What is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Therapy?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol can be a challenging condition to face and require professional treatment. Finding help can be complex and overwhelming to navigate. Insight Northwest Recovery is here to clarify and answer any question you may have on your path to recovery and help you understand the types of treatment available to you. Addiction facilities and treatment centers can offer a wide variety of recovery options, including inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. But what is the difference and which one is right for you? Continue reading to learn more about inpatient vs outpatient care, the pros and cons of each, and what may be best for you. 

What is Inpatient Therapy?

Inpatient therapy is a rehab program recommended for clients that need intensive care and struggle with severe drug addictions and may be going through withdrawal. This can include patients facing alcohol detox, heroin addiction, meth addiction, opioid addiction, addiction to sleeping pills and eating disorders. The difference between inpatient vs outpatient rehab is that inpatient rehabilitation requires the patient to stay at a rehab facility for a specific amount of time, usually a few weeks or up to several months. Inpatient treatment is a type of drug rehab that allows you to receive care 24/7 from medical and mental health professionals. While Inpatient addiction therapy is highly effective for many, it may not be a realistic option for everyone. 

Benefits of Inpatient Therapy

A key benefit of this type of recovery program is that it provides a highly structured environment. This allows you to focus on healing your behavioral health and developing coping skills by removing triggers and everyday life distractions. Inpatient drug treatment provides a variety of evidence-based therapies, such as family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation therapy, experiential therapy, and EMDR therapy. These types of therapies can help you understand your triggers, develop coping skills to prevent relapse and address the underlying causes of addiction. Therapists can help you manage the stresses of drug or alcohol addiction and create a plan that works for you to overcome substance abuse and mental health conditions.

In addition to individual therapy sessions, an inpatient program incorporates group therapy where you can feel supported and encouraged while connecting with people who share similar experiences and struggles. Group therapy is a crucial component of addiction treatment plans as it provides a safe space and a sense of community.

What is Outpatient Therapy?

Outpatient Therapy is a type of co-occurring disorder drug and alcohol addiction treatment program that provides a structured and supportive environment that is less intensive than in-patient substance abuse treatment programs where you have to reside at the addiction center for an extended period. Outpatient programs are recommended for clients struggling with co-occurring disorders such as mental health issues, stress disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, bipolar disorder, cocaine addiction or other behavioral addictions. 

The Benefits of Outpatient Therapy?

The key benefit of outpatient rehab is the convenience it provides you. While it is still highly structured and supportive, this type of care allows you to continue with your daily schedule and responsibilities. The main difference between outpatient and inpatient rehab is outpatient therapy doesn’t require you to reside at the treatment facility. Being able to return home, you can apply your newly learned coping and life skills daily while having the support of therapists, peers and loved ones. Outpatient treatment assists in managing triggers and daily stressors- this can help you transition into sober living with less likelihood of relapse.

Outpatient rehabilitation is a highly effective drug and alcohol rehab that allows you to receive the help you need without putting your life on hold. Outpatient drug rehab typically involves the same type of therapies as inpatient care with less intensity and frequency. It can also include more family therapy and behavioral therapy sessions to further understand the impact addiction and mental health disorders have on loved ones and learn skills to improve relationships. It can also involve group therapy sessions and support from alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous.

Seeking Treatment 

Insight Northwest Recovery is here to answer your questions and provide you support and guidance as you navigate the challenges of addiction or mental health issues. We can help guide you when determining whether inpatient vs outpatient treatment is the right choice for you. Regardless of where you are on your recovery journey, our rehab programs offer varying levels of care, including Intensive Outpatient Treatment for those facing co-occurring mental health conditions, dual diagnosis, and substance use disorders. We strive to cater to your individual needs at every step, while encouraging and empowering you with the skills necessary for long-term recovery as you transition back into your best life.

We understand that the journey of sobriety and recovery is ongoing and can be challenging, but we believe in your inner strength to succeed. We are here to support you at every stage of your journey, providing resources and assistance to help you navigate the complexities of addiction and recovery including how to pay for rehab, what treatment option is right for you, and understanding the difference in the treatment programs. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to have your questions answered and discover the ideal treatment options tailored to your unique needs.