When you are addicted to drugs, the first positive step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. For some people, this occurs on their own, while for others, it takes friends or relatives to intervene and show them what their addiction has done. When you come to terms with your addiction and decide it is time for help, you have to choose between inpatient and outpatient drug rehab. There are benefits to both forms of therapy, making the decision a personal one for you.
The Difference
The obvious difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is whether you get to go home after your therapy. Inpatient treatment is meant for those who are severely addicted or those who cannot be at home and avoid the temptation of using drugs. If you have enough support at home and feel as if you can fight the temptations, outpatient treatment could be a good alternative for you.
Similarities
There are also many similarities of inpatient and outpatient drug rehab. Both forms of rehab typically involve individual and group therapy, along with various other forms of alternative medication. The main goal of both therapies is to teach addicts new coping mechanisms and how to handle stress and everyday life without the need for drugs. Both forms of rehab also provide opportunities for education for the family and the addict to learn how their drug addiction affected everyone around them. They will also teach family members how they can support the addict as they continue on their drug-free journey.
Making the Decision
The decision to choose inpatient or outpatient care is a personal decision that should be made with your family and your medical professional. If your addiction is severe, intense inpatient detox and therapy is typically needed to get you started on a drug-free life. If your addiction is not severe and you can handle the stress of everyday life and be able to fight the urges to use drugs, outpatient might be a good choice for you.
Choosing outpatient drug rehab is a choice that requires extensive exploration before making the final decision. Some patients start off with inpatient intensive care to detoxify and start their drug-free journey and then turn to outpatient care to continue their treatment. Others simply start with outpatient care and handle it well. The choice is up to you and your medical professionals to determine what would work best for you and your situation.
