Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

Both inpatient and outpatient rehab can be a tool to get through addiction. What works for you may differ from another person.

Although every rehab center is different there are primarily two different types of rehab: inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. Each of these types of rehab has very distinct differences but they also share many similarities with one another. When choosing between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab it’s important to know the facts about your addiction and the facts about each type of rehab so that you can rest assured you’ve made the right choice and will get the right type of treatment for your needs.

Similarities of Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

Many similarities exist between inpatient rehab centers and outpatient rehab centers. For instance, they both provide counseling and support for those suffering from addiction and they both provide medical care. Inpatient and outpatient rehab centers both focus most of their treatment on individual and group counseling techniques that help patients to learn the causes of their addiction as well as how to cope with the addiction in a more effective manner.

Inpatient and outpatient rehab centers both provide educational classes. Many rehab centers offer educational classes for the family members and loved ones of those in treatment as well. These classes help those who care about the addict to better understand the things that the addict is going through as well as to better understand some of the emotional feelings they may have themselves as a result of having a loved one who is addicted to drugs.

Differences between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

While there are some similarities, each type of rehab has a few differences too. The most profound difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is that outpatient rehab only provides limited services and does not provide the patient with a place to live during treatment. Inpatient rehab centers are set in a hospital like environment that allows for overnight stays and actually requires the patient to live in the facility for a set amount of time typically a duration of 30 days or more.

While inpatient rehab is an effective method of treatment for many who suffer from addiction, it is not for everyone. Some people do not need inpatient rehab and will actually do quite well under the care of an outpatient rehab center. Those who have not been addicted to drugs for very long or who do not use hard drugs may benefit from outpatient rehab and the same is true for individuals who have already completed inpatient rehab and simply need a bit more time in recovery and counseling before being set free to maintain their recovery status 100% on their own.