The Pros And Cons Of Inpatient Vs Outpatient Rehab
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Everyone wants to live happy, fulfilling lives, but that’s not always a reality. When the hardships of life kick in, many people fall victim to the power of drugs and alcohol. The effects of addiction take a toll on the individual and every aspect of their life.
Thankfully, there’s hope for those who suffer from substance abuse. Numerous programs are available to help battle addiction, and rehabilitation is one of the primary options.
However, trying to decide between inpatient vs outpatient rehab is a bit overwhelming—but don’t worry. This in-depth guide will provide you with the pros and cons of rehabilitation and help you determine which method is best for you!
Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab
Before delving into the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab, it’s vital to remember that some help is better than no help. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only a small percentage of addiction sufferers seek therapy for substance abuse. Weighing the pros and cons of rehabilitation is great, but taking action is key!
Inpatient Rehabilitation Pros
Inpatient rehabilitation offers several benefits. Here are a few:
Around the Clock Care
For those who are severely struggling with substance abuse, inpatient rehab is a must. There is 24/7 supervision available from staff members and therapists who are trained for addiction treatment. Patients are never alone during their journey.
No Distractions
One of the best rehabilitation pros of inpatient care is the lack of distractions. Patients are inside of the facility throughout the duration of treatment, which means no outside stress. Furthermore, there is no access to drugs and alcohol, so the threat of relapse is eliminated.
Comfort and Community
When patients go through inpatient therapy, they are surrounded by others who are experiencing the same struggles. It creates a sense of community among everyone who is getting treatment. The bonds that are created are not only beneficial during therapy but after the program is over as well.
More Intense Therapy
When individuals are inside of an inpatient facility the therapy is more intense. Since there isn’t an option to leave, patients get the most out of their treatment. They are more involved in rehab activities and regularly attend therapy sessions. The entire program is designed to get the patient into recovery for good.
Inpatient Cons
There are a few downsides to inpatient rehab, too. Here are our top three:
Unable to Leave
The biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is the ability to leave. For those who need child care or can’t take off of work, inpatient care is too restrictive.
More Expensive
When deciding between inpatient vs patient rehab, many people consider the cost. It’s more expensive to go through inpatient therapy than the alternative. However, it shouldn’t be eliminated as an option. Those who have Medicare or other health insurance may receive assistance to fund the treatment.
Life After Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient vs outpatient therapy widely differs when it comes to coping with life after treatment. Although inpatient treatment is amazing, it creates a world where temptation doesn’t exist. When individuals come out of the program and go back to regular life, there’s a potential for relapse.
Outpatient Pros
Outpatient rehabilitation is different from inpatient therapy because you’re free to leave. Here are a few other benefits:
Affordable
In contrast to inpatient treatment, outpatient therapy is more affordable. Plus, many health insurance providers offer a larger percentage of coverage for outpatient care. However, a more affordable program doesn’t mean it’s “cheap”. Outpatient therapy can be just as effective as an in-care treatment.
Personal Time with Counselors
There’s more opportunity to have one-on-one time with counselors during outpatient treatment. Most sessions are scheduled for a set time with an individual, making the therapy more effective.
Furthermore, the group sizes for outpatient therapy tend to be smaller. When there are fewer people around, patients are more willing to talk and engage with others during treatment.
Flexibility
One of the primary rehabilitation pros of outpatient care is flexibility. Patients can go on with their daily lives while also getting the help they need. Not only that, but it helps them start recovery in a realistic environment of stress and temptation.
Outpatient Cons
As with everything, outpatient rehabilitation has cons to consider. Here’s what you need to think about before signing up:
Less Intense
Although outpatient therapy is helpful, it isn’t as intense. For someone who is deep into their addiction, time in an inpatient facility is best. It’s easy to skip sessions or fall off the wagon when individuals aren’t in a structured environment.
Distractions
The conflict between inpatient vs outpatient rehab is that there’s good and bad to both options. While getting therapy in an in-care facility creates an environment with no temptations, outpatient treatment does the opposite. Patients still have access to drugs and alcohol while going through an outpatient program, which could cause a relapse.
Lack of Support
Inpatient therapy creates a community of supporters for the patients during treatment. On the other hand, those who go through an outpatient program might not have the support they need from their loved ones. Outside of the therapy sessions, they may be around people who are enablers, making recovery more challenging.
Hope for a Brighter Future
A battle with substance abuse doesn’t have to end in defeat when there’s help available. Although addiction feels like a lonely road, there’s plenty of support around every turn. The most important part of choosing between inpatient vs outpatient rehab is deciding when to start recovery.
If you’re in need of an effective treatment program, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to assist you in any way possible. We service the Brunswick, NJ area and our facility offers a variety of treatments.
You can also call our 24/7 Help Line at National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We look forward to assisting you on your journey!