When it comes to choosing the right treatment center, it’s important to consider the available options. One of the primary decisions will be deciding between inpatient vs outpatient treatment. The obvious difference is that inpatient is a residential center; whereas, outpatient is a program that allows individuals to live in their preferred housing. But what are the other advantages and disadvantages each has to offer?
Inpatient Treatment
For people suffering from moderate to severe addictions, entering into a residential facility is one of the best options when it comes to treatment for substance abuse. Residential treatment is the traditional treatment center in which clients live permanently at a highly monitored facility. With 24-hour medical and emotional support, inpatient treatment offers one of the highest levels of security and safety along with a whole spectrum of diverse therapeutic services.
One of the main advantages of inpatient treatment is that it cuts out all distractions and potential triggering stimuli. One of the battles with breaking free from substance abuse is learning how to form new associations. Remaining in a place or circumstance that has been entangled with the substance abuse can make it more difficult to begin anew. Residential care allows you the distance and space needed to allow a new identity to thrive in place of the old one.
Outpatient Care
In general, outpatient care is a type of treatment that allows clients to maintain a moderate level of independence while receiving treatment for substance abuse. Clients may help to organize a weekly schedule that will include scheduled sessions of individual and group therapy, biofeedback, and other alternative therapies depending on specifications of the center.
Clients may remain residing at home with their families or at a sober living residence. Outpatient care is not recommended for those suffering from a severe dependence, such as an opioid addiction.
There are three types of outpatient care:
Day Programs: This is the most structured type of outpatient care. Clients are expected to commit to at least 5 days a week of daily programming. Day programs require a significant amount of commitment. Individuals will most likely have to decrease school or work load in order to dedicate themselves to the program.
Intensive Outpatient: Intensive outpatient programming (IOP) can benefit those who are self-committed to abstaining from drugs or alcohol but cannot afford to take too much time away from work or school. The program operates on a milestone system, so as sober time is achieved, he or she may slowly decrease the amount of days spent at daily programming per week.
Continuing Care: Continuing care refers to the networks of community support groups and fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Maintaining a presence within in the recovery scene acts as a daily reminder that recovery is never finished.
Continuing care is an essential part of an aftercare plan after the completion of a residential or structured treatment program.
Understanding Inpatient vs Outpatient at First Step Center
At First Step Center of Arizona, we offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. With only 10 beds, our all-male, private residential treatment center offers clients a personalized treatment program tailored to meet specified needs. For those clients who need to maintain a level of independence, or who would prefer to remain living at home, we also offer outpatient services, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. No one need hit rock bottom before they reach for the light. First Step Center believes in guiding clients to obtain a sobriety that lasts. Don’t let a substance steal any more from you. It’s never too late to get well. To find out more about inpatient vs outpatient treatment and our Scottsdale AZ IOP, call us now at 866.832.6398.
