Inpatient vs. Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Which is Right for You?

Making the decision to alter your relationship with alcohol is a crucial first step on the road to recovery. The next step that usually follows is choosing the type of treatment that will help you along this road. We highly suggest choosing a rehab center and a program they provide that suits you.

There are numerous ways we may separate these programs; however, in a broader sense, they are divided into inpatient and outpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Choosing between these two categories can be troublesome, and it depends on many factors. However, we will help you get the correct answer for you when choosing inpatient vs. outpatient alcohol rehab.

Alcohol rehab in a nutshell

Regardless of the rehab program you choose, each will begin with some form of detoxification. This process’s goal is to remove alcohol from your body in a safe way.

However, if you’ve been struggling with a negative relationship with alcohol for a longer time, such a process will take a toll on your body. Many people experience withdrawal during this period, which is why it is only done under medical supervision.

In both cases, these programs aim towards reducing the impact alcohol has on you while also rewiring your brain to work without it. By giving you healthier coping mechanisms and preparing you for a future without alcohol, it will bring you one step closer to sobriety.

What do the words inpatient and outpatient even mean?

The terms inpatient and outpatient are frequently used to describe different therapy techniques or diagnostic procedures. However, what do these terms even imply?

The term “inpatient” signifies the requirement for the patient to be admitted to an addiction treatment facility for counseling and detox, generally due to the need for close supervision.

Alternatively, “outpatient” treatment offers the same kind of care but without the institutional setting of inpatient care.

Things to consider – inpatient vs. outpatient alcohol rehab

Now that we are familiar with the terms, it is time to consider the differences between inpatient vs. outpatient treatments. Bright Futures Treatment Center Boynton Beach, FL experts in addiction treatment highly suggest weighing all these characteristics before making your final decision.

Inpatient alcohol rehab

Because you remain at the rehab center, inpatient rehab is also known as residential rehab. This type of rehabilitation program is often suggested if you have a serious alcohol misuse disorder, inadequate social support, an unsuitable living arrangement, or other health issues.

You can escape temptations and outside influences that lead to alcohol misuse by residing somewhere safe where you’ll get 24-hour support and care. These programs are also often managed by mental health and licensed alcohol and drug counselors that will know just how to help you through your withdrawal symptoms.

What you may expect from inpatient care

The first step to any sort of rehab program, as previously mentioned, is detoxification. Following detoxification, patients who continue their inpatient care may receive different types of care and/or services, such as:

• Individual, group, or therapy sessions
• Skill-building classes
• Community programs
• Medication management
• Step-by-step programs
• Aftercare programs

Important things to note about inpatient alcohol rehab

• When it comes to inpatient alcohol rehab, you may choose between long-term and short-term programs. The average stay is around 28 days; however, this can vary depending on your current situation.
• The treatment provided by this type of alcohol rehab can be incredibly structured and may need some getting used to.
• Luckily, you would never be alone with this type of program since you would get 24-hour care and support.
• If you’re struggling with concurrent mental health disorders, this type of treatment is best suited for you.
• After finishing an inpatient session, some patients switch to outpatient care. With this reduction in care, independence is balanced with help and responsibility.
• Due to the intensive care, you’ll receive, the cost of such a program can be costly.

How to prepare for inpatient alcohol rehab

Preparation is crucial when it comes to rehab. Therefore, make sure all your affairs are in order before admitting yourself.

Don’t forget to:

• Talk to your loved ones
• Inform your employer
• Figure out the living arrangement for your kids and/or pets
• Determine the permitted personal items
• Remain hopeful

Outpatient alcohol rehab

On the opposite side of the coin, outpatient alcohol rehab has fewer restrictions. For someone with a minor addiction, better living arrangements, and more social support, outpatient drug rehab can be a practical standalone alternative. It can also be a component of a comprehensive treatment plan if you require it.

Unlike inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab offers less support. This is why you will need to find the motivation to follow through, visit each scheduled session and resist the outside temptations.

What you may expect from outpatient care

Outpatient detoxification may be a suitable substitute for residential detox for people with moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The average outpatient detox lasts 6.5 days and is safe and efficient.

Afterward, depending on the facility, you may take part in the following:

• Group counseling or therapy
• Goal setting
• Stress management
• A 12-step program
• Relapse prevention

Important things to note about outpatient alcohol rehab

• Your outpatient alcohol rehab program duration depends on your needs and the facility. In general, such treatment lasts between 3 to 12 months.
• The intensity and number of sessions may reduce over time as you’re going toward recovery.
• You would need to visit a rehab facility for around 10 to 12 hours per week as part of an outpatient rehabilitation program.
• You can adjust such a program so it fits your daily schedule.
• You may struggle to find the will to attend the various treatment sessions you need.
• Temptations will need to be avoided as much as possible.
• Although the cost of outpatient alcohol rehab is lower than that of inpatient, you should still know about your options. For example, your insurance, such as Humana, may cover your treatment. Therefore, do your research, call different facilities and know what is covered by the insurance you already possess.

How to prepare for outpatient alcohol rehab

Of course, since outpatient alcohol rehab is less restrictive and structured, you will not need to prepare as much. This being said, there are certain things that should still be considered, such as:

• Informing your loved ones and employer.
• Arranging your schedule as much as possible in order to have a smooth recovery
• Making a list of the reasons why you are going to rehab
• Strengthening your will to persevere towards your end goal of sobriety

The success rate of both options

Now that we’ve gone through all the different characteristics of each treatment, it is time to talk about their success rates. After all, such a thing may be most important when choosing between inpatient vs. outpatient alcohol rehab.

The available research is relatively minimal when it comes to this topic. However, according to one of the few studies that evaluated the efficacy of inpatient and outpatient treatment, typical 30-day inpatient rehab is equivalent to 12 hours of outpatient treatment.

However, each patient’s therapy’s success will depend on their addiction’s particulars. And also the suitability of the program to their needs and the skill and compassion of the medical personnel.

Therefore, it’s crucial to find a program that caters to the specifics of your situation and a reputable facility that will help along the way. So, whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care, we are confident you will be closer than ever to the clean life you’ve always wanted.