If you’re wondering what the differences are between the different levels of treatment, you are not alone. Typically, treatment is either inpatient or outpatient. Although both types of treatment are designed to help you recover from your addiction and live a healthy life, there are important differences and considerations that need to be made in order to make the best choice. The main difference is that intensive outpatient treatment takes place during the day or in the evening while staying at home or in the community, whereas inpatient treatment takes place at an addiction treatment center where you will stay for the duration of treatment.
The type of treatment you choose will depend on your needs as an individual and what’s best for your recovery efforts. When it comes to choosing between intensive outpatient and inpatient treatment for substance use disorder, it’s important to understand the difference between the two. Intensive outpatient treatment is designed to provide patients with a structured environment while they work towards recovery. This can be done in an office setting, where you’ll have access to therapists and case managers who will oversee your recovery process and help you navigate any challenges that may come up along the way. Inpatient treatment, on the other hand, requires patients to live at the facility throughout their treatment period. This can be very helpful for people who are struggling with severe addiction or those who want help learning how to live without drugs or alcohol in their lives.
When you’re deciding whether to get intensive outpatient or inpatient treatment for your substance use disorder, it can be hard to know which is right for you. Here is a breakdown of each level of care which will help you make a decision that is right for you.
Inpatient or Residential Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a more intensive form of care, and it’s usually reserved for people who need more support than what intensive outpatient care can offer. This type of program usually involves staying in a facility for at least 30 days as part of your treatment program. Inpatient treatment involves living at a facility where you’ll have access to medical professionals and therapies that can lead to lasting sobriety. The goal is to help patients learn how to live life sober and not use drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms. This type of program is often recommended for those who are currently struggling to stop using and need the structure, support, and care that comes with a residential facility. Additionally, inpatient care can help those who need to take some time away from stressful environments and learn to create a life that supports healing and recovery.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive outpatient treatment is designed for people who are not actively using any mood or mind altering substances, but still need therapeutic support and structure. Oftentimes people attend intensive outpatient treatment after completing residential treatment. Intensive outpatient is like doing a year of therapy in a condensed time. This option typically lasts anywhere from six weeks up to six months. Intensive outpatient treatment involves attending therapy and group sessions, while living at home or in a sober living. In most cases, patients will attend group and therapy sessions three times per week over the course of several months. This type of program may also be recommended if you’ve been diagnosed with co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder since it allows those professionals who specialize in those fields ample time with their patients without taking away from their substance abuse treatment sessions.
Intensive outpatient treatment is also great option for people who can’t afford residential treatment or cannot take time away from work or family obligations. The flexibility of attending evening groups allows people to stay connected to their community and lives while recovering.
