Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Rehab
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First Step
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Most cases of substance abuse or addiction treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient, will begin with detox. Detox is the period, usually lasting between five days to a few weeks, in which the addict will physically detox his body from the substance he is dependent on. Sometimes the addict will be given medication to help deal with the withdrawal process. Detox is done in the facility, as detox can be physically dangerous without monitored help. Although detox is an inpatient treatment, it does not mean the treatment following will be inpatient. Detox is sort of the initial first step to beating addiction and it begins the process of treatment.
Inpatient Treatment
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The most hands-on form of treatment, inpatient rehab is when an addict resides in the treatment facility and is monitored 24 hours a day, as the person fight addiction. In inpatient rehab, following detox, patients usually receive different forms of treatment that can include therapy, group therapy, discussions on sober life and assistance in living a life of sobriety once released. Most inpatient rehab is voluntary and only in severe cases can a person be forced to attend. Once admitted, almost every hour of the patient's day is filled to help them fight their addiction and keep their mind on staying sober. Inpatient treatment can range anywhere from a couple of weeks to a several months, depending on the patient and level of addiction. Following inpatient care, many patients transition to outpatient treatment to slowly integrate themselves back into the world.
Outpatient Treatment
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Outpatient rehab is another, often effective form, of treatment for those fighting substance abuse. Similar to inpatient in its methods, outpatient is when the patient receives treatment at the facility, but does not live there. Much like inpatient, outpatient patients will receive daily treatment at the center, which will usually take up a large portion of the day to keep them constantly focused on recovery. Outpatient rehab ranges in length much like inpatient, but is a cheaper alternative in most cases. Most outpatient patients also attend other forms of treatment, such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous meetings to keep them focused when they are not at the facility.
Alternative Forms of Treatment
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While rehab is often the most effective form of treatment for addiction, there are others available that can be used alone, or as aids along with rehabilitation treatment. These other forms can include therapy, attending addiction meetings, holistic treatments and even hypnosis. Most often though, these treatments are recommended to go along with rehabilitation.
Warnings
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Treatment should be entered into with serious consideration and consultation with a professional. If you or someone you know is dealing with a serious addiction problem, treatment should be sought immediately as addiction only worsens overtime and can lead to further and more dangerous consequences, including death.
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