The main differences between inpatient and outpatient care is where you live and how often you go to your treatment program. Inpatient programs provide 24-hour, overnight care, while outpatient programs do not.
If you enroll in an inpatient treatment program for substance use disorder, you live at an addiction treatment center until you finish your program. If you enroll in an outpatient treatment program, you live at home and commute to the addiction treatment center as needed.
Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs offer similar alcohol or drug addiction treatment services. The type of care that works for you may depend on your specific needs. Your treatment provider can help you choose the most effective treatment approach for you.
Differences Between Inpatient & Outpatient Care
The main differences between inpatient and outpatient care are where you live and how often you receive treatment:
- inpatient treatment: you live at an alcohol or drug addiction treatment center, where you receive 24-hour care
- regular outpatient treatment: you may commute to a drug or alcohol rehab facility to receive treatment during the day
- intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): you receive daily treatment that lasts longer and meets more frequently than regular outpatient care
- day treatment programs: you may receive medical treatment at an outpatient facility or hospital during the day and go home at night
Generally, inpatient facilities provide a more intensive level of care than outpatient rehab centers. You may receive treatment more often in inpatient care compared to outpatient care.
Similarities Of Outpatient & Inpatient Care
Although you may receive treatment more often during inpatient care, outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities provide similar treatment options. Both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs can offer:
- medical detoxification for alcohol or drugs
- behavioral therapy sessions
- group therapy sessions
- medication-assisted treatment
- management of withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- mental health support
- relapse prevention services
- aftercare services, including follow-up appointments
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
- health and wellness services, such as exercise centers and diet planning
These services can help you improve your mental health, manage your withdrawal symptoms, and give you a support system during and after your treatment program. Inpatient and outpatient programs can last for an average of multiple weeks, but can depend on your specific needs.
Both Inpatient & Outpatient Services
Some treatment plans may include both inpatient and outpatient services. After completing an inpatient rehab program, your treatment provider may recommend an outpatient rehab program. This is known as a step-down level of care, as you are going from an intensive treatment plan to a less intensive one.
Choosing The Right Addiction Treatment Approach For You
Before you enroll in an inpatient or outpatient treatment program, you are assessed about your condition and specific needs.
During the assessment, you are asked about the severity of your substance abuse, how long you have struggled with substance abuse, and any recovery programs you entered in the past. Your assessment can influence the type of treatment you receive.
For example, if you have severe opioid or alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you may be referred to an inpatient treatment program. Inpatient care can give you the medical care and support you need to complete a medical detox.
If you are considering outpatient or inpatient care for you, a loved one, or a family member, contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today. We can provide alcohol and drug addiction treatment services that fit your specific needs.
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Sources:
- Alcohol Health and Research World – An Overview of Outpatient and Inpatient Detoxification – PMC
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health – Summary of Evidence – Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs for Substance Use Disorder: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines – NCBI Bookshelf
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Treatment and Recovery | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)