Inpatient versus outpatient addiction recovery treatment programs: Know the pros and cons
Addiction recovery comes in various forms of treatment programs. Not all of them are created equal. It’s important to not only know the differences between the two, but the pros and cons.
This guide will go over the pros and cons of both treatment programs. If you are considering treatment, you may find that this guide could give you more answers. Specifically to the question of: which New Jersey IOP program works best for me?
Now, let’s compare the pros and cons of both in-patient and out-patient addiction recovery.
Inpatient pros
Around the clock medical supervision
One of the best benefits someone recovering from addiction will experience includes medical supervision. This happens around the clock. Whenever you need them, they will be right there.
There may be days when you may be dealing with serious withdrawal symptoms. It can get to a point where they can be fatal if untreated. That’s why these medical professionals are trained to administer life-saving procedures.
A better structure
In an inpatient setting, you have a structured setup. Meaning you will have a set schedule for activities. You will go to therapy during one time block and do something the next.
This will be helpful for someone looking to rebuild their life after treatment. You’ll learn the basics of scheduling daily tasks.
Close access to resources
When you’re in the facility, you will have resources within reach. This includes mental health services, medical staff, and administrative members who will be happy to answer questions you may have.
It’s important to take advantage of whatever resources are available for you. If you are stuck on where to go, you can ask someone to help point you in the right direction.
You will have a higher chance of effective treatment
When it comes to effective treatment, the in-patient option is often the best. Patients who undergo treatment in this setting will have a greater chance of keeping relapse at bay. The more effective, the better it will be for someone in recovery.
That’s why you want to consider this if you are dealing with serious addictions. Especially if you are dealing with the potential of severe withdrawal symptoms.
Cons of inpatient treatment
Cost
Needless to say, the cost of inpatient treatment will be more expensive compared to outpatient methods. This may be an issue if you have a lack of insurance. Don’t let this be the reason why you forgo such a treatment in the first place.
See if there are any payment options available for you.
Limited access to family and friends
While we want nothing more than to be with important people, the access will be limited by the facility. There may be times of visitation. However, there is a time where you need to be left alone to ensure a treatment with less distractions.
The feeling of isolation may exist. It will be hard to deal with for some people. If you need to talk to someone about this, there are mental health professionals on-site that can help.
Stigma
It is no one’s business to know if you are seeking addiction treatment in an inpatient setting. This is of course with exceptions (such as family). Not everyone needs to know about your struggles.
The reason for this is that the stigma can exist from people who don’t understand what you’re going through. Some think that someone fighting addiction in an inpatient setting is serious – to the point where judgment is cast.
Pros of outpatient treatment
Lower cost
One of the best benefits of outpatient treatment is lower costs. While it’s still not cheap, it’s the cost-effective option compared to inpatient treatment. The reason for this is that residential stay in a facility is not required.
You will be home every night
The good news is that you will be home every night with your family. This is assuming that your home life is stable and does not threaten your treatment progress. Even better – you’ll have your family get involved with the treatment process.
They will help hold you accountable and help provide you with additional support. They are welcome to join you during regular therapy sessions.
Flexibility
This gives you more flexibility in terms of the scheduling and treatment options. If you are dealing with other responsibilities such as school, work, or home duties, outpatient treatment can be the best option to consider.
Best for those with not so serious addictions
This is great for those with addictions that are not serious. Yes, you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. But they may not be as severe.
If they do get severe, medical attention will still be needed. If you are in the early stages of addiction or simply abusing drugs casually, outpatient may be the best option.
Cons of outpatient treatment
Lack of supervision
In an outpatient setting, you get a lack of supervision. This applies to medical and emotional support. Because of this, there is less accountability involved.
Not to mention, there may be a lack of immediate access to resources. Because of this, there are those with more serious addictions that should consider inpatient treatments. They can access outpatient resources in the latter stages of their recovery process.
Nevertheless, it is important to have members of your family and professionals put together a system to help you become more responsible for your recovery process.
Final thoughts
We hope this guide has been helpful. At this point, you might have a decision on which type of recovery treatment program will work best. It’s never a bad idea to weigh the pros and cons of outpatient and inpatient recovery.
Be sure to choose the best option wisely. Your treatment plan may give you no choice but to go forward with inpatient treatment (assuming the addiction is bad enough). Don’t take your life for granted.
Get the help you need for addiction treatment as soon as possible. Find the best fit for you and enjoy life after treatment.
The article Inpatient versus outpatient addiction recovery treatment programs: Know the pros and cons first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.