Residential Treatment Centers Vs. Outpatient Therapy: Pros and Cons of Each Program

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Sober Recovery Expert Author

Addiction treatment programs have been broken down into broad categories or modalities in research. When it comes to treating drug addiction, new techniques and programs are always coming out, and many don't fit neatly into old drug aversion therapy categories.

Most people think that detoxification and medically supervised withdrawal are the first steps in therapy and the most essential in addiction recovery. Detoxification is what the body does to get rid of any narcotics and other harmful toxins that are still there. It's not enough to merely go through detox to recover from alcohol and drugs. There are many reasons why that doesn't always work for many people, which is the purpose of treatment plans and programs to facilitate long-lasting change.

Addiction treatment programs have been broken down into broad categories or modalities in research. When it comes to treating drug addiction, new techniques and programs are always coming out, and many don't fit neatly into old drug aversion therapy categories. Most people think that detoxification and

Long-Term Residential Treatment

Long-term residential therapy isn't always 24-hour care, but it's not always the case. The therapeutic community is the most common type of residential treatment. People who want to stay for six to twelve months usually choose this type. Treatment centers help patients "resocialize" with other patients, staff, and people living in the same place. People with substance use disorders need to be accountable for their actions and live productive lives, even if they have social or psychological problems. To help residents find new, more harmonious, and constructive ways to interact with each other, treatment is very structured at times and can be aggressive at others.

Short-Term Residential Treatment

To help people get better quickly, short-term residential programs use a modified version of the 12-step program to help them heal. Many of these clinics expanded their services during the cocaine epidemic of the mid-1980s. They were then able to help people with other types of drug abuse disorders. During the first three to six weeks of the residential treatment program, the patient was kept in a hospital for treatment and counseling. Then, the patient went to AA meetings and counseling.

Outpatient Treatment

In terms of nature and intensity, outpatient therapy services can be very different. There are many benefits to this type of treatment. It is less expensive than residential or inpatient therapy and is better for people who have jobs or strong social networks. There may be little more to low-intensity programs than drug education. If you want comparable care to residential treatment programs, intensive day therapy, for example, could be a viable option as it can offer similar benefits.

More About Residential Treatment

Getting help for drug and alcohol addiction both in and out of the house can help people stay clean for a long time. Patients want to go to a drug and alcohol treatment center that is safe and secure. Patients afraid of going through withdrawal may benefit from detox treatments that are part of residential treatment. Every day after detox, a patient goes through a drug or alcohol treatment program where they learn about addiction in a supportive and immersive way (if required).

Residents in residential treatment centers live in a safe, controlled environment free of things that could make them use drugs or drink more than they already do. In residential treatment programs, patients aren't around every day triggers, so they can focus on learning new things about how to live life. The best way to figure out how much treatment a patient needs is to get an in-person evaluation from a skilled medical or counseling expert. Intense drug and alcohol residential treatment programs may scare people at first, but they offer a lot of emotional support and work to help people get better.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Outpatient and Inpatient Addiction Treatment

Inpatient rehab has both good and bad points, just like any other kind of therapy. You should think about your options, including how long you have used drugs. Many people who have mental health problems need 24-hour medical care, supervision, and treatment. They also need to do extra activities like yoga and exercise, get psychiatric treatment, and get support from peers and professionals around the clock. This makes it less likely to go back to old addictive behavior patterns.

Spending money for lodging and food and being away from family and friends could be some of the disadvantages of residential treatment. However, many people say having support groups, psychiatrists, and a strong support network is essential for long-term success in an inpatient treatment program. You may also need to see a doctor every few months to get help for your addiction and any other mental health problems.

For people who have used drugs for a long time, inpatient treatment could be the best way to help them recover from substance use disorder. Nevertheless, the benefits and downsides of outpatient therapy should be taken into account, especially if you aren’t sure about inpatient treatment.

When you go to outpatient rehab, you can still work or go to school while learning how to deal with your problems. Another good thing is that you can get help from close friends and family if you need it. Still, a lot of things can go wrong, like:

  • Not having 24-hour medical care
  • If your environment is unstable, you may not have support at home.
  • You will not have strict monitoring of your drug and alcohol use while in treatment.
  • Not having care and medical support during the painful withdrawal process and so forth.

How Do You Decide Which Treatment Option Is Better for Your Substance Use Disorder?

There isn't a single best treatment for everyone. Long-term recovery is possible, but it will take a long time either way. Many people prefer inpatient addiction treatment to outpatient treatment because it is more structured and has more medical and addiction services than outpatient treatment. Inpatient therapy has a wide range of approaches, levels of organization, and recovery ideas. Even though these programs are small, they may be better than outpatient treatment, especially for people with one or more mental illnesses, such as dual diagnosis or co-occurring conditions.

Inpatient programs offer a lot of different services and therapies. People who go to inpatient rehab facilities get around-the-clock medical care and supervision and a structured setting for healing and personal growth. It's easier to go from medically supervised detox to outpatient treatment for addiction when you stay in well-equipped homes with the proper support in place. High-quality or luxury addiction treatment centers\ provide the most comfortable yet still effective treatment for detox and recovery.

If you need help choosing the type of care you need or want more information about treatment options, talk to your doctor or one of the specialists at a reputable drug recovery treatment center like Wish Recovery. Someone is always available to answer your questions and help you take that first step.

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