When faced with a substance use disorder, whether it be you or a loved one, the most difficult question to traverse seems to be the first: is professional treatment needed? If the answer is yes, you’re then presented with the next question: what kind of treatment? Though it seems simple enough, there are actually many options and types of treatment available, and it’s important to know what you’re looking for. With some research and evaluation of the person in question, you will be able to determine which treatment will offer someone their best shot at recovery.
The Process Begins with Detox
To begin with, the client will be evaluated to determine if medical detoxification is needed. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency. This is often the case with more severe addictions, and is often suggested by medical professionals depending on the substance. Alcohol and benzodiazepines withdrawal, for example, can pose a fatal risk if not medically supervised. Medications are often provided to ease the detox process (sometimes referred to as ‘comfort meds’), and once the patient is feeling better, they will sometimes attend groups, therapy, or educational programs.
After medical detox is complete, rehab branches off at inpatient and outpatient treatment. What exactly does each entail? What are the differences? How long do they last? Is your loved one a better candidate for one over the other?
We’ll delve into some descriptions of each to help you make an educated decision.
Inpatient Rehab
An inpatient rehab facility means that the client resides at the facility where they will be given treatment. Inpatient centers are usually set in aesthetically appealing locations to inspire feelings of peace and mindfulness for the person receiving treatment. They are often immersed in nature, surrounded by mountains, forests, or bodies of water. These facilities offer a safe, tranquil environment in which to begin exploring a person’s substance use disorder, and the reasons they are seeking help. Because these facilities provide 24-hour care, the person receiving treatment can always feel supported.
Inpatient rehab is often gender-separate, which allows the facility to address gender-specific needs, avoid distraction and discomfort, and create the ultimate healing environment. The other benefit of being away from home in an inpatient facility helps the person remove themselves from the environment where their addiction was thriving. Once the body begins to feel better in this new place, the mind will begin to feel better, too.
Inpatient treatment, because it requires the person to reside at the facility, can be seen as more disruptive to a person’s life than outpatient rehab centers. The question to consider, however, is how disruptive has your addiction been in your life? If it is causing you to seek treatment, it might be worth putting things on hold so you can sort out your addiction with no distractions and all of the resources at your disposal. This time away could put an end to the disruptive addiction once and for all, and may be precisely what you need to shake things up and get on the right path.
Outpatient Rehab
Should a person opt for an outpatient rehab facility/program, they will likely attend a day program. This might be at the same facility where inpatient programs are conducted, and so it may also have the benefits of a tranquil setting. The same day programming will be found here, but at night the client will either return to where they are staying, such as at home or a friend/relative’s, or to a sober living facility. It is ideal for the client to be connected to a recovery community as often as possible when they are not in day programming to keep the momentum going.
Outpatient rehab is appealing to many for its lower cost, simply for the fact that the client does not have to pay for room and board. This option also allows the client to keep working or attending school while they are in treatment, which is especially appealing to those with a family to care for.
Those who are more independent and perhaps have a firmer grip the vital life skills needed to manage their addiction are more suited to inpatient treatment. Here they will be supported but still expected to be relatively independent and responsible when they are not at their program.
The other option is to seek out a combination of the two: a client can begin in inpatient, and step down to outpatient as they ease back into the ‘real’ world, but are not completely without the support of the treatment program.
Final Thoughts
In both inpatient and outpatient settings, you’ll attend individual and group evidence-based therapies and complementary treatments, such as:
- CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy)
- Group therapy
- Step Work
- Meditation, yoga, and other forms of holistic therapy
- Trauma and PTSD therapy
While each program has its pros and cons, the decision is often up to the person battling addiction. With the support from friends and family, as well as the professionals they will meet at the program they choose, they will have the opportunity to seize their recovery with strength and the motivation they needed to change their lives.
It’s important to note that addiction is like high blood pressure; the individual must be active in their recovery to stay healthy for the long-haul. Treating this disease is a lifetime commitment, regardless of inpatient vs outpatient rehab—but it is indeed possible.
In both the outpatient and inpatient settings, Granite Recovery Centers offer clients a combination of evidence-based therapy and complementary treatment to aid in the holistic body and mind-healing process. Our facilities teach you to manage and understand your addiction, ultimately showing you how you can live a fulfilling and healthy life.
Whatever program you are considering, we will be glad to help you begin the process. Our Admissions Specialists work around the clock to answer any questions you may have, and to help you decide what is best for you and your loved ones. Please feel free to reach out to one of us today.
