Deciding whether inpatient or outpatient services are right for you will be an important part of your process of recovery and healing. While inpatient services are considered residential, requiring clients to reside at the program’s facilities throughout enrollment, outpatient services provide treatment options for those preferring to live at home. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks and typically, deciding which is right for you depends on the level of care you are interested in. Your decision could also be influenced by your unique needs regarding work and school, as outpatient offers significantly more flexibility in these circumstances. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of outpatient services and see if outpatient treatment is right for you.
How is Outpatient Treatment Different from Inpatient Treatment?
To understand which type of service aligns best with your needs, you will need to know how inpatient and outpatient services are different from each other, as well as the benefits of each one. The main, defining characteristic of outpatient treatment is that it typically does not require overnight stays at the treatment facility. While inpatient treatment requires clients to live on-site for the duration of the program, outpatient gives you the freedom of independence beyond your attendance in programming. Consequently, those choosing to enroll in outpatient services can maintain work and financial responsibilities, as well as educational commitments. While this freedom may not be ideal for those new to recovery or those requiring 24/hr care, it can be quite helpful for people like parents, students, and those that have been in recovery for some time.
Another thing to consider is that while inpatient usually consists of full-time, intensive programming for an average of 30 to 90 days, outpatient offers part-time programming for longer periods. As such, outpatient tends to be a more transitional option, supporting individuals that have graduated inpatient as they transition into more freedom and independence.
Who Could Benefit from Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment can benefit individuals facing many different types of problems and challenges in their lives. People that are going through difficult times, but at the same time have other obligations outside of their treatment facility may find that outpatient services work better for their specific needs. This can give them added flexibility and make the process of recovery and healing more convenient and significantly less stressful. For example, if you are a single parent and have a child, you may find that outpatient is exactly the option you needed. Utilizing this resource will give you the benefit of recovery education, community, and support, while also allowing you to meet your parenting responsibilities.
Outpatient treatment can offer you treatment options that suit your unique lifestyle. If you are suffering from problems such as addiction, substance abuse, relapse, stress, life problems, mental illness, or need someone to talk to, there are outpatient treatments and services out there, ready and available to help show you the path to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment can be a great option for those wishing to heal and recover. Some people prefer outpatient treatment for many reasons. Outpatient treatment can provide greater flexibility and can allow people to do more things outside of the facility during the recovery process. This added flexibility can help people to better manage important life tasks. As such, many people find that outpatient treatment allows them to better juggle their life priorities and enables them to get more things done while still receiving the treatment or help that they need.
Individuals choosing outpatient might also benefit from the transitional support it provides. Whether you are transitioning from inpatient treatment into outpatient, or jumping right into outpatient after active addiction, having support and community as you navigate the challenges of daily life can set you up for long term success.
Often, people struggling with substance abuse use drugs and/or alcohol to cope when they are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. However, to maintain recovery, you must learn how to manage stress without getting drunk and/or high. Enrolling in outpatient services can be a huge support system as you learn to meet challenges with new, healthy coping mechanisms.
Beyond the additional freedom and transitional support, outpatient programs will offer many of the same benefits as inpatient services. Typically, these programs incorporate group and individual therapy, 12-Step community and support, education on addiction and relapse prevention, and support with basic life skills. Reach out to an outpatient today and see if their offerings are right for you!
Outpatient services allow you to have a lot of different options while you are receiving treatment. These services can open the door to more opportunities in your life while you are recovering. Promising Outlook is an outpatient rehab center located in Riverside, California. We offer many different services, including detox, relapse prevention, problem-solving, sobriety planning, and many more. We are here to support you through your journey toward overcoming addiction and any other problems that you might be facing. Remember that you are not alone and that there are people available to help you every step of the way. At Promising Outlook, we are committed to offering guidance and support to those in need. If you would like to learn more about our outpatient program, or any of our other services, please call us at (951) 783-2487. We look forward to assisting you in building a better life and a happier you.
