When your loved one is struggling with addiction, choosing the right type of treatment can feel impossible. There are so many different types of care and so many options available, and you might not know what they need to be safe and supported. One of the biggest factors to consider is where they’ll stay. Should they enter a residential facility for 24/7 care, or pursue treatment while continuing to live at home?
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab, also known as residential treatment, requires patients to live at a treatment center for the duration of their recovery program. These programs typically last anywhere from 28 to 90 days, although longer stays of six months or more are available for those who need extended care.
Patients in inpatient rehab follow a highly structured daily schedule. They’ll engage in recovery-focused activities, therapy sessions, and skill-building exercises. They’re also always in a substance-free environment, which minimizes distractions and triggers.
24/7 medical monitoring is also available in inpatient settings, so patients receive immediate support for medical, emotional, or psychological challenges as they arise. Constant access to care is best for individuals with severe addiction, medical complications related to substance abuse, or a history of frequent relapses.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehab
- Structured environment: Removes distractions and access to triggers or substances, allowing patients to fully focus on recovery without outside interference.
- 24/7 support: Provides immediate medical and emotional assistance for withdrawal symptoms or crises.
- Comprehensive therapy: Patients engage in an intensive schedule of therapy, including group sessions, one-on-one counseling, and holistic activities.
- Supervised detox: Some programs offer medical detox services to keep patients safe and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Peer support: Being surrounded by others on the same journey fosters a sense of community and shared understanding.
What Is Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient rehab is more flexible, and allows patients to live at home while attending scheduled treatment sessions at a facility. Many people successfully enter recovery after completing a outpatient treatment. These programs vary in intensity. Some people get all the support they need from standard weekly counseling sessions. Others need more rigorous schedules. Regardless, there are options available.
The three main types of outpatient care include:
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): Patients attend treatment for 20–30 hours per week, making this option a good middle ground between inpatient and outpatient care. PHP is also a good option for people stepping down from residential treatment.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Patients attend treatment for 9–19 hours per week, offering a higher level of support than standard outpatient care while still maintaining flexibility. Some people transition to an IOP after completing a PHP or residential program.
- Outpatient programs (OP): Patients attend treatment for a few hours per week, allowing them to continue with their daily lives while still receiving support and guidance. Most people in recovery benefit from some sort of ongoing outpatient care. Even weekly therapy sessions offer space to continue making progress.
Outpatient rehab—at any level—is best suited for people with stable housing, a strong support system, and a lower-risk addiction. It allows them to continue their daily responsibilities, such as work, school, or family obligations, while still receiving the care they need to recover.
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
- Flexibility: Patients can maintain their regular responsibilities, such as work, school, or family care, while receiving treatment.
- Real-world practice: Patients can immediately apply the coping skills they learn in therapy to their daily lives.
- Lower cost: Without the expense of residential living, outpatient rehab is generally more affordable.
- Family and community support: Patients can stay connected to loved ones and build a network of support within their own community.
- Step-down care: Outpatient programs can serve as a bridge for those transitioning out of inpatient rehab, providing continued support as they reintegrate into daily life.
Comparing Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab
Here’s a closer look at the key differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab:
| Category | Inpatient | Outpatient |
|---|---|---|
| Living Arrangements | Patients live full-time at the treatment center, with no access to their home environment. | Patients live at home and commute to scheduled treatment sessions. Some outpatient programs are virtual. |
| Level of Care | Comprehensive 24/7 medical and emotional support is available. | Support is provided during scheduled sessions, with additional help as needed. |
| Cost | Costs depend on program length, location, and services, but are often higher than outpatient. | Costs are significantly lower since there is no lodging. |
| Scheduling | Follows a structured daily routine. | Offers flexible scheduling to accommodate work, school, or family life. |
| Best For | Recommended for severe addiction, medical complications, or unstable home environments. Some people step up after not seeing results in outpatient. | Ideal for moderate addiction, stable housing, and a strong support system. Some people step down to outpatient care after residential. |
A Personalized Continuum of Care
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) developed the ASAM Continuum of Care, a strength-based framework that matches people with the right level of care. As someone works through treatment, they’re re-evaluated to see what support they need to keep making progress. The goal is to assign someone to the least disruptive level of care.
Every level of inpatient and outpatient treatment is on the ASAM Continuum of Care, which is the gold standard for providers. This gives treatment teams more options when they’re working with individual patients. Rather than being forced to go through a standard treatment plan, patients get matched with the type of care that’s best for their needs.
How to Choose the Right Type of Rehab
Selecting the right rehab program requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Severity of addiction: People who are actively using drugs or alcohol, have a heavy use history, or have had multiple relapses may need a higher level of care.
- Mental health needs: Those with co-occurring mental health conditions (dual diagnosis) may benefit from more intensive treatment.
- Home environment: Rehab requires a stable and supportive home environment to be effective. Transitional living arrangements can fill that need during outpatient treatment.
- Work and family obligations: Outpatient programs offer flexibility for individuals who cannot step away from their responsibilities.
- Budget and insurance coverage: Treatment costs vary widely, so it’s important to confirm insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses in advance. Some plans may cover treatment as long as someone works through the continuum of care.
Effectiveness of Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
Both inpatient and outpatient rehab can be highly effective when they have individualized treatment plans. Many inpatient programs have higher completion rates than outpatient programs. However, that doesn’t always mean people stay sober after discharge—especially if they don’t transition into outpatient care.
The best approach is to give people the time, space, and skills they need to enter recovery. This may require time in both inpatient and outpatient rehab settings. Starting with inpatient treatment gives people a place to get stable and stay distanced from triggers. Outpatient care offers ongoing support as they transition back into their daily lives, where they can practice the skills they’ve learned.
Call Us to Get Help Finding the Right Level of Care
The professionals at Promises Washburn House are available 24/7 to help you find the right type of addiction treatment for yourself or someone you love. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are available at our center in Worcester, MA.
Worried about the cost of treatment? We accept Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. You can verify your coverage online contact us for help. Just call 888.721.3453 or message us online if you’re not ready to pick up the phone yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference is where you receive treatment. Inpatient rehab requires a stay at a facility 24/7. Outpatient rehab allows you to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions and support groups. Inpatient rehab provides a more immersive experience, whereas outpatient rehab is more flexible for those with responsibilities at home or work.
Each program offers unique benefits. Inpatient rehab gives you a safe, focused space to stabilize and distance yourself from triggers, while providing intensive support. Outpatient rehab offers ongoing care with the flexibility to integrate recovery skills into your everyday routine. One isn’t necessarily better than the other—it depends on your personal needs and where you are in your recovery journey.
The severity of your substance use, the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions, your home environment, and your support network should all be considered. If you need a more structured and controlled setting or don’t have a stable environment at home, inpatient rehab might be the better choice. Outpatient rehab may suit someone with milder symptoms who has a strong support system in place.
Both inpatient and outpatient programs can be effective when they meet someone’s unique needs. Success often depends on your commitment to the program and the support you have after treatment. For people with more severe addiction or those in high-risk environments, inpatient rehab may offer the stability and focus required for lasting recovery.
Choosing inpatient rehab means committing to a program designed to address all aspects of your well-being in a controlled environment, free from distractions and triggers. You’ll have access to 24/7 medical and emotional support, intensive therapies, and a community of peers who understand what you’re going through. This level of care can be crucial for establishing a strong foundation for recovery, particularly for those facing severe addiction or complex personal challenges.