Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment Better than Inpatient Rehab?

Facing an addiction head-on is not always easy. Many individuals who struggle with addiction find it difficult to face their addiction or to admit it. Once you are able to admit that you are struggling with an addiction, finding the right type of treatment center or rehabilitation program is essential to get the care and guidance you need. Comparing both intensive outpatient treatment programs along with inpatient rehab centers will help to better understand what to expect when choosing a rehabilitation path that is right for you.

What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment?

Intensive outpatient treatment programs are similar to outpatient programs but often include more than one. An intensive outpatient treatment program may be available voluntarily or ordered by the court, depending on the individual. Some of the most common types of outpatient treatment programs include:

  • Group Therapy: Meet regularly with other individuals who are facing similar struggles as you when it comes to addiction. Learn to listen and empathize with those who have faced similar obstacles as you, regardless of their substance of choice. Speak about your own story, sharing the trial and tribulations you have overcome on your journey to a life of sobriety.
  • Individual Counseling: Spend time attending individual counseling sessions with addiction specialists, counselors, and therapists. Learn how to better communicate when it comes to your addiction, urges, and triggers that often lead to relapse or detrimental actions in your everyday life. Regularly speaking with an addiction specialist is also a way to determine the root cause of the addiction that you are struggling to overcome.
  • Sponsor Meetings: Attend sponsor meetings to obtain or become a sponsor, depending on the amount of time that you have been sober and your own rehabilitation needs. Sponsors are other individuals who are currently in or have completed previous outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation programs. They help by supporting you through tough times and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of your location. Having a sponsor is a great way to ensure you always have someone to talk to when you are facing a tough time or when you are surrounded by temptation but want to remain sober. It is also possible to become a sponsor in your own intensive outpatient program that offers sponsor meetings.
  • Drug Testing Appointments: In some cases, an intensive outpatient program may also offer or require drug testing appointments for all individuals who are currently enrolled in the program voluntarily or by law.

What is an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility?

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities and programs offer similar programs as outpatient programs, though they require individuals to live within a designated facility at all times. Individuals who are enrolled in an inpatient program are required to live within the treatment facility throughout the entirety of the duration of their designated or chosen program. Most programs are 30 60, and in 90 days. In some cases, and extended rehabilitation program may also be implemented voluntarily or by law.

Which Treatment Route is Right for Me?

Determining which treatment route that is right for you highly depends on the severity of your addiction and your own personality. If you are facing a severe and serious addiction that has plagued you for years or even decades, seeking out an inpatient rehabilitation center is highly advisable. If you have only recently begun to become dependent on drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications, you may benefit from an intensive outpatient program. When choosing the right intensive outpatient or inpatient program for you, it is also important to keep your own personality and response to triggers or temptations in mind.

If you struggle when you are surrounded by temptation, consider an inpatient rehab program. If you have developed a physical addiction to a drug or substance and you experience withdrawal symptoms, it is best to consider an inpatient rehabilitation center, where it is possible to obtain a medical detox solution. With the right rehabilitation treatment center, regain control over your life and your ability to achieve all that you see for yourself and for those you love most. Are you curious about treatment centers available near you? Do you want to find a center that can help overcome an addiction you are facing? Our counselors are available 24/7 and are ready to take your call. Call us at 800-411-8019 to speak with one of our counselors so we can help you regain control of your life again today.