(Newswire.net — October 26, 2020) — Figuring out whether you put your loved one who is struggling with addiction in an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation treatment program can be a hard decision. Although they offer similar types and methods of treatments and therapies, the environment where the patient has to be in for the duration of his or her recovery has a huge impact on the process Both inpatient and outpatient treatments are classified based on the length of drug rehab programs. This article aims to provide a brief comparison between inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for addiction.
What is an inpatient treatment program?
Inpatient programs, also known as residential programs, are conducted in facilities that have a community setting — far different from what hospitals look like. This kind of treatment has two types: long-term and short-term. Long-term treatments often last between 6 months up to a year, depending on the patient’s condition and the therapies that he or she has to go through. Short-term, on the other hand, can last between 3 to 6 weeks only.
Inpatient treatments are said to be more effective since the environment of the patient during his or her recovery is fully controlled. Their everyday activities and interactions are also modified based on their condition. However, inpatient programs are far more expensive than outpatient. These all depend on the types of facilities, services, and therapies the rehabilitation centre has to offer. Sometimes, centres who are more renowned and have better facilities cost more.
What is an outpatient treatment program?
The advantage of an outpatient program is that the patient will be able to continue his or her normal life as he or she recovers from addiction. However, this means that the family has to exert extra effort to monitor the patient. He or she has to be taken away from the people who can influence her back to addiction. They also have to make sure that the patient is attending all the sessions. This is mostly for those who have mild cases and are fully capable and motivated to recover from substance abuse themselves. Outpatient programs also cost less than inpatient. It consists of multiple sessions on therapies individual and group counselling, and further education about addiction, relapses, etc.
Which one will work better for my friend’s addiction?
Keep in mind that choosing outpatient programs means that the full support and assistance from the family is required most of the time. If your friend has a mild condition and has people around him that are ready to commit to helping him or her, then an outpatient program is sufficient for him or her to recover. More severe cases, on the other hand, is recommended to be conducted in controlled environments like the therapeutic communities that offer inpatient programs.
At the end of the day, recovery from addiction depends on the patient’s response to treatment, as well as how effective the program itself is. Of course, with the right environment and companion, your loved one will be able to achieve a full recovery and finally, have their normal life back.