Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

Both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment have unique benefits and drawbacks. Learn the differences to decide which is best for you.

When it comes to drug and alcohol rehab, most clients either participate in inpatient and outpatient treatment. While both of these levels of care provide similar services to treat addiction — like individual therapy, group therapy and medication management — they involve different amounts of clinical hours and supervision.

The decision to enroll in inpatient or outpatient rehab is an important one. Understanding the differences between these two programs is key to determining whether inpatient and outpatient care is best for you or a loved one.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment refers to the treatment of substance use disorders in a residential setting. A patient engaging in an inpatient addiction treatment program lives at the treatment facility full-time. Inpatient rehab often begins with medically assisted detoxification. After completing inpatient treatment, clients may step down to more flexible care options like outpatient treatment so they can practice newfound recovery skills while still receiving clinical support.

Inpatient Rehab Features

While inpatient programs can vary between facilities, many have some similar features, including:

• An average length of 28 days
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Medication management, if deemed clinically necessary
• Care for co-occurring mental health conditions
• Recreational therapy
• Participation in 12-step fellowships

Pros and Cons

There are many pros and cons of inpatient treatment centers that should be considered when determining which type of rehab to undergo.

Some benefits of inpatient rehab include:

• Around-the-clock support and accountability
• Comprehensive care for co-occurring mental health conditions
• Removal from the people, places and situations that can trigger craving in the early stages of recovery

The potential drawbacks of inpatient rehab include:

• Inability to continue working during treatment
• Some insurance policies may not fully cover inpatient treatment
• Higher costs associated with 24-hour care

Outpatient Treatment

During outpatient rehab, patients are able to continue their normal day-to-day activities. Outpatient treatment can be scheduled around a person’s work hours to avoid interruption and offering clients flexibility while still providing a high standard of care.

Features of Outpatient Rehab

Like inpatient programs, the programming used during outpatient alcohol treatment and drug rehab programs can vary widely between facilities. However, most outpatient services include most or some of the following features:

• An average length of three months
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Referrals for medication management
• Participation in 12-step fellowship meetings
• Recreation therapy

Pros and Cons

There are both pros and cons of outpatient care which should be carefully considered. Some outpatient benefits include:

• Flexibility in scheduling
• Ability to maintain a job
• Reduced likelihood of needing to travel outside the local community to find services

Some drawbacks of outpatient programs include:

• Greater ease of obtaining substances and returning to use while in treatment
• Less medical support
• Fewer opportunities to identify and address co-occurring mental health disorders

Related Topic: Benefits of intensive outpatient treatment

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Cost Comparison

Cost is a major factor when choosing between an inpatient and outpatient treatment program. Inpatient treatment programs tend to cost more than outpatient programs due to the heightened level of care. The cost of inpatient rehab can fall anywhere from $2,000 for the most basic services to $40,000 a month for comprehensive services if a person’s insurance does not cover treatment. The cost of outpatient rehab is usually much less, with many programs totaling under $1,000.

One important consideration to keep in mind when weighing the potential costs of inpatient vs outpatient is whether or not insurance will pay for treatment. Some insurance providers may be more willing to pay for outpatient treatment or may only pay for inpatient treatment once outpatient has been ineffective for an individual. The cost of rehab can vary widely depending on each individual’s insurance plan and current health status.

Related Topic: Rehab without insurance

Success Rates

Research shows that the majority of people who complete a treatment program are able to maintain abstinence and return to effective functioning. Other studies that compared inpatient vs outpatient rehab success rates found that in many cases, outpatient is as effective as inpatient treatment. However, individual treatment outcomes can vary dramatically depending on the specific nature of the person’s addiction, how well-suited a program is to their particular needs and the competence and compassion of the treatment staff.

Determining The Best Rehab Option for You

Choosing the best rehab option requires careful consideration. While learning more about inpatient and outpatient treatment on your own can be a good first step to determining what program is right for you, it can also be beneficial to consult with a medical professional. A licensed mental health counselor, physician or addiction specialist can help you assess your treatment needs and locate a treatment program that’s right for you.

Key Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

The most important difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is that clients in inpatient care live at a treatment facility full time, while clients in outpatient care live off-site at home or in sober living housing. However, there are additional key differences between inpatient and outpatient care, including:

• Inpatient treatment is able to provide greater support during withdrawal
• Outpatient treatment can be scheduled around a person’s existing responsibilities
• Inpatient treatment provides around-the-clock care
• Outpatient treatment is often more affordable
• Inpatient treatment is more likely to prevent a return to use during treatment

If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for substance use, whether it be through an inpatient or an outpatient program, there are many options available. To learn more about how The Recovery Village can help, speak with a representative today.

Editor – Megan Hull

Megan Hull is a content specialist who edits, writes and ideates content to help people find recovery. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Denise-Marie Griswold, LCAS

Denise-Marie Griswold is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. She earned her Master's Degree in Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling from East Carolina University in 2014. Read more