Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Versus Outpatient Alcohol Treatment
You do have alcohol treatment options.
When you are addicted to alcohol seeking treatment is of utmost importance but how do you know which one to choose? Should you consider inpatient alcohol treatment or outpatient alcohol treatment? What is the difference between the two? Here’s a look at what each type of alcohol treatment has to offer and how you can choose the best alcohol treatment option for you.
How Inpatient Alcohol Treatment and Outpatient Alcohol Treatment are Similar
There are many similarities between the two types of alcohol treatment. The most common is that both types of alcohol treatment will be based on a series of group therapy and individual therapy that focuses on helping the addict to overcome the underlying problems associated with addiction and to better understand their addiction. Both programs will offer family counseling and education as well as support and guidance throughout the recovery process. Inpatient and outpatient alcohol treatment will both help the addict to set goals for treatment and recovery from alcohol addiction. Additionally, both inpatient alcohol treatment and outpatient alcohol treatment will also help the addict to review their goals regularly and to reflect on how they are working towards achieving those goals.
The Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Alcohol Treatment
The main difference between the two types of alcohol treatment is that inpatient treatment is provided at a residential treatment center where the addict will stay for a specified period of time and will have around the clock care and supervision. This type of treatment takes away all of the distractions of regular life and allows the addict to focus all of their energy on recovering from alcohol addiction. Outpatient treatment allows that addict to come in for treatment and counseling and then go return home at the end of the day.
For severe alcohol addiction inpatient treatment is usually best. For less severe addictions or for those who have not been using alcohol for a long period of time outpatient treatment may prove to be successful. Outpatient alcohol treatment is reserved for those who are not heavily addicted to alcohol but still need the help of a treatment center to break their addiction cycle. Outpatient treatment still provides group and individual therapy sessions just like inpatient alcohol treatment but without the around the clock care that is received at a residential alcohol treatment facility.
Choosing Inpatient or Outpatient Alcohol Treatment
When you are faced with the difficult decision of what type of alcohol treatment is going to be best for you it is most important to consider your addiction and your needs. If you have children, cannot miss work or have other independent needs that cannot be put on hold then you may find it best to choose outpatient alcohol treatment where you can still continue your normal life while receiving the help that you need to fight your addiction.
If you are on a strict financial budget or do not have insurance that can help you pay for the cost of alcohol addiction treatment than you may be better off choosing outpatient treatment. In most cases, inpatient alcohol treatment will be priced much higher than outpatient treatment because inpatient treatment requires you to stay in a facility and they provide you with around the clock care, meals and medications throughout the treatment program.
If you are largely influenced by friends or family members than an inpatient alcohol treatment program may be best for you. Inpatient alcohol treatment centers cut you off from friends and family usually for a specified amount of time and even after that time the counselors or staff at the treatment center will have to approve contact with friends and family. For those who are heavily influenced to drink by friends or family inpatient alcohol treatment can be more successful than outpatient alcohol treatment.
