Outpatient Versus Inpatient Drug Treatment

There are so many factors to consider when you are deciding which type of drug treatment will best serve you or your loved ones. One of the most important is whether or not an inpatient or outpatient treatment will be the best fit your needs. Do your commitments to children, elderly parents or other dependents require an outpatient treatment? Does the intensity of your addiction mean that your best shot for success will only be with an inpatient, residential treatment program? It's a tough decision and an important one.

At The Canyon, we provide both outpatient and inpatient treatment. We can help you determine which one is the best option for your personal situation.

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Outpatient Treatment: Pros and Cons

If you have commitments at work or home or feel like you just need a supportive and abstinence-based structure during the day, then outpatient treatment may be the right option for you. For those who have a strong base of social support but are fighting off a relapse or trying to break through a series of relapses, outpatient treatment can be exactly what you need. With a lower price tag than inpatient treatment, it can provide a little more structure than meetings and support groups without requiring a total immersion.

On the other hand, the freedom that goes with returning to your own home each night without a sober companion can be devastating. If you are not relatively solid in your recovery with the basic tools that you will need to fend off temptation and handle drug cravings, then outpatient treatment, despite the savings over residential treatment, can be ineffective and a waste of money. Some, like The Canyon, have the capability to treat co-occurring disorders in an outpatient setting and if you suffer from a mental or psychological disorder, this is imperative; however, most do not.

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Inpatient Treatment: Pros and Cons

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, can be long-term or short-term depending upon the circumstance. The 24-hour structure provides the support, encouragement and education that most addicts and alcoholics need to get back on their feet after a long spate of addiction and drug abuse. Learning to come to terms with your past, assess your present state and acquire the life skills to continue the healthy life you start during your stay at an inpatient drug rehabilitation center is often your best chance to reclaim your life, goals and dreams when you return home.

There are drawbacks to inpatient treatment, however. Cost can be prohibitive in some cases. In others, the time away from family and work may be more than difficult: it may be impossible. For those who have been through inpatient treatment or are suffering with addiction issues that are primarily physical, an outpatient treatment may make more sense than a 24-hour intensive rehabilitation program.

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Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment at The Canyon

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are available at The Canyon. With varying degrees of commitment and intensity depending upon the individual circumstances-drug of addiction, length of time spent addicted, presence of co-occurring disorders-both are beneficial when you are facing crisis due to drug and alcohol addiction issues. No matter which one you choose, either inpatient or outpatient treatment, either is a better choice than none at all. When you are an addict, you'll find any excuse to put off the inevitable. Don't let procrastination allow you to hurt yourself more than your addiction already has. If you have questions about the differences in outpatient and inpatient treatment or would like to speak with a counselor about your situation, then contact us at The Canyon today at .

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