To those seeking treatment for substance use disorders, inpatient rehab can feel like a massive commitment. Some people hesitate to ask for the time off from work, and others may not want to separate from their family members for an extended period of time. However, there are many benefits of inpatient treatment that can’t always be matched by its outpatient counterpart.
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Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: What’s the Difference?
When you first begin to research addiction treatment facilities, you may have a lot of questions about the different types of programs. Many alcohol and drug rehab centers offer at least two varieties: inpatient and outpatient. So, how do they work? What are the benefits of inpatient treatment versus outpatient? What sets them apart from each other?
As the names suggest, the biggest difference between the two is where a patient resides for its duration. Inpatient clients live at the rehab facility during treatment, while outpatient clients remain at home.
Outpatient rehab typically requires that someone spend one to two hours a day at a rehab facility. While there, they partake in many of the same treatment options as inpatient clients. These include educational therapies designed to teach healthy coping skills and improve abilities like communication, decision-making, and emotional expression.
Other treatment options include:
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment
Even though inpatient and outpatient programs have a fair amount of overlap in their treatment options, there are several reasons why the more intensive, focused inpatient program may be the better choice for you.
1. Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Detox
Individuals who are physically dependent on a substance–meaning their bodies can no longer function properly without it and would experience withdrawal symptoms in its absence–may begin their recovery by undergoing a detox. The safest and most effective way to do this is through an inpatient medical detox.
It can be dangerous to suddenly quit at home. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and if left unmonitored, they may lead to potentially fatal complications. Thankfully, one of the benefits of inpatient treatment for detox is that it provides you with all the resources needed to make it a safe process.
At Port St. Lucie Hospital, a team of licensed physicians and nurses will monitor your status at all times. Should you experience any unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, they will do everything in their power to ease your discomfort and make it as easy as possible for your body to recover. This will not only give you the comfort and confidence to get sober, but it will keep you safe during this vulnerable stage of recovery.
2. More Likely to Stay Sober
Evidence suggests the benefits of inpatient treatment may extend into the long term. Rehab success rates are difficult to track due to the lack of standardized methods of doing so. However, there are two common factors taken into account: completion of treatment and length of sobriety. When viewed together, they can help clarify what successful rehabilitation looks like.
Individuals who complete inpatient treatment are more likely to stay sober for a longer period of time. And on average, inpatient programs have a higher completion rate than outpatient programs. Considering the connection between treatment completion and long-term sobriety, this can make inpatient rehab one of the most promising avenues to success.
3. Calm Environment for Mental Health
In many cases, co-occurring mental health issues are what first lead people to substance abuse. Individuals with illnesses such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder may engage in substance abuse to mitigate their symptoms.
Others may turn to substances to cope with external stressors in their lives. For example, trouble at home, school, or work can weigh heavily on someone. If drugs or alcohol helps them to forget about their worries, even if only temporarily, many will come to rely on them despite the long-term consequences.
In that scenario, someone’s home environment may not be the most conducive to their recovery. That’s why one of the benefits of inpatient treatment is the guarantee of a calm, sober atmosphere. Inpatient clients can enjoy a reprieve from their stressors and focus all of their energy on recovery.
4. Build Community and Support Groups
The fight against addiction can feel like a lonely battle, but remember that you are not the only one dealing with it. In fact, more than 40 million people had a substance use disorder in 2020. For all recovering addicts, a strong, encouraging support system can be the key to their recoveries.
The innate presence of such a support network is one of the benefits of inpatient treatment. Between caring staff members and like-minded peers, the uplifting atmosphere cultivated at an inpatient rehab program is difficult to match.
Trained therapists and physicians may fill more of an authoritative role in someone’s recovery, but the impact of a peer’s support cannot be overstated, either. There is camaraderie and fellowship to be found in mutual understanding. And few are more equipped to offer that than those confronting similar challenges. At an inpatient rehab, you can befriend these individuals and develop long-lasting bonds that serve you for years to come.
5. Daily Structure and Routine
Substance use disorder can uproot someone’s life. When everything feels unstable and on the verge of collapse, even a small amount of structure can go a long way. An inpatient treatment program provides a steady routine that can re-establish someone’s sense of control.
The benefits of inpatient treatment include thorough plans involving enlightening therapies and crucial skill-building exercises. Inpatient rehab keeps its clients occupied throughout the day, every day. Its intensive nature means that patients spend more time with dedicated physicians, therapists, and addiction experts than those who only check in for a few hours a week.
When every day is devoted to pursuing meaningful self-improvement, it becomes easier to identify progress as well as problem areas. Inpatient clients learn a lot every day, and they can adjust their focus as needed to hone their strengths, bolster their weaknesses, and ultimately reach their goals.
Rehab Facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida
At Port St. Lucie Hospital, we recognize that everyone has a unique experience with drug and alcohol addiction. That’s why our treatment programs prioritize flexibility and allow every patient to have a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Upon your arrival, our compassionate staff of mental health experts and addiction specialists will discuss your short- and long-term goals as well as tactics to achieve them.
If you have additional questions about the benefits of inpatient treatment or wish to get started on recovery, we would love to hear from you. Call our admissions experts at (772) 238-7734 or submit one of our confidential contact forms today. Port St. Lucie Hospital is ready to help you get and stay sober.
