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What is the Difference Between Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment?

Most of us know what rehab is, but not everyone understands that not all treatment facilities and treatment types are the same. There are, in fact, multiple options depending on the specific needs of the person and their day-to-day responsibilities, as well as the amount of supervision and one on one treatment they need. Part of completing the treatment process means knowing which option is the right one for you and how to get the most out of your particular treatment type. 

At Hillside Mission Recovery, we know that there is no one-size-fits-all addiction treatment. Different methods have to be used depending on the needs of the individual. In this post, we will examine outpatient vs. inpatient treatment, the difference between outpatient and inpatient rehab, and how to know which treatment is best for you and your unique set of circumstances.

Hillside Mission Recovery is a luxury inpatient rehab in Southern California. Contact us today to learn more about how our treatment programs can help you.

Are There Different Levels of Rehab Treatment? 

There are multiple levels of rehab treatment, and each one is subdivided based on the level of care provided and the client’s needs. For the purposes of this post, we will touch on the most common types of treatment and not the subdivided levels that go along with it. 

The most common form of treatment most people are familiar with is inpatient treatment. This approach to treatment involves living within a supervised medical facility for a period of time. Of the levels of rehab treatment, inpatient care is often the most intensive and used for those with the most severe substance use disorders. 

The second form of rehab treatment is outpatient care. Outpatient care is a term used to describe any level of treatment in which a person does not live in the treatment facility but rather commutes to treatment while still living at home. Aftercare, partial hospitalization, and IOPs are all considered to be outpatient programs.

The levels of treatment are based on need but may consider not just addiction severity and symptoms but also lifestyle and outside obligations that go along with it. 

What is the Difference Between Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment? 

Now that you know a bit more about the different levels of rehab treatment, the next step is to understand the main differences between the two types of treatment. While both offer addiction treatment, the way they do so and the way it impacts the life of the person addicted are vastly different. 

Outpatient rehab is when a person comes to a facility for counseling and treatment sessions. Typically this is done 2-3 times a week, and the person is free to leave once their session is over. For those who have not had many issues with relapse and who have work or family obligations, this is often a good choice for them. 

Another form of outpatient rehab, intensive outpatient rehab, is a bit more structured than standard outpatient care and requires the person to come 4-5 times a week, usually with regular check-ins or drug screenings. The sessions may be more extended or more in-depth.  

Inpatient rehab, however, is much more intense and requires the person to stay at a licensed treatment facility throughout the duration. A typical stay at an inpatient facility is 30 days. During this time, the person is given treatment every day in a supervised setting that is there to help maximize the potential for recovery and prevent relapse. 

Depending on the state of the individual’s addiction and overall health, inpatient rehab can include medical supervision and assistance, a higher level of rehab.

How to Know What Treatment is Best For Me

There are a few ways to determine which treatment option is right for you. Start by looking at the overall state of your own addiction. Have you been addicted for a significant period? Have you tried to quit using multiple times only to relapse? Then the most effective treatment for you is likely inpatient rehab. 

However, if you find that you can function and go to work or school and need the help of a treatment plan to stay sober and develop the skills you need to live without drugs or alcohol, then outpatient care may be the right choice for you. 
Hillside Mission Recovery is a luxury rehab in Mission Viejo, providing inpatient treatment, aftercare services, and detox in Southern California for those trying to get sober. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!