Local Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

The decision to get help for drug and alcohol addiction is the first and often the hardest step on the road to recovery. The next decision that has to be made is whether to get help from inpatient or outpatient rehab centers. Both types of rehab centers are available locally, and both have advantages and disadvantages. What type of treatment you need usually depends on several factors, including what substance or substances you have been abusing and how physically dependent you have become on these substances.

Inpatient Rehab Centers

Inpatient rehab centers offer a safe environment in which you can get sober under medical supervision. For the first few days or weeks of recovery, you are never alone with your struggles. You are surrounded by other people who are also working to overcome their addictions, so you are able to easily have an initial support network. In an inpatient setting, you will obtain guidance and support as well as group and individual counseling. Being in an inpatient setting forces you to break ties with those who have been contributing to your addictive behavior, such as drinking buddies or drug dealers. You aren’t distracted by day to day stresses, and you can focus completely on learning to be sober. Although this can be very helpful, if you have child care responsibilities or a job that you can’t leave on a short-term basis, you may want to look for other addiction treatment options.

Outpatient Rehab Centers

Outpatient rehab centers offer services of different types and intensity. Addiction treatment on an outpatient basis offers a chance to obtain care while still going home every night. This may be a good option if you have a lot of daily responsibilities, especially if your problems with addiction are in the early stages or if you have a lot of social support. Another advantage is that outpatient rehab centers cost less than going to inpatient rehab centers. By going to outpatient treatment, you may be able to attend individual therapy sessions and/or group therapy sessions evenings or weekends, which allows you to continue to report to work every day. One disadvantage to getting treatment on an outpatient basis is the fact that since you are remaining in your normal environment, you may have easy access to drugs and alcohol. You don’t spend as much time with the other people who are in outpatient treatment, so you may have a harder time developing an initial support network. Outpatient rehab centers also offer assistance in helping you to avoid relapse after you leave inpatient treatment. Your doctor or an addiction counselor can help you determine whether you need inpatient or outpatient rehab. The important thing is to decide that you are ready to get help for drug or alcohol addiction and that once you find the right rehab center for you, you will be able to get the help that you need.   Resource National Institute on Drug Abuse: Types of Treatment Programs https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs

Scroll to Top