Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab involves staying at the rehabilitation center. Inpatient rehabilitation is especially suitable for moderate to severe addiction, since discontinuing use at home is often extremely difficult. Inpatient rehabilitation provides the individual with a structured environment and the necessary guidance and support around the clock to facilitate recovery. Another advantage of inpatient recovery is that treatment is intensive and the restricted environment allows the patients to focus solely on the problems related to the addiction. Such treatment often involves examining the root causes of the addiction such as social and psychological factors, re-examining personal beliefs, developing personal responsibility and becoming an accountable individual in the social fabric.
Outpatient rehab requires only visiting the treatment facility. This flexibility allows the patient to continue their education or career and continue staying with their families. Avoiding sobriety setbacks is difficult due to the withdrawal symptoms so outpatient rehab may be more appropriate for light users. Outpatient rehab is also less expensive than inpatient rehab due to the absence of costs related to the residence at the center.
Both inpatient and outpatient rehab may involve education about drug use, individual and group counseling, and treatment of co-occurring disorders. However, outpatient treatment can vary considerably in intensity and scope, whereas inpatient rehab is generally more intensive and involves frequent treatment. Inpatient rehab is generally more effective but also more expensive.