Some folks get confused when they have to choose between an inpatient and an outpatient drug rehabilitation program for themselves or for their loved ones. While it is easy to see where the confusion stems from, there really is more to it than just the placement of the rehabilitee with respect to the program; whether he stays in the facility or lives outside of it. In this post we’ll try to differentiate the two types of drug rehab programs to help you better decide which one is right for you.
Outpatient Programs
In an outpatient drug rehabilitation program, all the different treatments, activities, and therapies relevant to your rehabilitation are provided within a healthcare setting. After each programmed session, you can then go home and spend some time with your family or tend to other aspects of your life. For example, if you are working, then you can still attend to your professional or employment obligations right before or right after each rehab session. The same is true if you are still studying or need to be home to tend to the needs of your family. The point is that you will divide your day between time spent in the rehabilitation facility and time spent doing other things in your life.
You can consider this a very viable program since you still get to live your life the way you want to. Unfortunately, it’s definitely not for everyone. For starters, such a program is best intended for those with mild addictions where they can still exert moderately strong control over their desires. The physiologic and psychological manifestations of addiction are also less severe or not fully ingrained in the individual’s personhood. Most of all, you need to show your rehab program facilitators that you can be trusted to remain sober whenever you’re outside the facility.
Inpatient Programs
You’d be correct to think that a Houston drug rehab centerinpatient programs are those that require the client to stay in a facility throughout the duration of the rehabilitation process. This means you don’t get to go home or even do the things you want to do until after you’ve completed the program which typically runs anywhere from 30 days to as long as 12 months, depending on the severity of your addiction plus the presence of any other compounding organic disease.
There are actually advantages to an inpatient program. First, since you’ll be under the direct guidance and supervision of program facilitators, you’ll have a better chance of success since you will be removed from the temptations of the outside world. You will also get round-the-clock guidance and supervision for every single aspect of your care. Should anything go wrong, someone can help you in an instant. Of course, the downside is that your sense of freedom will somehow be challenged.
So, Which is Which?
Choosing between an inpatient and an outpatient drug rehab program is dependent on various factors. A drug addiction counselor can help you decide which of these programs will be more suitable for your case.
