Your Guide Outpatient vs Inpatient Treatment

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There are two main types of treatment available to someone seeking rehabilitation for an alcohol addiction:

  • Inpatient means the individual agrees to stay at the residential alcohol rehabilitation centre of their choosing day and night, and they are offered 24 hour care as well as many other benefits such as proper nutrition, counseling, guidance, exercise and alternative therapies throughout their stay. Inpatient care is often the best choice for those with a very unhealthy, or even life-threatening case of alcoholism who need a distraction free environment.
  • Outpatient offers counselling and guidance, but the client returns home at the end of the day to be with their friends and family. This option is usually preferred amongst heads of households, people dealing with a more manageable case of alcoholism, and individuals who don’t return home but instead spend their evenings and nights at a sober living arrangement of some kind.

Both are viable options, depending on someone’s circumstances, but they operate in a similar order. Chronologically speaking, anyone attending rehab will go through the following stages on their journey towards sobriety:

  • Detoxing from alcohol. The detox procedure is used to sever the body’s physical dependency on alcohol.
  • Counseling. Whether it be individual or group counseling, this phase allows the client to focus on figuring out the root causes of their addiction to alcohol.
  • Aftercare. Most legitimate alcohol rehab centres offer aftercare services designed to give a recovering alcoholic the coping skills, tools and support they need to re-enter the world and avoid relapsing.

It is important that an individual seeking treatment, or the family and friends of an alcoholic looking into their options, do research into which type of treatment would be the best fit. Making the right decision on outpatient or inpatient care can make all the difference in ensuring a successful experience.

Distinction Between Inpatient Alcohol Rehab and Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

The major choice when you decide to go to alcohol rehab is which one to choose. Whether it is an inpatient alcohol rehab or an outpatient addiction treatment program will better provide your needs. Some people may ask about the necessity to drop everything and stay at an alcohol rehab in order to finish successfully from the program? Or will a short-term program do just as well or is a longer term option addiction treatment more useful?

At Sobriety.ca Foundation, we have a residential inpatient alcohol rehab for those who are prepared to combat alcoholism and start a new sober productive life. If you have questions about our alcoholism treatment program, contact us and speak with one of our addiction specialists at 1-888-999-8101.

Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

According to many studies conducted on addiction treatment, results have concluded that an inpatient or residential alcohol rehab is the most efficient way to tackle alcohol addiction. The first and most important phase, alcohol detox, is nearly impossible and dangerous to do on your own and not as effectively on an outpatient basis. If you are physically dependent on alcohol and experience intense withdrawal symptoms when you cease drinking, you will need a medically supervised alcohol detox.

The second phase of treatment is primarily focused on psychological addiction and this is where intensive counselling comes in. There are group sessions and individual sessions that will help you understand the root causes of your alcohol addiction and how to resist temptations with new coping skills. With 24/7 hour medical, psychological and peer support, you significantly increase your chances of success without relapse. The longer you remain inpatient, the easier it is to remain alcohol and drug-free when you complete treatment and return home

Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient alcohol rehab programs tend to have a minimal obligation in terms of the number of days and/or hours that you attend sessions weekly. Shorter term outpatient alcohol rehab programs, also known as day treatment programs, require that you attend alcohol addiction treatment and psycho-educational sessions, 12-step meetings, and/or other support groups. There are some that require weekly one-on-one therapy sessions. After your courses and sessions are over, in the evening you are free to go home, work or school. Many find this freedom at an outpatient alcohol rehab programs beneficial because their addiction treatment schedule allows them to go to work or care for young dependents. Also the cost for outpatient alcohol rehab is usually less than inpatient alcohol rehab. However, few find it difficult to abstain from alcohol because they have easier access to alcohol every time they leave their day program.

Inpatient Alcohol Rehab vs. Outpatient Alcohol Rehab: Which one is best for you?

Both inpatient alcohol rehab and outpatient alcohol addiction programs are helpful, but the extent of their effectiveness will vary according to personal circumstances and severity of alcohol addiction and other drugs. For example, if you have only been drinking heavily for a short period of time, still have your family, working, and don’t exhibit strong withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol, then an outpatient alcohol rehab program may be suffice for you. However, if you are experience profound withdrawals symptoms, an inpatient alcohol detox program is necessary. If you have been drinking for a number years, have been unable to stop alone despite serious health problems and your relationships are damaged, your career and finances are in shambles you would have a higher chance of recovery if you attend an inpatient alcohol rehab.

Alcohol Rehab at Sobriety.ca Foundation

Sobriety.ca Foundation offers an inpatient alcohol and drug rehab program that is customized to suit your specific needs. Contact us today at 1-888-999-8101.