Compassion Behavioral Health / Resources / Articles / Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab – What’s the Difference?
03/24/22
CBH Staff
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Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab – What’s the Difference?

Inpatient vs outpatient rehab

Deciding to get help for an addiction is a huge step in the right direction toward recovery. As you are considering your options, you may be wondering if inpatient or outpatient rehab is the best option for you. While both are focused on helping an individual recover from addiction, the way these treatment programs are designed feature some key differences to take into account.

Today, we are going to compare impatient and outpatient rehab programs. If you have any questions about which one would be right for your or if you need more information, call us today at (844) 999-0874.

Difference 1: Residence

The greatest difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab programs is residency requirements.

Inpatient rehab programs require that individuals stay at the facility for the duration of their treatment. The number of days can vary, depending on the individual’s needs and program requirements.

Conversely, outpatient programs permit a person to live at home while they complete their treatment program. They will have to attend sessions at scheduled dates and times at their treatment center but are still able to continue to maintain most of their everyday activities.

Difference 2: Severity of Addiction

The level of addiction and dependency an individual experiences is another key consideration in determining whether inpatient or outpatient rehab is the better option.

Inpatient rehab is typically best suited for those with a severe addiction, as they will require more active care and monitoring. Outpatient rehab may be a better choice for someone with a less severe or newer addiction that has not developed as deep of a dependency on a substance.

Difference 3: Past Treatment Experience

Another key difference to take into account is an individual’s past experience in treatment.

If an individual has been through inpatient rehab before and experienced success in their recovery, they may be a more suitable candidate for outpatient rehab if they need additional treatment in the future. On the other hand, if someone has tried outpatient rehab in the past without success, inpatient rehab may be a better option for them.

Inpatient rehab is often also recommended for someone who has a severe struggle with addiction and are seeking treatment for the first time. Because inpatient programs offer more present care and monitoring, the person can receive a more intense level of support from therapists and medical professionals.

Difference 4: Other Mental Health Conditions

If an individual is also struggling with other mental health conditions in addition to their addiction, this may be another factor in deciding between inpatient and outpatient rehab.

For example, if someone is struggling with a mental illness such as anxiety or depression in addition to their addiction, they may benefit more from inpatient rehab. This is because inpatient rehab programs often offer dual diagnosis treatment, which is a type of treatment that specializes in treating individuals who are struggling both with addiction and another mental health condition.

Difference 5: Support Network

Finally, an individual’s support network is another key consideration in deciding between inpatient and outpatient rehab.

If someone has a strong support system at home, such as family or friends who are willing to help them through their recovery, outpatient rehab may be most suitable. On the other hand, if someone does not have a strong outside support network, they could benefit from the additional care and attention they will receive through an inpatient program.

Other Factors That Could Determine Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab

A number of other factors could help a professional determine whether a person will most benefit from an inpatient or outpatient program, such as:

  • Has the individual received proper medication for their mental health condition in the past?
  • Is the person experiencing a mis-diagnosed or yet-to-be diagnosed mental health condition?
  • Has the person developed necessary coping skills for a more successful life in recovery?
  • Are there safety concerns, such as self-harm or thoughts of suicide?
  • Has the person tried an outpatient program in the past with limited or no success?

If the answer is “yes” to any or all of these questions, an inpatient program would likely be more suitable. The increased level of access to medical and mental health professionals can help address these other factors while also helping the person treat their addiction and work toward a plan for life in recovery.

Other Types of Programs:

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

If inpatient or outpatient rehab is not the best fit for someone, they may consider a partial hospitalization program (PHP). A PHP is similar to inpatient rehab in that it involves spending most of the day at a facility receiving treatment. However, unlike inpatient rehab, the person is able to return home at night.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is another type of program that may be suitable for someone who does not need 24/hour care but still needs more support than what is available through outpatient rehab.

Get Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Treatment Today 

At Compassion Behavioral Health, we provide a wide variety of treatment options for those struggling with drug/and or alcohol abuse. From our beautiful South Florida facility, we provide inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP programs to help you work toward a successful life in recovery. 

To start your new journey, contact us online or call us today at (844) 999-0874.