addictions find inpatient programs helpful and ideal
  • Dedicating time to focus on treatment is an important factor associated with long-term substance abuse recovery.
  • The inpatient treatment centers offer people a safe environment where they can safely go through their detox process under the supervision of medical professionals. This is essentially perfect for people who mix alcohol with other drugs.
  • Inpatient programs are ideal and safest for completing detox without relapse and complications.

Comfortable Accommodation

The detox process at a hospital puts patients in a medical care program that offers basic amenities and a sterile environment. However, when you enter an inpatient rehab program facility – you will feel at home. 

Many of the residential rehab facilities offer patients home-style apartments and house units, making patients feel comfortable. With such facilities, you get flat screens, swimming pools, laundry facilities, and so on. 

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Therapy

Inpatient and outpatient rehab therapy share the same goals. Both forms of treatment involve a treatment center – offering group counseling, support groups, care for clients, addiction recovery plans, medical attention for varying treatment needs, drug rehabilitation, necessary skills (with the main focus on essential skills or life skills), and family therapy. 

Additionally, patients get help in better planning their future daily life in accordance with their specific goals discussed and outlined with their therapists.

Moreover, the inpatient and outpatient rehab therapies are similar in the psychological tools that patients stand to gain. 

CBT – cognitive behavioral therapy – with other modes of understanding emotions, is utilized for letting individuals take control of their thoughts and actions and move forward in their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment?

The primary difference between the two programs is that inpatient care requires patients to stay in a treatment facility overnight – while outpatient care programs do not. 

If you are getting inpatient care, you will be monitored by a hands-on professional healthcare team in a facility – this is for your entire treatment and recovery process.

What is the success rate of people who go to rehab?

Over 85% of patients who successfully underwent the drug rehab programs still report being abstinent from all kinds of drugs within nine months of discharge. 

More than 80% of patients reported having benefited from a good quality of life and health after going through drug and alcohol rehabs.

Is rehab the same as AA?

Many rehabs do use the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous in the treatment activities – the AA itself is not a complete treatment regimen that is required for effective healing. 

AA helps you to turn yourself to a higher power – learning to admit the mistakes and then work around changing your life.

Indiana Center for Recovery – Beating Addiction is Possible

When it comes to result-oriented treatment programs – every program is designed differently. This is done to accommodate a wide range of budgets, life situations, and the patient’s personal goals. 

If you are looking to make a choice between residential and outpatient rehab programs – it is best to compare their treatments, requirements, and time commitments. This is how you will be easily able to pick the best option and a suitable treatment program for yourself.

All treatment is medically assisted and better than quitting cold turkey or going through the detox process alone at home. The outpatient rehab and residential programs are designed to help you succeed against addiction. No matter how bad the situation is, a treatment program at Indiana Center for Recovery is the solution.

When you are ready to seek help for substance abuse from the best treatment center around – contact the Indiana Center for Recovery.