Knowing the difference between residential vs. outpatient rehab can help determine which treatment method would better suit your lifestyle and recovery from substance abuse. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment can help you overcome your addiction safely, and both provide ways to integrate back into daily life while allowing you to maintain your success.

When choosing between the two types of substance abuse programs, it’s best to seek the advice of a trained mental health counselor. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two.

Understanding the Difference Between Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab

Outpatient treatment programs provide treatment during the day and allow you to return home each night. A primary care physician or mental health specialist usually administers them.

Inpatient treatment is recommended for those struggling with several forms of addiction, including drug abuse and alcohol abuse, and can provide more intensive treatments. Inpatient treatment requires admittance to a treatment center for around-the-clock therapy. Multiple specialists, including therapists, counselors and mental health care providers, deliver residential treatment programs.

Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient programs are less restrictive, which allows individuals to remain in school or go to work. Outpatient care is also an excellent approach for those with less severe addictions. Benefits of outpatient rehab include:

• Ability to return home each night
• Less expensive than inpatient care
• Easy to maintain relationships
• Constant support from loved ones
• Can stay connected to the real world
• Can be tailored to an individual’s needs

Things to Consider About Outpatient Treatment

Individuals can choose between two types of outpatient treatment: intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP). The types are characterized by the number of hours spent in treatment each week. Adults in IOP receive at least 9 hours of care, while those in PHP receive at least 20 hours of treatment.

Both types of outpatient treatment include individual and group sessions, education, medication treatment and mental health care. Some treatment programs offer alternative therapies, including music, painting, pottery, gardening and exercise.

An outpatient treatment program provides an excellent follow-up to inpatient treatment. It serves to integrate an individual back into a normal routine, especially those who lack an adequate support system.

Benefits of Residential Treatment

Residential treatment programs usually involve long-term stays for individuals who require a more structured environment. Other benefits residential rehab may provide include:

• Constant supervision in a safe and secure environment
• A safe environment to work through all forms of addiction and mental health issues
• Access to multiple therapies and activities
• A network of other individuals who provide insight and support through all stages of recovery

Things to Consider About a Residential Treatment Program

Residential treatment programs focus on all aspects of an individual, including mental, emotional, social and physical needs. Inpatient treatment is usually what most people think of when they consider treatment programs. The restrictive environment of inpatient programs serves to create a strong foundation that aids in recovery. In inpatient care, staff members get to know each individual so they can help identify strengths that can be used to overcome addiction.

The length of time an individual remains in inpatient care may vary depending on the level of their addiction and individual needs. Typically, inpatient care is offered in 30-, 60- and 90-day programs. Individuals who require longer stays may remain in inpatient care for 4 to 6 months or longer.

How Long Is Outpatient Alcohol Treatment?

The average time spent in outpatient alcohol rehab varies depending on the individual. The severity of your addiction, the length of your alcohol detox and the speed of your progress determine if treatment lasts several weeks or months.

How Do Residential and Outpatient Rehab Programs Work?

Upon entering an outpatient program, an individual will explore their past and present experiences with substance abuse. You’ll have to provide information on your current health and any past health problems you’ve had. Therapy sessions will examine your thoughts and emotions and any mental health issues. Counselors will also ask about your current living situation, friends, work and other situations that may affect your recovery. Individuals likely to succeed in outpatient treatment are those with excellent support systems and highly motivated to change.

Inpatient care may be the best option if you’ve been through outpatient treatment without success. Once an individual arrives in inpatient care at Summit Detox, they receive an evaluation to help determine their course of care. One is assigned a therapist that provides care during the entire treatment. Some patients may need to undergo drug detox first and receive medications to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

In inpatient care, an individual receives a daily schedule that includes 24-hour staff support. Along with inpatient detox, rehabilitation may include individual therapy, group sessions, support groups, medication management, skill-building exercises and holistic treatment options, such as yoga and exercise, nutrition, arts and crafts and other hobby groups.

Once an individual completes their inpatient treatment, they may move to outpatient care or other follow-up treatment programs that include relapse prevention. Relapse prevention identifies individual triggers that can be detrimental to the success of the treatment.

Which Is Better for Family Therapy?

Family therapy is an integral part of any addiction program. Sometimes issues at home can trigger substance abuse, or in some cases, the lack of support or the presence of bad habits can sabotage treatment. For this reason, family therapy helps each family member identify problems and make positive changes to allow everyone to heal.

Family therapy is most often provided in inpatient treatment because it provides a safe, neutral place for all family members to talk and openly express concerns. Family members are invited to the facility on specific days to meet with their loved ones and a counselor throughout the rehabilitation process. The counselor listens to concerns and makes suggestions regarding the family dynamic. Family therapy may also be offered in outpatient treatment.

Looking for a Treatment Facility?

If you or your loved one is looking for an alcohol treatment program, Summit Detox’s Boynton Beach rehab center is just a phone call away. Contact our professional staff 24/7 at (888) 995-5265 to verify your insurance coverage and start your journey to recovery.