Making the life-changing decision to break free from substance and alcohol abuse takes a ton of courage, courage that has lived within you for your entire life. So, now is not the time to be discouraged by any failed attempts at sobriety that plague your past. It is, however, time to congratulate yourself for choosing a better path and seeking out help along the way.
So, while getting into the recovery center that fits your desires is a fairly uncomplicated process, there are a few things that you will need to consider early on. One of which is whether an inpatient program would be best for your circumstance or if you would get better results from an outpatient program. If you don’t have the answer to this question right now, don’t fret. Once you discover the ins and outs of each option, the perfect solution will reveal itself. But for now, let’s discuss the pressing matter of which of the two is the better option.
What Are the Main Differences Between the Two?
As it turns out, there is actually no option that outweighs the other; both are equally as effective. However, there are distinct differences between the two, possibly deeming one program to be the most beneficial for you.
It can be said that the inpatient route provides a more intensive level of treatment, simply because patients are required to stay at the facility for the duration of the program. While there is plenty of fun to be had on facility grounds, for their own best interests, patients will eat, sleep, detox, and be treated in house. The outpatient program is geared to suit people with more independent needs as facilitators welcome patients to come and go between treatment sessions. If you choose this option, you won’t be given access to a personalized living space, but you can still choose to be treated daily so long as your facility allows it.
How Will I Know If Inpatient Treatment is Best for Me?
The answer to this question can be as simple as deciding whether or not you and your lifestyle are equipped to live away from your home for an extended period of time. At the very least, you should be prepared to take on a 4-week stay, but oftentimes, a longer program would render better results. Inpatient care is also targeted towards those who might have a difficult time staying clean when they aren’t under a watchful eye or might not be able to make it to their sessions on a regular basis.
Another way to get this question answered is to decide whether or not you will require an intensive detox treatment. Depending on the type of substance at hand and the severity of your addiction, you might be in for a brutal detox journey. Fortunately, at a recovery center, you will have access to medical professionals who will help you through each stage and offer any treatment that you might need to make this journey easier. Bear in mind that this isn’t something that you will get in an outpatient program.
What Makes Me a Good Candidate for Outpatient Treatment?
The regulations of outpatient care are far more relaxed, making it the best option for high-functioning addicts. If you are a high-functioning addict, your addiction doesn’t typically interfere with your day-to-day obligations, such as work, school, and both personal and social relationships. But, before you settle in on this option, you will need to take an honest look at your condition and determine whether or not you are capable of prioritizing your treatment while maintaining an outside life. This is because you will have a great deal of freedom to roam as you please in between sessions. If you feel that having so much unsupervised time might lead to you succumbing to the addiction that you are trying so hard to beat, this isn’t the best solution for you.
However, if you are gainfully employed, pursuing your education, or have a strong support system to lean on during your times of need, outpatient treatment can prove to be a godsend. With the use of cognitive behavioral therapy and a few other proven models, your therapist will give you the tools and coping skills you need to get a handle on sobriety. Also, as there are group sessions available, you will be surrounded by like-minded individuals with who you can both relate and build meaningful relationships with.
Committing to a sober lifestyle might be the hardest thing that you will ever have to do. Fortunately, you don’t have to make this transition alone. The help you need is right at your fingertips. Contact us today at 833-497-3812 and allow us to be a part of your journey.