When you make up your mind to get help for an addiction problem, the first thing you will need to do is to decide between in-patient or out-patient treatment options. It will be important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of each option before you make up your mind.
In-patient rehab treatment is one of the most common options today. In this type of treatment, the person checks into a treatment facility and lives there for the entire duration of the program. In-patient programs normally last 28 to 90 days depending on the unique needs of the patient. Usually, the patient will first undergo detoxification then proceed to counseling, and therapy later.
Out-patient …show more content…
treatment, on the other hand, requires the patient to report to the rehab center, but still go back to his/her home at the end of each session. Normally, in an out-patient setting patients report to their addiction specialists on all working days for counseling or medication. Treatment in both in-patient and out-patient cases is usually the same, but more intensive in the in-patient option since the patient practically lives at the center until discharged.
Benefits of in-patient rehab programs
The key benefit of in-patient treatment is the fact that patients can focus on their recovery in a safe environment, away from the distractions of their daily lives. They have no access to whatever they are addicted to, such as drugs or liquor, and very less likely to succumb to relapse. Facilities that provide in-patient care tend to have extra specialized services such as yoga classes to help with relaxation and religious services for spiritual nourishment.
In-patient rehab services offer 24 hour care which is quite helpful to patients with dangerous or intense withdrawal symptoms. This type of care is best suited for individuals with a long history of drug use or for those who live in unstable drug prone neighborhoods. The only disadvantage of in-patient drug treatment is the fact that one cannot maintain employment or other personal relationships when sequestered from the rest of the world. However, this is a small price to pay for a healthy drug or alcohol free life.
Benefits of out-patient treatment
One of the main benefits of out-patient care is that it costs less than in-patient care. You will not live at the facility and therefore won’t be charged boarding fees.
Out-patient programs allow you to maintain your employment.
You can go through rehabilitation while still working and living with your family at home. You are also near your friends who will provide you the moral support you need.
Out-patient programs are not recommended to everyone. This type of treatment carries a higher risk of relapse due to easy access to alcohol and drugs. However, a person who undergoes an out-patient treatment procedure is capable of achieving sobriety because he or she learns how to handle addiction challenges living in the real world throughout the treatment. Your own unique circumstances will determine if this type of treatment will work or not. Patients undergoing in-patient treatment often have to wait until their treatment is over before they can learn to handle challenges in the real world.
How to know which option is best for you
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of in-patient and out-patient treatment options, it is easier to decide what option suits your unique circumstances or those of a loved one battling addiction. Here are a few questions to help you make the right choice.
• How prevalent are drugs and alcohol in your neighborhood?
• What kind of support network do you have that can help you prevent
relapse?
• Do you have people in your family or living in your household that use drugs or alcohol?
• Can you leave your job, school, or other daily engagement for an extended period of time?
• If you need privacy you have to choose an in-patient program, as out-patient programs do not guarantee privacy.
Take time to go over the abovementioned questions with a close friend or family member, and you will know what type of treatment best suits you or your loved one.