Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab: Your Guide to Making the Best Decision

### A Life-Altering Choice: Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

**”Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar, and you’ll live as you’ve never lived before.”**
— Erich Fromm, German social psychologist

Life is full of choices, big and small, that shape our future in ways we often don’t realize at the moment. Sometimes these choices feel like they are determined by fate, while other times they are firmly in our hands. Looking back, it’s clear how significant some of these decisions can be.

In my college years, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to choose between attending an out-of-state residential addiction rehab center or enrolling in a local intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP) just 30 minutes from home. My parents preferred the first option, hoping to see me return home “cured.” I, on the other hand, chose the IOP route—a decision that was entirely in my hands and one that would shape my life profoundly.

I went with the outpatient option, perhaps out of defiance or because I didn’t want to leave everything familiar behind. The 30-minute daily drives accompanied by my father’s lectures felt manageable, as long as the program could help me recover from my addiction.

Spoiler alert: They did. Four years have passed since I began that journey, and I’ve been proudly clean and sober since completing an 8-day medically-assisted detox. The program worked for me, and it can work for you too.

### Inpatient or Outpatient? Understanding Your Options

When considering addiction treatment, the most important factor is your personal situation. Your circumstances will largely determine whether an inpatient or outpatient program is the best fit. Here’s a closer look at each option:

#### **Inpatient or Residential Treatment Program (IP)**
Inpatient rehab, also known as residential rehab, involves living at the treatment facility full-time. This option is ideal for those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or PTSD. Here, patients receive round-the-clock care in a highly structured environment. This setup helps patients avoid the triggers and influences of their previous life.

##### **Pros of Inpatient Programs:**
1. **Comprehensive Care:** The program is highly structured and addresses all aspects of addiction, including individual therapy focusing on relationships, lifestyle, and psychological factors.
2. **24/7 Support:** Essential for those dealing with severe addiction or mental health issues.
3. **Community Support:** Living with others who are battling similar issues fosters a sense of belonging.

##### **Considerations:**
1. **Major Commitment:** Taking up residency, especially if you have responsibilities like children or a job, requires a significant commitment.
2. **Structure:** The program is rigid, and your time is highly structured.
3. **Cost:** Inpatient programs are typically more expensive than outpatient ones, although they might be covered by insurance.

#### **Outpatient Treatment Program (OP)**
Outpatient programs, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), involve regular visits to a clinic or treatment facility while you live at home. Patients can continue their daily responsibilities, like work or school, making this option more flexible.

##### **Pros of Outpatient Programs:**
1. **Flexibility:** You can live at home and maintain your daily responsibilities.
2. **Cost-Effective:** Outpatient programs generally cost less and are often fully covered by insurance.
3. **Support:** You have the support of family and friends which is crucial for some people.

##### **Considerations:**
1. **Less Intensive:** The level of support might be less intensive.
2. **Commitment:** Patients need to be reliable in attending scheduled sessions.
3. **Suitability:** Not ideal for those with severe addiction who need constant support.

### Making the Decision

Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment, both options will help set you on the path to recovery. The journey is not easy, but with commitment and an open mind, you can become the person you truly are. Best of luck on your path to recovery.