Finding the right treatment program can be overwhelming if you’re not aware of your options and what they mean for your recovery. Treatment programs fall into either of two categories: inpatient and outpatient. Both types of treatment focus on rehabilitation and learning the tools to overcome addiction, yet each type has its own characteristics and benefits for patients.
When considering inpatient vs. outpatient addiction rehab or treatment, it is essential to weigh the benefits of each. For many people, inpatient and outpatient treatment are part of a continuum of care as one progresses through the treatment journey toward recovery.
Contact 7 Summit Pathways at 813.212.7149 to learn about our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. We are ready to help you or a loved one break the cycle of addiction and find a life of sobriety.
The Main Differences Between Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment
Deciding between inpatient vs. outpatient treatment requires understanding what sets each apart. The following elements mark the significant difference between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab.
Supervision and Environment
Residential treatment features a much more intensive level of supervision. Patients are monitored around the clock to ensure that relapse cannot occur. The environment in a residential program is also highly controlled. Patients arriving at the center are informed of items they can and cannot bring. Patients are expected to abide by these program policies as they are designed to reduce potential relapse during treatment.
In outpatient programs, a patient checks in for a few hours of treatment and leaves once the day’s sessions are over. The treatment program does not monitor what the patient does at home, so the individual is responsible for making wise choices on their own. This is one of the main reasons outpatient treatment is not suitable as a first step for those with severe addictions or a history of relapse.
Cost
Every treatment center has a different way of calculating the cost of treatment. Depending on the level of care, two different outpatient programs can have very different costs. In every case, inpatient treatment costs more than outpatient treatment.
Residential treatment costs cover the following:
- Room and board
- Grocery shopping
- In-center meals (if applicable)
- Transportation
- 24-hour medical supervision
These services are all essential components of why residential programs work, and the extra care is worth the additional cost for the vast majority of patients.
Flexibility
Residential treatment is inflexible by design. These programs prevent participants from working, leaving the treatment center at most times, and doing basic activities like shopping without supervision. By removing patients from everything except focused and guided recovery, a treatment center helps increase the impact of treatments and reduce the impact of external circumstances.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, outpatient programs are purposely designed to allow people the flexibility to participate in everyday life while still receiving support in relapse prevention.
Transitioning From Inpatient to Outpatient Treatment
For many people, the best way to take advantage of inpatient vs. outpatient treatment benefits is to use them in combination. Starting with a residential program provides a robust foundation for recovery through detoxification and in-depth instruction in addiction and recovery.
After inpatient treatment, a patient may worry about being thrust back into daily life without continuing support. An effective choice is to use outpatient treatment as a means of stepping down gradually. Here are three ways transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care supports recovery.
1. Providing Structure
Moving from a tightly organized treatment environment to the unstructured and unsupervised outside world can be daunting. Patients have more time on their hands and less accountability, which can make them vulnerable to triggers that might lead to relapse. Participating in outpatient treatment reduces idle time and provides a schedule to help patients stay on track as they navigate the outside world independently.
2. Preventing Relapse During Transition
The group and individual therapy offered in outpatient programs provide sources of support when patients need to talk about their cravings and trigger responses. Rather than learning theories and being left to put them into practice alone, these programs allow patients to focus on learning and practicing relapse prevention in real-time.
3. Re-Establishing Relationships
Navigating relationships during recovery is an essential part of the healing process. But it can also be stressful and triggering — especially in the early days. Outpatient therapy can give patients the support they need to heal damaged relationships and build healthy new ones moving forward.
What Is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient rehabilitation programs, also known as inpatient treatment, involve the patient checking into a treatment center for 24/7 care. These patients benefit from a highly controlled and structured environment, receiving both medical and emotional support as they begin their recovery journeys.
Residential treatment offers patients total immersion in the program and its evidence-based treatment methods. They live in the facility, eat meals there, and participate in a series of structured daily activities. The services provided during inpatient treatment generally include:
- Therapy
- Counseling
- Skills training
- Medication management, where necessary
The personalized, compassionate care available in inpatient treatment helps people make long-lasting changes in how they approach decision-making and how they view themselves.
A inpatient treatment program typically lasts 30 to 90 days, depending on the treatment center’s offerings. The intensity of treatment can vary based on how long the patient stays, their personal needs, and their medical requirements. Some centers even offer programs that last six months to a year, although these are less common and typically reserved for people who have had multiple unsuccessful attempts at recovery.
