Choosing between outpatient and inpatient addiction treatment programs is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your recovery journey. It’s a brave decision to seek help for addiction. Not all treatment programs work for everyone, and it doesn’t mean that the person is “bad” or isn’t trying to stay sober. It mostly comes down to lifestyle needs and the severity of the person’s addiction.
At Westlake Village Recovery Center, we believe that education, support, and connection can help in making this and other important decisions about the path to recovery. Understanding the difference between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab can help you pick the option that best sets you up for a satisfying life after treatment.
What are Inpatient Rehab and Outpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab entails living at a treatment facility 24 hours a day. People who pick this treatment option eat, sleep, and attend therapy sessions all at the same facility. Outpatient rehab allows people to live at home and come to a treatment center for scheduled appointments, similar to visiting a doctor’s office.
The main difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is where the person stays during treatment. Inpatient programs provide round-the-clock support in a controlled environment. Outpatient programs offer flexibility so people can maintain daily responsibilities while still getting professional help. There is no “right” answer when it comes to picking a treatment option for rehab — it comes down to what is best for the person’s needs.
When comparing inpatient vs outpatient treatment, the level of intensity and time commitment can vary significantly. These differences may include:
| Aspect | Inpatient Treatment | Outpatient Treatment
|
| Living situation | Treatment facility | At home |
| Daily schedule | Highly structured | Flexible around work/school |
| Medical supervision | 24/7 availability | During appointments only |
| Duration | Typically 30 to 90 days | 3 to 12 months (or longer) |
Detox and Withdrawal Support in Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
Detox is the process of safely removing substances from the body. In inpatient settings, medical staff monitor people constantly during withdrawal. If a potentially dangerous situation arises, it’s possible to react quickly and prevent lasting damage to the body. This is particularly important for people recovering from alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opioid addiction, all of which can have potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Outpatient detox works differently. The person visits the treatment clinic regularly, but mainly manages their withdrawal at home. This approach works best for people with mild withdrawal symptoms and/or strong support systems.
Of course, there are options between these two types of programs that may serve people with particular needs. For example, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is an outpatient program that still provides steady medical support to people going through the program. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides outpatient treatment to people who need the steady support of an inpatient program but don’t require constant supervision.
Daily Structure and Therapy Options
Inpatient programs follow strict schedules with multiple therapy sessions each day. A person might have individual counseling in the morning, group therapy in the afternoon, and educational sessions in the evening. Outpatient programs offer more flexibility and are typically better for people with jobs or personal obligations (such as caretaking).
Benefits and Challenges of Each Treatment Type
Both inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs have advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding these can help you make an informed choice.
Inpatient drug rehab is designed for complete focus on recovery, without outside distractions. Participants are surrounded by people who understand addiction and trained professionals who can help 24/7.
Main advantages of this form of treatment include:
- Immediate medical help: Staff can respond quickly to any health emergencies, which can be invaluable to people facing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) or addiction to multiple substances.
- Peer support: People in recovery surrounded by others in similar situations and/or understand their struggles with addiction.
- Structured environment: The format of an inpatient program reduces the stress of making decisions, which can help lighten the cognitive load during withdrawal and early recovery.
- Purposeful separation: The structure of inpatient treatment eliminates access to substances, which can be essential for maintaining sobriety in the early stages of recovery.
- Intensive therapy: Multiple sessions of therapy early on can help lay the groundwork for healthy recovery. People may also have access to therapeutic treatments they may not be able to access in daily life, such as acupuncture or equine therapy.
The biggest challenge of inpatient treatment is the fact that the person is stepping away from their regular life. They’re not able to work, care for family members, or maintain their typical routines. This can create financial stress and family complications.
Outpatient rehab can be equally effective as inpatient treatment for many people, especially those with strong support systems and stable living situations.
Key benefits of outpatient treatment include:
- Ability to maintain responsibilities: People can continue working, parenting, or attending school while undergoing treatment.
- Cost-effective: Outpatient treatment is usually much less expensive than inpatient, although this depends on personal situation and insurance coverage.
- Real-world practice: People can learn how to handle triggers in their real-life environment.
- Family involvement: It’s typically easier for loved ones to participate in a person’s recovery if they’re in outpatient treatment.
The main challenge of participating in an outpatient treatment program is managing sobriety in the same environment where substance use occurred. Without 24/7 supervision, the person is responsible for making healthy choices every day. This requires strong motivation and the support from family, friends, or support groups. If someone lives or works somewhere where substance use is consistently around them, or if the people in their life don’t understand or approve of their efforts, sobriety can be much harder to maintain.
How to Decide Which Treatment Option is Best For You
The decision between inpatient rehab vs outpatient comes down to several personal factors.
People with severe addiction or who have tried outpatient treatment unsuccessfully often benefit from inpatient care. Outpatient treatment can be very effective for people with more mild addictions and strong motivation to enter recovery.
Inpatient addiction treatment is typically a better choice for people who:
- Have tried (and failed) to quit substances multiple times in the past.
- Experienced severe withdrawal symptoms in the past.
- Use multiple substances simultaneously, such as cocaine and party drugs.
- Have co-occurring mental health conditions (like depression or anxiety) and need dual diagnosis treatment.
Living situations can play a huge role in long-term recovery success. In deciding what type of treatment program to enter, consider these factors:
- Are substances easily available in your home?
- Do family members or roommates use drugs or alcohol?
- Is your home environment generally stable and supportive?
- Can you avoid places and people associated with past substance use?
If you feel that your current living situation or support system would not be supportive of your sobriety, it may be better for you to enter an inpatient treatment program. Fully stepping away from your living situation to focus on recovery may produce much better results over the long run.
Can you take extended time off work? Do you have childcare responsibilities for which you can’t ask for help? Can you find someone to take care of your pets while you spend time in treatment? Questions like these can often be determining factors for what kind of treatment program a person enters. However, being open and vulnerable about these needs can sometimes open the door for people to actively show support for your recovery.
Many people find that outpatient and inpatient program coverage differs significantly in their insurance plans. Check with your provider about specific benefits for each level of care. If you can’t cover any gaps in coverage for the program you want, the treatment center may have resources or financial aid available. If you’re determined to receive a certain type of treatment and don’t want to adjust the plan, it may be worth considering saving up money or asking the people in your life for financial assistance.
Find Your Path Forward at Westlake Village Recovery
Choosing between outpatient and inpatient rehab is a personal decision that depends on a person’s life circumstances, health status, and recovery goals. Both options can lead to successful long-term recovery when matched appropriately to the person’s needs.
At Westlake Village Recovery Center, we specialize in outpatient treatment programs that provide flexibility while maintaining structure and support for lasting recovery. Our team conducts thorough assessments to help determine what level of care aligns with your situation, and we coordinate with other providers when higher levels of care are appropriate.
If you’re ready to explore your options and take the next step in your recovery journey, our compassionate team is here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
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