When someone wants to stop drinking or using drugs but has a life full of responsibilities, it’s hard to know what to do. Can you work while in rehab? Will you have time to parent your kids? Can you stay in school? The benefits of outpatient rehab programs are largely related to these questions. At our drug and alcohol treatment center, you will have the time to keep up with your other responsibilities. Tide’s Edge Detox Center and our partner, Beaches Recovery, provide a full spectrum of services at our drug and alcohol treatment centers.
Outpatient vs. inpatient addiction treatment: What are the basic differences?
Inpatient rehab programs provide evidence-based treatments—just as outpatient programs do—in a residential setting. You will eat your meals, socialize, and sleep at the rehab center and have the opportunity for the highest level of care, with 24/7 access to addiction professionals. This option requires a break from work, school, or any other responsibilities.
Outpatient rehab means you go home at night to sleep and have time during the day to get things done. Sometimes life circumstances simply do not allow the flexibility to enroll in an inpatient rehab. The therapy and peer support is available in an outpatient program (OP) just as it is for clients who reside at the center for the duration of treatment.
Outpatient programs can be low- or high-intensity, which is reflected in the number of hours required on-site. It can vary from one program to the next, but a low-intensity OP might require between six and 12 hours weekly. An intensive outpatient program (IOP), approximately nine to 13 hours per week, and a partial hospitalization program (PHP) from 20 to 30. There are benefits to inpatient rehab as well as outpatient rehab. The decision of which is best for you will depend on a range of factors.
Benefits of inpatient rehab
For those struggling with addiction, choosing the right level of care can make all the difference. There is value in a residential program for many people seeking recovery. Some of the benefits include:
- Round-the-clock access to professional staff
- A completely substance- and trigger-free environment
- No scheduling or commuting you need to plan and organize
- If any co-occurring disorders arise or there are medical concerns, there are therapists and physicians on site
If you are concerned about keeping up with your job, inpatient rehab will not be ideal for you.
Benefits of outpatient rehab
Not many people can easily take time away from work to enter a residential rehab program. They may need to keep earning money, don’t want to put their employment at risk, or live where there is no paid family medical leave.
Outpatient rehab programs provide the same high level of care that is available for inpatient clients, but with some distinct benefits:
- Live at home surrounded by family and other familiar, safe people who can support you
- Less costly than inpatient
- Treatment times can be worked around your schedule and responsibilities
- Options for level of intensity (e.g., IOP or PHP)
The benefits of outpatient rehab are many, but it’s important to know the possible risks as well.
Choosing a rehab: understand the pros and cons
When making the important decision to begin recovery and head toward your best future, there are things to consider beyond the benefits of each option. The comfort of knowing an outpatient program will allow people to continue working is often enough to make any challenges surmountable. But knowledge is power, so you want to know a few more things about outpatient programs.
Outpatient programs are generally not recommended for people who have had a prior relapse or don’t have a stable home environment or reliable support network.
Though outpatient detox and rehab are usually completed more quickly than the inpatient versions, there is a higher risk of early relapse in outpatient settings due to the availability of alcohol or drugs.
For those with co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, inpatient rehab is often recommended. Tides Edge Detox Center provides dual diagnosis treatment in our outpatient program.
Can you work while in rehab? Absolutely. Tides Edge Detox Center has master-level therapists, physicians, and skilled nurses working in tandem to provide our outpatient clients the best, most effective outpatient rehab experience possible.
Visit the drug and alcohol treatment center at Tides Edge today
From detox to ongoing treatment to aftercare, Tides Edge and Beaches Recovery partner to provide you with a seamless experience and ensure a healthy reintegration into your post-rehab life. When choosing a rehab, you can’t go wrong with our inpatient or outpatient programs.
Reach out today to get started. Our easy-to-use online contact form will connect you to one of our staff or you can call us at 866.723.3127.
