Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: Which Is the Better Option?

Are you living with an addiction and looking to start your new year off on the right foot? If so, one of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to combating your substance abuse problem is choosing a rehab program. It’s vital that you find the right rehab facility to help you get clean. Let’s take a look at the difference between inpatient vs outpatient rehab.
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab is an intensive form of medical care. It is provided to people who may have issues with alcohol, drugs, mental illness, or any combination of the three.
You might ask yourself, “Does rehab work?” Well, in this type of program, a person has a stay overnight in a rehabilitation facility and live in a communal atmosphere amongst their peers. Inpatient rehab is often combined with medical treatment as well as individual and group therapy.
What Is Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient rehab (also known as intensive outpatient care) is a type of rehab that is designed for individuals who still have some degree of independence and are able to continue living in their own homes.
This allows them to set their own schedules and work through their recovery on their own. Outpatient treatment is less restrictive than in-patient treatment which is often recommended to those with severe addictions, as outpatient treatment allows individuals to maintain their daily routine while still receiving the treatment they need to get better.
Differences in Treatment Options
Inpatient rehab treatments are typically conducted in a short-term residence such as a hospital, rehabilitation center, or residential treatment facility. These treatments usually involve attentive and intense therapy on a 24-hours basis.
Outpatient rehab treatments, on the other hand, take place at an outpatient facility or doctor’s office, allowing more freedom for the patient to come and go as needed.
Differences in Costs
Treatment programs vary in cost based on the type of rehab and the length of stay. Generally, inpatient rehabs will run anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000 per month, depending on the treatment program and level of care provided.
Outpatient programs range from $50 to over $1000 for each session. Whichever type of program is chosen, the goal should be to get the help that best suits the person’s needs.
Differences in Insurance Coverage
The major difference in insurance coverage for these two types of rehab is that inpatient coverage includes full payment for all of the services offered, while outpatient coverage only covers a portion of the costs.
Inpatient rehab will also typically cover items such as meals, transportation, medication, and housing, while outpatient rehab may only cover one or two of these items.
Read More About Inpatient vs Outpatient
Inpatient rehab is often the better option for those who have severe addictions and need a more intensive level of care. Outpatient rehab may be a good option for those who have milder addictions and are more motivated to improve.
Ultimately, deciding which is the right option between inpatient vs outpatient is a personal choice. If you are considering seeking help, speak to a professional who can provide guidance and direction.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!