Drug and alcohol addiction can destroy lives, but addiction treatment programs can help end the cycle of addiction and allow a person to break free of drugs and alcohol. There are two main types of alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs: inpatient (residential) treatment and outpatient addiction treatment.
When comparing inpatient vs. outpatient rehab, there are many things to consider. Read on to explore the pros and cons of inpatient and outpatient treatment and find out how to take the first step toward getting the help you need for addiction.
Pros of Inpatient Treatment
Some of the most significant benefits of inpatient addiction treatment include the following:
A Structured, Safe Environment
Staying at an addiction treatment facility removes a person from the stresses and triggers of the outside world. As a result, they can focus entirely on their recovery.
Medical Detox
Drug and alcohol inpatient treatment often begins with medical detox. During this phase of treatment, medical providers closely monitor the person and treat symptoms of withdrawal while their bodies adjust to functioning without drugs or alcohol.
Cons of Inpatient Treatment
Although residential addiction treatment has some clear advantages, it has some downsides as well. These include the following:
Cost of Treatment
The cost of inpatient drug treatment and alcohol addiction treatment is generally higher than outpatient treatment. However, health insurance policies and Medicaid may help pay for all or some of the cost of treatment.
Limited Time Outside the Facility
Although the safe environment of a rehab facility makes it possible to focus on recovery, it does remove a person from the rest of the world. As a result, they may find it more challenging to adapt to life after rehab.
To assist with this transition, inpatient treatment programs typically include an aftercare plan to help make the change seamless. At The Dunes East Hampton, we have a community immersion program in our inpatient programs, so that those recovering from addiction remain connected to life outside of rehab.
Pros of Outpatient Treatment
There are two main benefits to intensive outpatient treatment:
It Can Be More Affordable
Outpatient therapy is sometimes more affordable than inpatient treatment. Health insurance and Medicaid may also help to pay for outpatient treatment in some cases.
Flexibility to Leave the Facility
With outpatient addiction treatment, a person can leave the facility in which they are being treated. This may allow them to continue to work or attend school and receive support from their families during treatment. Because they remain in the community throughout treatment, there is less of a transition when treatment ends.
Cons of Outpatient Treatment
There are also some drawbacks of outpatient addiction treatment that you need to be aware of.
More Susceptible to Relapse
Relapse is always a risk after addiction treatment. When a person relapses, it’s not a sign that the treatment has failed, but rather that adjustments must be made to their aftercare treatment plan. Nationwide, the relapse rates among people who receive addiction treatment in either type of facility, are lower than those for asthma and high blood pressure.
That said, reducing the risk of relapse as much as possible is a crucial goal of addiction treatment. Studies show that there may be a greater risk of relapse associated with outpatient treatment. For example, one research study found that the relapse rate among people in an inpatient treatment program was 45.33% versus 56% among those in an outpatient program at the same facility.
Fewer Options for Medical Detox
While healthcare professionals can still offer some support to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms for a person in outpatient treatment, options are limited. With outpatient treatment, the person won’t receive the 24-hour monitoring that they would in an inpatient setting.
Learn More About Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
If you’re wondering how to get the right help for drug and alcohol addiction, we’re here to help. Contact The Dunes East Hampton to learn more about treatment options, including medication-assisted, individual, and group therapies.