How Do I Know if I Need Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?

Table of Contents

It doesn’t matter how far addiction has taken you or how many times you have relapsed in the past. You can turn your life around for the better, and there are plenty of professionals ready to help you make it to the other side, no matter how challenging your circumstances are currently.

Your chances of living a long, sober life are so much better now that you are considering addiction rehab. But, before you start making plans for the next few months, you have to decide which level of care you are looking to receive.

What Are My Options?

No two addictions look the same, and no two people live the same lifestyle. So, when it comes to addiction treatment, you aren’t limited to a cookie-cutter path. To cater to the unique differences of each patient, there are two primary options to choose from. Inpatient treatment, which you have probably already heard of, is the more traditional option that requires you to stay at the facility while you are being treated. You will still get to maintain contact with your loved ones while being treated, but to avoid outside distractions, facilitators have specific guest policies in place. Outpatient care, however, is perfect for those who lead busy lives as it will allow you to come and go between sessions. Now, the question is, which option will give you the best results? Here is how to know for sure.

Should I Go the Inpatient Route?

The simplest way to narrow down your decision is to pay attention to the severity of your addiction. If you have relapsed in the past, have trouble holding down a job or maintaining a stable life because of your substance use, or can’t seem to function without being under the influence, you would be better off checking into inpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab is the residential option that offers around-the-clock intensive care. This means that there will always be a physician or addiction specialist on standby whenever you are in need.

One of the most compelling reasons to opt for inpatient, or residential care, is that you will be living in an environment that is completely drug and alcohol-free. When being separated from the outside world for about 28 to 90 days, depending on how long you decide to be treated, you will learn to make healthier life choices. Not to mention, you will have regular therapy sessions to address the underlying cause of your addiction and gain powerful strategies to help you maintain your sobriety throughout your most challenging times.

Inpatient care is also the best course of action for those needing a thorough detox. Because certain withdrawal symptoms can be fatal, you should never detox alone. To ensure that each patient has a safe journey, rehabilitation centers offer medically-assisted detoxification processes to help combat cravings and lessen painful withdrawal symptoms.

How Do I Know If Outpatient Treatment is the Better Fit?

For a lot of people, outpatient treatment gets two thumbs up, simply because it doesn’t require patients to pack up and leave home for an extended period of time. But, as convenient as this option is, it isn’t for everyone. In fact, you should only go this route if you have a mild to moderate addiction and can be trusted to remain sober between sessions.

While you won’t have to dedicate as much time to outpatient treatment, you still have to be super committed to the cause, especially since you will have to hold yourself accountable as you navigate the outside world. Treatment sessions are usually carried out early in the morning or at night, so it should be easy to fit your sessions into your schedule without disrupting your career, education, or other lifestyle obligations. Just be aware that you will be expected to dedicate about 12 hours per week to the cause until you finish the program. Program lengths vary and will ultimately be determined by your personal progress.

Addiction has plagued your life for long enough. It is time to take the next big step toward a better future. Contact us today at 833.970.2054 to see how we can help you claim sobriety, once and for all.

Picture of Reviewed By:

Reviewed By:

Clearhaven Recovery Clinical Staff

Did you know?

Your Insurance Can Pay for Rehab