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Last Updated:
November 25th, 2024
The difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment
If you are struggling with an addiction, the success of your recovery lies in the type of treatment and support you receive. We know that deciding on the right treatment plan can feel overwhelming; one million and one questions are likely running through your head as you swim in the sea of information about rehab options.
Recovery Lighthouse has compiled the key differences between inpatient and outpatient care to assist you in making an informed decision regarding the most suitable path for your recovery journey.
What is outpatient treatment?
Outpatient treatment, also referred to as ‘day rehab’, involves attending therapy sessions and meetings during the day and returning back home afterwards. This allows you to maintain your daily routines while still receiving help for your addiction.
The frequency and duration of treatment can be adjusted to suit your individual needs, making outpatient rehab a more flexible approach. This makes it particularly appealing to individuals who have important responsibilities at home, for example, parents with young children and no access to childcare.
What is inpatient treatment?
Inpatient treatment, or ‘residential rehab’, requires that you stay at a rehab facility while you receive treatment. This gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the programme and take full advantage of the 24/7 care provided.
The length of your stay could range from two weeks to twelve weeks, depending on the severity of your addiction. Inpatient rehab centres typically promote peace and relaxation – this therapeutic environment makes it an ideal place to heal from drug or alcohol abuse, away from the distractions of daily life.
Inpatient vs outpatient: what is right for me?
To decide on the right treatment programme for you, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each.
The benefits of inpatient rehab:
- Comprehensive treatment that focuses on both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction
- Access to a wide range of supportive activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, including yoga and meditation, music therapy and art therapy.
- Access to 24/7 care and guidance with skilled therapists on-hand to guide you through any difficult moments.
- You are removed from triggers and temptations, making relapse far less likely.
- The level of support received in inpatient rehab is much higher, meaning that you are more likely to maintain sobriety long-term.
Inpatient rehab does have some negatives, however, and these include:
- It is more costly than outpatient treatment.
- You must take time off of work and any other responsibilities at home.
The benefits of outpatient treatment:
- Access to regular therapy sessions and group meetings.
- Ability to keep up with your usual routines and responsibilities.
- A less expensive alternative to inpatient treatment.
The downsides to outpatient treatment can include:
- Exposure to triggers and easy access to drugs or alcohol can make it difficult to stay clean.
- Inability to access support or guidance when you need it the most.
- Lack of structure can lead to lower motivation levels, making you more inclined to relapse.
- The less intensive treatment plan is not as effective as inpatient rehab if you are in the depths of addiction.
While you can see that inpatient and outpatient treatment both have their benefits, an inpatient rehab programme is more likely to produce effective and long-lasting results for those that are struggling to come off addictive substances alone or have started to withdraw from others.
Inpatient rehab: debunking the myths
Inpatient rehab is proven to be the most effective treatment for those struggling with addiction. Despite this, there are still many misconceptions surrounding inpatient treatment that may prevent you from getting the help you need.
Let’s debunk some of these myths:
Myth: Inpatient rehab takes away your freedom – it is like a prison…
Fact: Inpatient rehab gives you freedom from addiction, removing the chains of substance dependency and allowing you to enjoy life again. The structure and routine provided by our treatment plan promotes a sense of purpose and encourages motivation.
Myth: Inpatient rehab is expensive and inaccessible…
Fact: Although inpatient rehab may come with a higher price tag compared to other treatment options, when weighed against the long-term costs of addiction it proves to be a more sensible choice. Moreover, many rehab centres provide instalment plans to ease the financial burden, and certain insurance plans may cover the cost of treatment as well.
Myth: Inpatient treatment is a one-size-fits-all approach…
Fact: Although everyone participates in the same therapies and activities in inpatient rehab, the variety of treatments provided means that you can find out what works for you. Recovery Lighthouse is proud to offer effective treatments that have produced positive results for hundreds of our clients.
Inpatient rehab at Recovery Lighthouse
Recovery Lighthouse offers every single one of our inpatient clients the compassionate care needed to recover from addiction. We provide this through an assisted detox and a comprehensive list of therapies.
Taking part in an assisted detox at our inpatient facility ensures that any withdrawal symptoms remain manageable. The medical staff at Recovery Lighthouse will be able to monitor your condition daily, making sure that you are safe and comfortable. Through therapy, you will be able to determine the underlying reasons for your substance use, find healthier coping strategies and learn relapse prevention techniques.
The array of different therapies offered as part of our inpatient rehab programme include:
- 12-step therapy
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Music, drama and art therapy
- Mindfulness-based therapies
- Yoga and meditation
An outpatient treatment plan simply does not offer the same variety of treatments, which could hinder your long-term recovery. With Recovery Lighthouse, you will be able to try out every single one of our treatments and find out what works best for you.
How can I prepare for inpatient rehab?
If you have decided to embark on your recovery with an inpatient rehab programme, it is important to prepare for the journey ahead. Some things you should consider include:
- Choosing the right facility: Before committing to a programme, you should ensure that the centre is reputable and has experience in your particular addiction.
- Planning your absence: You will need to ensure any responsibilities at home are taken care of, for example, paying the rent, arranging childcare and letting your employer know you need time off work.
- Telling your family members: If you feel comfortable doing so, you should let your family members know that you will be taking part in inpatient rehab and advise them on how they can best support you.
- Mentally preparing yourself: Inpatient rehab can feel daunting, but by doing your research on what to expect, you can feel mentally prepared to accept the challenge.
Ensuring that your responsibilities are taken care of and any loose ends tied up gives you the freedom to fully focus on your recovery.
The road to recovery
Seeking help for addiction in any form, whether that is through inpatient or outpatient treatment, is a courageous decision that should be applauded. It takes a great deal of strength to admit you have a problem with substances, but by taking proactive steps to overcome your addiction, you can lead a more productive and fulfilling life.
If you are ready to start the courageous first step towards your journey to recovery, know that Recovery Lighthouse is here to provide you with unwavering support.