What to Expect From Inpatient Treatment
During inpatient treatment, patients can pour all their focus into treatment and getting sober and healthy. The distractions of daily life do not intrude into this environment. A typical day in the life of a inpatient treatment patient is methodical, with nearly every minute of the day accounted for. A significant portion of treatment is carried out by psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, who meet with each patient to provide a guiding hand in recovery. Individual, group, and family therapy, as well as activities that engage the mind and body, are the cornerstones of addiction treatment.
For most people participating in inpatient treatment, detoxification is a necessary first step. Detoxification refers to the process of withdrawing from drugs or alcohol safely and in as much comfort as possible. The long-term use of drugs or alcohol leads to significant physiological changes, which may make it difficult to readjust to life without the substance.
Some substances are more dangerous to withdraw from than others. Alcohol withdrawal, for example, can lead to seizures and even death if individuals attempt to quit by themselves. Medically supervised detoxification ensures the patient is monitored during withdrawal so any issues can be addressed quickly and the patient remains as comfortable as possible.
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment
What is inpatient rehabilitation’s greatest advantage? Residential rehabilitation for drug or alcohol addiction offers the following:
- A stable, secure environment in which to achieve sobriety
- Reduced risk of relapse due to a controlled environment and constant supervision
- Frequent, intensive group and individual therapy sessions
- Support and camaraderie from peers in the program
- Reduced exposure to situations and people who may provoke relapse during treatment
- Treatment options specific to certain groups, such as veterans or members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Greater access to specialized treatments like nutrition education and expressive arts therapy
The longer someone has struggled with an addiction, the more intensive the treatment must be to overcome ingrained thoughts and behavioral patterns. Though someone can choose to participate in a longer course of treatment, it is generally more effective to engage in intensive treatment instead. Residential rehabilitation provides the highest level of care for anyone with an alcohol or drug substance use disorder.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient rehabilitation programs provide many of the same forms of treatment as inpatient treatment but on a less intensive scale and timeline. Professional outpatient programs allow participants to engage in treatment during the day or evening and return home at night to sleep and take care of daily tasks.
Outpatient programs do not offer the same level of immersion found in residential care, so they are best suited for people who have completed inpatient treatment and need further care to make a smooth transition back to independent living. It is best to complete an assessment with a professional who can determine the appropriate level of care for your needs and outcomes prior to placement.
Types of Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment programs offer several structural distinctions that differentiate levels of care. The following are the two forms of outpatient rehabilitation offered at 7 Summit Pathways.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A PHP is a step down from inpatient treatment care, providing more structure and support than traditional outpatient services. Patients in this program typically attend therapy sessions five days a week for several hours each day. It often incorporates around-the-clock medical supervision, especially during detox, and includes highly structured regimens of therapy and treatment. This program is suited for patients who still require a lot of structure, support, and accountability,
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An IOP is less intensive than partial hospitalization but still offers a steady regimen of treatment. It is ideal for those who are close to a stable recovery but could benefit from continued support. The program provides patients with several therapy and counseling types so they can transition to independent living with the tools necessary to maintain recovery, including:
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention counseling
The 7 Summit Pathways IOP is built for flexibility. Call 813.212.7149 for information about the various schedule options available.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
What is outpatient rehabilitation’s valuable advantage? These are some of the central benefits of choosing an outpatient program:
- The ability to live at home while receiving treatment
- Minimal disruption of schedules and routines
- Multiple types of therapy and Recovery activities to choose from
- Flexibility in scheduling, allowing patients to keep mornings or evenings free
After completion of an outpatient treatment program and as part of the continuum of care, most patients transition to an aftercare program, which offers continued support through group meetings, sober outings and activities, and educational resources.
Contact 7 Summit Pathways Today
If you or your loved one has questions about inpatient vs. outpatient treatment, 7 Summit Pathways is your source for evidence-based treatment in Tampa, Florida. We center our individualized treatment programs around the 7 Dimensions of Wellness to ensure we address the whole individual and facilitate complete healing. These comprehensive treatment methods and our highly certified staff set us apart from other treatment centers in the Florida area.
If you are ready to experience the holistic difference at 7 Summit Pathways, call us today at 813.212.7149 or contact us online. No matter the level of care you need, you’ll find support at 7 Summit Pathways.