Before selecting the appropriate treatment program, it’s important for addicts and their loved ones to understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment. Finding the right fit is one of the keys to success when it comes to addiction recovery. If the addicted person in your life is ready to get on the road to sobriety, they must be set up for success right from the beginning.
Inpatient Treatment Vs. Outpatient Treatment
Generally speaking, drug and alcohol treatment programs typically fall into one of these two categories: outpatient rehab or inpatient rehab. Although both types of rehabilitation programs focus on getting the patient sober and supporting their body as it heals, one type of rehab may be better than the other depending on the situation.
Outpatient rehabilitation programs, for example, are designed to allow people to attend on a part-time basis. This allows the recoveree to continue going to work or school while they are in recovery. Inpatient rehabs such as IOP Orange County, however, are residential treatment programs. They are set up to allow recovering individuals a place to rest and recover in a controlled environment.
While places like IOP Orange County are more costly than outpatient treatment programs, they also have higher success rates for severely addicted individuals. Inpatient rehab is meant to treat serious addictions and they provide medical care and support around the clock. This is especially important if there is any concern about self-harming behavior from the person in recovery.
What to Expect During Inpatient Treatment
One of the major advantages of inpatient treatment is that residents can focus solely on getting sober. Residential treatment includes a carefully scheduled day, where the needs of individual patients are taken into account. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors help facilitate recovery by meeting with patients individually and as part of group therapy. The inpatient program will last somewhere between 28 days and six months, depending on the progress of the individual.
Over time, the brain adapts differently to different drugs, depending on frequency and dosage. One of the first things to happen at an inpatient facility is a medically assisted detox. This is extremely important for several reasons. Not only can quitting certain drugs – cold-turkey and without medical intervention – actually be fatal, but the staff at the facility can provide medicine to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The attention and support given during this difficult time can mean the difference not only between relapse and recovery but also life and death. Heroin, opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines are just a few drugs that can cause fatal withdrawals.
If you or someone you love is considering treatment for a serious addiction, it’s never too late to get help.
