Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment? Which Is Better?

Jun 10, 2022 | Rehab

One research study showed that over 20 million Americans needed treatment for a substance use disorder. As substance and drug dependencies increase across the U.S., more people seek treatment. American culture is also seeing less stigma about drug addiction and getting help. These factors have led a surge of people to seek inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance abuse.

Depending on the user’s addiction and individualized needs, one type of treatment may be better over the other. Some people benefit from both outpatient and inpatient treatment.

Outpatient treatment for addiction

Outpatient treatment doesn’t require staying overnight in a treatment facility. Some patients visit the center in the day, get the care they need, and then return home afterward. Outpatient treatment also includes receiving treatment in the comfort of your home, even if it’s around-the-clock care.

Partial hospital program (PHP)

You may have heard the term PHP, or partial hospitalization program. This type of treatment requires the patient to visit the treatment center for several hours a day. Also called day treatment, the program is usually four or more hours each day and at least three days a week. Some people prefer this type of program when they want intense care but would rather not stay overnight in a facility.

What to expect

Treatment begins with assessments, including an intake exam and a health exam. The goal of the exams is to determine the type of addiction, the severity, and the best treatment options. Outpatient treatment may include detox, on-site or remote therapy, and medication.

Outpatient clients often have access to the same amenities as in-patient residents of a treatment facility, including animal therapy, relaxation rooms, and spa services. They may choose to visit the facility during the day to benefit from these programs and then return home at the end of the day.

Inpatient treatment for addiction

Inpatient, or residential, treatment requires the resident to stay in the facility overnight, usually for several days, weeks, or months. Treatment programs often run for 30, 60, or 90 days. It could be less, depending on the decision of the resident’s treatment team.

This type of drug treatment is more hands on and is ideal for people with severe drug addictions or for people who’ve experienced multiple relapses. Inpatient treatment is often required after going through medical detox, which often takes a toll on the patient’s body. These patients are under the care of medical professionals 24/7.

What to expect

Like outpatient treatment, inpatient care begins with a thorough assessment to understand the addiction and create the most effective, personalized treatment plan. This may include detox, medication, therapy, and other services, such as relaxation, meditation, exercise, and group activities.

One of the main benefits of inpatient rehab is the structured environment, which some users need to stay on track and become sober.

Similarities of outpatient and inpatient drug treatment

The goal of both types of treatment is to detox and help an addict become sober. Each one provides its own benefits, but they also have some benefits in common.

Outpatient and inpatient treatment both provide:

  • after-care programs and access to relapse prevention services
  • high-level of care
  • access to amenities
  • therapy and a support network

Taylor Recovery Center, a full-service rehab in Houston, TX, offers both outpatient and inpatient programs to help people become drug-free. After a careful assessment, our drug addiction treatment specialists will determine which type of treatment is best. Call 713-557-8573 or complete our online form to get started.

Sources

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_2716/ShortReport-2716.html