When seeking drug or alcohol treatment, you’ll find that most programs generally fall into one of two categories: inpatient or outpatient. Each program is equally focused on rehabilitating individuals from addiction, but both types have unique features to offer. Let’s look at inpatient vs. outpatient rehab programs.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab programs, also called residential treatment, are intensive programs where the patient lives at a facility. The inpatient rehab program is designed to treat serious and severe addictions. This type of facility is a controlled environment with checks and balances in place to ensure the patient is staying clean and is committed to treatment. Inpatient clinics have 24/7 medical and emotional support staff that are trained to deal specifically with severe addiction. Family members and friends are allowed contact with patients in inpatient facilities, however, visits and contacts are supervised and planned. Every day in an inpatient clinic is planned and scheduled, to offer structure and consistency to the patient.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab is less involved than inpatient programs and is designed to allow a bit more flexibility. Most outpatient programs require about 10-12 hours a week in the treatment center. During these sessions, the patient will focus on addiction education, individual and group therapy, and learning coping strategies. These kinds of programs are good options for people with mild addictions or as a part of a long-term treatment plan. Usually, outpatient rehab lasts about 3-6 months but there are longer programs available.
Whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient rehab, the decision to start treatment will change your life. Addiction is a chronic illness. Therefore, recovery is a lifelong process. At Atlantic Recovery Center, we are committed to helping you through your addiction treatment in ways that work best for you. Please contact us with any questions about both our inpatient and outpatient rehab programs.