If you are looking to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program for the first time, you may be wondering, “Should I go to an inpatient or outpatient rehab facility?” Both program structures offer advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, the answer depends on several factors that are unique to each individual.
Both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities are available in Boston and surrounding areas. Many rehab centers even offer both options on the same campus. In determining whether a potential client should enroll in inpatient or outpatient treatment, intake specialists evaluate the nature and duration of the individual’s addiction. The rehab center will also evaluate the individual’s lifestyle to determine which option may be more appropriate.
Inpatient Rehab Programs Near Boston
People who have severe addictions that require a structured, supervised environment are generally recommended to enroll in inpatient treatment. Inpatient clients reside at the treatment center. They receive all of their meals and therapeutic services at the treatment center. For this reason, rehab facilities also refer to inpatient treatment as residential treatment. Rehab centers also often plan social activities for their inpatient clients. Some centers take their residential program participants on excursions to provide a social outlet outside of the physical confines of the treatment center. Inpatient programs allow addicts to be isolated from their home environment and all of its day-to-day stressors and triggers. While in the safety and security of the treatment center, the client can focus on recovery without most outside distractions. After graduating from an inpatient program, participants are generally recommended to continue receiving treatment in an outpatient program.
Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs
Clients who enroll in outpatient programs are permitted to continue residing at home. Depending on the curriculum, the client must commute to the treatment center to receive treatment for a designated amount of hours each week. Outpatient treatment is typically recommended to clients who have a stable support network at home. Because outpatient clients are not monitored around the clock, the rehab facility may require the client to be tested for drug or alcohol use each time he or she returns for treatment. Outpatient programs are often better options for people who are unable to take time off from work to enroll in an inpatient program as well as for those who have family responsibilities like caring for small dependent children or elderly family members.
Hybrid Programs
Because everyone does not always fit neatly into one box or the other, hybrid programs are available. Intensive outpatient programs give clients the structure they need while allowing the client the flexibility of being able to sleep at home. In an intensive outpatient program, the client reports to the rehab center early in the morning. The client remains at the center and participates in therapy sessions and other treatment-oriented activities until the evening. At night, the client may return home only to sleep before reporting back to the treatment center the next day.
Choosing the Right Program
For people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, it may be tempting to simply choose the option that will be least restrictive on the individual’s freedom. However, for most people, the recovery process calls for changes that may include taking time away from a toxic home environment, a stressful job, or other settings to which the client has become accustomed. Spending time away allows the client the time and space to focus on addressing the root cause of the addiction. Virtually every rehab center in the Boston area is staffed with counselors who objectively work with the client to evaluate which option is best.
To learn more about inpatient and outpatient treatment programs near Boston, contact us. Our addiction specialists are qualified to answer your questions and help you find the best treatment center for you or for someone close to you. We handle each inquiry with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism. Inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available to people of all backgrounds and income levels. Call us today at 833.970.2054, and let us help you take the first step toward your new life in recovery.
