There are a number of rehab options available to individuals struggling with addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and looking for ways to start a new, sober life, rehab is one of the best ways to go about doing this.
Inpatient and outpatient rehab—involving a stay at a treatment center or just regular sessions before returning home—both offer comprehensive care. Choosing a level of care comes down to substance use intensity and history, plus how available someone is for treatment.
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
An inpatient rehab center provides 24/7 support for people struggling with addiction. It’s usually the best choice for someone who is in active use or in the early stages of recovery. There are a couple of distinct types of treatment that people refer to as “inpatient”:
- Hospital-based inpatient: Treatment occurs in a hospital setting. It involves medical support and mostly focuses on stabilization. Withdrawal symptoms during detox can be safely managed before transitioning to a different type of care.
- Residential treatment: Home-like environments that typically offer longer-term programs, like 60- or 90-day options. Residential treatment is usually a good step down after hospital-based treatment for people who have a long and/or intense substance use history.
Because someone in inpatient treatment remains at the center the entire time, they are typically not able to work or go to school. Inpatient treatment also gives people a safe place away from toxic friendships and other triggers for substance use.
Benefits and Downsides of Inpatient Rehab
One of the reasons inpatient rehab is so effective is because it removes someone from their usual environment to give them space and time to focus on their recovery. Inpatient rehab also has other benefits, including:
- Ability to connect with other clients and build a network of support
- A controlled environment with no risk of exposure to substances
- A relaxing atmosphere away from everyday stress
- Constant supervision and medical monitoring
- A safe space for clients to develop and practice lifestyle skills
While inpatient treatment is extremely safe and effective, it isn’t always an option for everyone. Inpatient treatment requires clients to drop everything in their lives to attend treatment. Many people have families, jobs, and other obligations that may not allow them to check into an inpatient program. For people in those circumstances, outpatient may be the better option.
What Is Outpatient Rehab?
During outpatient rehab, clients live at home—or in sober/supportive living houses—but they will go to the treatment center for a few hours several days during the week. This is best for someone with less severe withdrawal symptoms or cravings and who has a safe place to stay where they won’t be exposed to substances.
There are a few different levels of care and support services offered to people in outpatient rehab:
- Partial hospitalization (PHP): The most intensive level of outpatient care that meets several hours a day, most days a week.
- Intensive outpatient (IOP): A step down from PHP care that meets a few hours a day a few days per week.
- Outpatient (OP): Much more flexible than other options and usually a good option for someone who has completed a higher level of care. May meet once a week for a couple of hours.
- Sober/supportive living: Sober or supportive living services provide structured, substance-free accommodations for people attending rehab. They are especially helpful for those in outpatient treatment who can benefit from stable housing and group support.
Outpatient treatment is often a more affordable option and it is easier to maintain some daily life elements. Often, the treatment schedule can accommodate a person’s work, school, and/or family schedule.
Benefits and Downsides of Outpatient Rehab
Unlike inpatient rehab where the client moves into a treatment center for a few weeks, the goal of outpatient is to weave it into your everyday routine. Clients live in their own spaces and devote a few hours a week to participating in treatment.
Outpatient is a great option for people with many obligations, more manageable substance use, or for those who have just completed an inpatient program and want continued care outside of the treatment center. Outpatient has other benefits such as:
- Individual care with options for group counseling
- Treatment that fits into your daily schedule
- Continued care while readjusting to everyday life
- Less restriction and more independence
Of course, outpatient care comes with its own set of downfalls and risks, the same way inpatient care does. Medical professionals generally don’t recommend outpatient rehab for those with severe substance use problems since the clients aren’t receiving constant medical attention. Being in the real world allows them to be re-exposed to substances and/or triggers, which can lead to relapse.
Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient
If you’re looking for rehab for yourself or a loved one, a few questions can help you consider the right option for care.
- How long have they been using drugs or drinking? How heavy is their use?
- How stable is their housing? Is it a safe environment?
- Do they have supportive loved ones—and are those loved ones willing to participate in therapy? Or will they be exposed to substance use by anyone in their normal life?
- Have they tried rehab before without success? Would mixing up the type of care and environment help them stay engaged?
- How much can they afford for treatment, if any? Do they have insurance that covers addiction treatment?
- How much time can they take off work or school without putting their job, grades, or education at risk?
The right type of care is out there, and help is available. You have options, and a sober life is possible; the right treatment and support can make it more attainable.
Help Is One Call Away
Red Oak Recovery® offers day treatment (PHP), IOP, and day/night programs at our men’s addiction rehab center in North Carolina. We also offer supportive housing at our on-site accommodations. We’re located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—a beautiful and serene place to start recovery.
Our clinician-run programs help men struggling with addiction and their mental health to learn coping skills, understand why they turned to substances in the first place, and rebuild a foundation for the life they want to live. Call 828.382.9699 or complete our online form to get help.
