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Inpatient Rehab vs. Outpatient Rehab: What’s the Difference?

a woman talks to a man about inpatient vs outpatient rehab

Millions of people in the U.S. reach out for some drug or alcohol rehab. Their treatment options can vary greatly depending on their history of addiction, mental health, and general needs. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer different therapy levels for the people seeking them out.addiction real disease It’s essential to understand the differences between these treatments if you consider getting treatment for yourself or someone you care about. While there are many differences, you’ll find that using either option can help you start a sober lifestyle. what is rehab

Inpatient Rehab

Treatment in an inpatient rehab program requires people to check in to a facility to begin their recovery journey. These people often still need to go through the detoxing process, which causes severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms need medical supervision since they can trigger a relapse or even cause death.
inpatient rehab Inpatient rehab programs allow people to focus on their recovery without distractions. Using different therapy programs in individual and group settings, they can equip the tools they will need to live sober.

Group and Individual Therapy

Individual therapy gives recovering people one-on-one sessions with an experienced addiction therapist to explore their feelings. People going through the early stages of recovery often feel a sense of loss and other complicated feelings that they need help identifying.

Since addiction can be an isolating and depressing experience, group therapy can be extremely helpful for people in recovery. It provides the opportunity to understand that addiction does not just happen to one person but that everyone is fighting a battle.
outpatient rehab

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab allows people to receive addiction recovery treatment without staying in a rehab facility. Being able to stay at home gives them flexibility and a sense of normalcy but can make it easier to relapse since they may run into their triggers.

They will travel to the rehab facility a few times a week during an outpatient rehab program to complete therapy sessions. These therapy sessions remain largely the same as in an inpatient program, with individual and group therapy options.
intensive outpatient rehab

Intensive Outpatient Rehab

Since outpatient rehab allows people in recovery to live at home with potential triggers, some outpatient programs require them to participate in therapy more often than usual. Some intensive outpatient rehab programs require nearly double the weekly therapy sessions.

Both intensive and standard outpatient programs provide an incredible opportunity for recovering people to rebuild their everyday lives and reconnect with their support system. Generally, many experts agree that the longer the rehab program, the less likely a person will relapse. However, program length will vary depending on individual circumstances.
rehab timeline

Which Type of Rehab Is Right for You?

Taking the first step to recovery is the most important, setting your resolution that you will live a sober future. Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs both provide excellent opportunities to learn the skills you will need to continue your recovery journey.

It would help if you considered your level of addiction, your environment, and the amount of time you can dedicate to a rehab program when choosing a rehab program. If you still need to begin the detox process, it may be best to choose an inpatient program so medical professionals can monitor your withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab in Boise, Idaho

Still unsure what kind of rehab is right for you or a loved one? Give us a call today. Our experienced staff will be happy to help you explore your options to help jumpstart the road to recovery. Your recovery journey at our facilities includes:

  • Family therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Yoga therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Call us at 888.296.8976 today to get started.

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inpatient rehab vs outpatient rehab whats the difference