Every case of addition is unique, with specific personal needs that should be approached accordingly for best results. Here, we will discuss the various strengths, weaknesses, and best case applications for inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment and addiction rehabilitation.
For the best chance at a full and sustainable recovery, finding the best program for the patient is of the utmost importance. Each type of setting has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the needs of the addiction sufferer and the services available.
What is inpatient treatment for addiction?
Inpatient treatment is drug abuse and/or addiction treatment that takes place within an inpatient rehabilitation program. While enrolled, the patient lives at the facility where the program is run throughout the duration of the treatment until the program is completed.
When enrolled, many patients will go through inpatient detoxification. This is a critical initial phase of treatment that requires intensive medical expertise and supervision. Once detox is complete, the patient then begins a number of other inpatient treatment initiatives. These can include group therapy, one on one cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
An inpatient program runs on average between one month to 90 days and is designed to keep the patient sober while developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills for maintaining sobriety over the long term. When the program is complete, the patient may enter into a form of outpatient rehabilitation, or they may be allowed to enter voluntarily into other support systems such as AA or NA.
The pros & cons of inpatient treatment
Pros
• The provision of a stable environment with an atmosphere of sobriety.
• Direct medical care and supervision for use in detox and general purposes after detox.
• Markedly lower risk of relapse and abuse.
• Regular intensive group and individual therapy sessions.
• Professional and peer support in a safe and sober environment.
• A sharply reduced level of exposure to the triggers for abuse and addictive behaviors.
• A number of specialized treatments and services.
Cons
• The need to leave work and depart from other responsibilities.
• Limited ability to contact family and loved ones for support.
• Higher costs of treatment are often associated with inpatient programs.
What is at-home treatment for addiction?
Outpatient or at-home addiction treatment allows the individual suffering from drug abuse or addiction to remain in her or his home and to commit to a treatment schedule that is structured around the patient’s life.
Those enrolled in outpatient therapy can continue their work, school, and other responsibilities while following through with the treatment program. For those who have too little support to leave their responsibilities and enter into an inpatient facility, who can sustain their recovery process in spite of present triggers and temptations- outpatient treatment can be a good choice.
The treatments provided will be the same as those in an inpatient program, except that they will be less intensive, and may exclude detox therapy.
These may include;
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: One-on-one talk therapy.
• Motivational Interviewing: Provides direction to recognize and modify barriers to treatment.
• Contingency Management: A system of incentives for the development of healthy habits.
• Multi-dimensional Family Therapy: Therapy working within family structures to enhance the cognitive benefits of therapy.
• Matrix Model: An approach where therapists can act in multiple roles to help the patient such as coach and teacher.
The pros & cons of at-home addiction treatment
Pros
• The ability to maintain a normal life and responsibilities.
• Reduced costs associated with room and board.
• Better support and access to family and friends.
• Real-world practice using sobriety skills.
Cons
• Access to triggering stimuli and substances are unhindered.
• The absence of 24-hour care.
• Higher risk of a relapse.
• The lack of the ability to monitor potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Achieving lasting recovery
In the final analysis, what matters most is obtaining an optimal chance for the patient to experience long term, sustainable sobriety. Depending on the nature of the addiction, the available resources, and the addiction sufferer- either type of rehabilitation could be best. It is up to the patient, his or her family, and occasionally the courts to decide which type of treatment is best.
If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction you owe it to yourself or your loved one to become educated about addiction and the available treatments. Remember, the best predictor of success is always the desire of the addiction sufferer to overcome dependency. Contact us to receive treatment for you or a loved one.