Group of people in a rehab clinic

All About In-Patient and Outpatient Drug Rehab Programs

When it comes to drug rehab programs, not all are created equal. That’s not to say that there aren’t some great options out there for anyone looking at a stint in a rehab program. There are, however, some questions you need to consider before you commit to an in-patient drug treatment program.

  • Treatment Options: Rehab stays usually occurs in 30-, 60- or 90-day stints. It’s important for you to consider which one would be best for you given your addiction and symptoms you’re already suffering, if any. This requires honest with yourself to be sure you’re given the best shot at recovery.
  • Addiction Specifics: It’s vital to know whether the rehab center you’re looking into treats your specific addiction. A treatment center for alcohol addiction, for instance, may not deal with so-called recreational drugs and vice versa.
  • Pony Up the Dough: Rehab costs a considerable sum, and you must figure out how to pay for your stay. In most cases insurance will cover it, but sometimes it won’t.
  • Rehab Philosophy: You need to be sure that the philosophy of the rehab center is something you agree with. (12-step, faith based, evidence based, etc.)
  • Credentials: It’s important to find out the credentials of the staff at the rehab center.
  • Relapse Counseling: One crucial tool in your recovery is going to be whether the rehab center provides relapse prevention and counseling.

In-Patient Care Vs. Outpatient Care

If you’re still wondering what exactly in-patient care is, you’re not the only one. In-patient or residential care usually refers to those who live at the treatment facility while they detox and recover. Outpatient care is the exact opposite. Those who commit to outpatient care live at home or elsewhere while they go through detox and recovery. So how do you decide which type of care is right for you? It starts with your addiction.

  • Kicking the Habit: In-patient care is most effective with those who have a history of addiction. Either people who’ve been addicted to a substance for a long time or those who’ve tried multiple times to kick the habit and can’t seem to get it done.
  • Specialists: Residential care means constant supervision and a multi-dimensional team of specialists to handle every aspect of your life until you are free from your addiction.
  • Groupies: Seeing as you’d live at the rehab center during your recovery, you’d be expected to participate in group therapy sessions as well as individual counseling.
  • Pills to Pop: Medications are prescribed to help you through the withdrawal and detox from your drug of choice. All of your medical care needs are met while in recovery.

With Outpatient Care:

  • Homebody: You live at home or with close relatives who can help keep an eye on your detox and recovery from start to finish. This also gives the person going through detox the ability to learn to rely on those who are closest to them.
  • Short Termer: This type of program is best for anyone who’s recently picked up a habitual drug habit or has recently completed a residential program and wants continued counseling as they transition back into normal life.
  • Once A Week: Counseling is scheduled for weekly visits and can be both individual and/or group settings. Extra counseling sessions can also be schedule as the need arises.
  • Money Talks: The cost of outpatient care is considerably less as there is less one-on-one care.

Short Term Vs. Long Term In-Patient Care

Knowing your own needs is the first crucial step in getting clean. In-patient care can take the form of a 30-, 60- or 90- Day stay based on your own individual needs. Let’s break them down to evaluate what each one offers.

  • 30 Days: This program will allow you enough time to go through the detox process and get started with counseling. Because it’s a short stay it’s also most likely to be covered by insurance.
  • 60 Days: This option will give you time to really set up a sober lifestyle, especially considering most of your first 30 days can be filled with just learning to deal with detox and withdrawal.
  • 90 Days: This program is obviously going to capitalize on time, with a full two months to work through your addiction after detox, these programs tend to have much higher rates of success.

Hospitalization and Luxury Programs

Sometimes a person may require extensive medical care while trying to detox, especially if they are a multiple addictive substance user or someone might want perks that regular programs don’t offer. Here are a few reasons why a hospitalization program might be recommended.

  • Hospital Option: A hospital option might be recommended for someone who presents with one or more of the following:
    • Severe withdrawal symptoms-especially those complicated by an addiction to multiple substances.
    • Anyone showing signs of an overdose or someone who presents with acute respiratory depression.
    • Anyone with a chronic or underlying medical condition that is further complicated by the withdrawal process.
    • Anyone at risk of hurting themselves or others or anyone who’s been previously Baker Acted.
    • Anyone who shows an acute dependence on their substance of choice or those who have had no success in regular treatment programs prior to their hospitalization.
  • Luxury Care: These programs are exactly what they sound like. They are much more costly versions of treatment and are tailored to professionals, celebrities, corporate executives and business owners as they are usually more like a 5-star hotel experience.

No matter what sort of substance abuse treatment you need, the first and most important step is being able to admit that you have a problem that needs more help than you can do on your own. Reaching out to family might not be the answer, and that’s why rehab treatment centers are so popular. You get objective, individualized care that will work day-by-day to ensure you take steps toward a full and successful recovery.

A quick search can provide you with multiple options for both in-patient and outpatient care, or even delve into hospitalized or luxury care. The whole point is to get the care you need and kick your addiction once and for all.