Outpatient vs. Inpatient Drug Detox: Which Is Best for You?
February 4, 2019
February 4, 2019
When escaping from drug and alcohol addiction, the first decision made is the one to get sober. The second decision is likely to be how, and where, to get the help that is needed. Modern treatments for substance detoxification include a myriad of options, ranging from intensive, inpatient, regimens to check-in facilities.
Before deciding on which treatment option is best, be sure to note the type and severity of symptoms of withdrawal from the particular substance that is being recovered from. Different substances produce different withdrawal effects, and some are more severe and incapacitating than others. The risks that are associated with the specific type of withdrawal can play a role in the amount of care that is decided upon. The following is a list of benefits that are associated with both outpatient and inpatient drug detox approaches.
For those in need of intensive support, inpatient drug detox is the way to go. Advances in treatment methods have resulted in environments which allow for the intravenous delivery of assisting medications, while simultaneously providing an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Both the physical, and the psychological, needs of a recovering patient are able to be addressed at an in-patient facility.
Inpatient drug detox and rehabilitation exists in both short-term, and long-term, structure. In longer term treatment, participants are immersed within a new culture, and one that is intended to assist in the resetting of thinking patterns. The longer-term treatment provides a space for those who will benefit from relief from the stresses of home and work life while combating their addiction. In shorter term treatment, the focus is on helping the participant to overcome the acute symptoms of withdrawal, enabling the former addict to progress with recovery from the comfort of home.
Several official agencies recommend that those recovering from addiction take part in the intensive form of treatment that in-patient facilities offer. Many addictions are considered chronic, which means that the cravings have a tendency to return following detoxification efforts. The ongoing support of an inpatient program can work as a defense against returning to the substance abuse as a response to these recurring cravings.
Even with all of the listed benefits of inpatient treatment, someone seeking recovery may not find the commitment that is necessary for such to be feasible. Inpatient treatment requires time away from jobs, family, and friends. It can also be more expensive than outpatient treatment, which can be a concern for someone who is already struggling to make financial ends meet. If these factors are a hindrance in receiving inpatient services, take heart. There are also many benefits to detoxing in an outpatient setting.
There have been positive research results in the application of behavioral therapy during addiction treatment. Compared to those who do not receive reinforcement during treatment, those who receive intermittent feedback during their recovery have been shown to better maintain their sobriety over the long run. These results lend support for the idea that periodic, outpatient, services have the ability to be utilized as effective resources in recovery.
Outpatient services can include the development of a comprehensive plan for recovery as well as providing limited access to assisting medications. It is emphasized that successful outpatient treatment is related to the conditions of the participants personal life, as the struggle to overcome addiction is made more difficult in the context of stressful life conditions. In order to maintain sobriety, it is further recommended that participants in outpatient programs persist with the treatment for at least a year.