On Posted on by 449 Staff to Mental Health

Every recovery journey is different and involves many factors that may influence which treatment program is best for an individual. Factors to consider when making treatment decisions include:

  • How long has the addiction been active?
  • What is the living situation like for the person struggling with substance misuse?
  • How involved is the family in the life of the person struggling with drugs and/or alcohol?

These and other factors can help an individual or family decide which type of recovery program to choose.

Inpatient Recovery Programs

Inpatient recovery programs take place in a monitored and controlled environment. They are operated by trained professionals and require the patient to check themselves into the care of these professionals for around-the-clock observation. Inpatient care can feel intense for the person receiving treatment, but it is often the most effective approach for those suffering from severe addictions.

When a patient is detoxing from their substance misuse, they can experience overwhelming mental and physical discomforts that may otherwise send them down a spiral of using the said substance again. Having the care of an inpatient facility means that there will be people present in this time of need.

Planning for Inpatient Care Programs

When you are planning to begin treatment at an inpatient program, there can be a lot to think about. For example, if other people or animals are living in your home, you may need to make arrangements to ensure they are cared for while you are away at an inpatient rehab center. Your current employer will need to be notified of the leave of absence that needs to be taken during treatment. Researching which personal items are and are not allowed in the recovery program is important, and scheduling a ride to and from the program is a must.

Outpatient Recovery Programs

Outpatient recovery programs take place outside of a recovery center and may consist of events such as narcotics anonymous (NA) meetings or alcoholics anonymous (AA) meetings. Attending consistent therapy can help tremendously, and getting involved in outpatient social clubs may also help you on your recovery journey. Avenues like art or music therapy can great ways to express yourself through recovery, and volunteering with your local community can help you build positive relationships and restore your sense of self.

People utilizing outpatient programs may be assigned a sponsor, usually someone who once struggled with a form of addiction, completed the 12-step program, and is now sober and excited to help others gain sobriety. Sponsors can be amazing resources for those trying to overcome addiction. They can be the person someone talks to for support instead of relapsing.

How to Decide Whether an Inpatient or Outpatient Program Is for You

If someone is concerned about their substance use and thinks they may need help, then they most likely do. A few questions you can ask to further assess the situation include:

  • Am I currently in control of my life?
  • Do I spend a substantial amount of time craving drugs/alcohol?
  • Do I want to quit but feel as though I am unable?
  • Do I feel a strain in my current relationships as a result of my substance use?
  • Am I losing interest in things that once brought me joy?

Your answers to these questions can help you answer the last and most important question:

  • Do you have a dependence on the substance, or have you developed an addiction?

Whether you have a dependence or an addiction can indicate whether an outpatient or an inpatient treatment program will be the best for your situation and your recovery.

The Difference Between Dependence and Addiction

Having a dependence on a substance means that your body has built up a tolerance to it and needs more of the substance to experience the expected effects. An addiction is an extra step beyond dependence. When someone is addicted, their mind and body rely on the substance to be able to function.

Once an addiction is formed, people will go to great lengths to provide themselves with the substance. This could even mean hurting themselves or loved ones around them. Inpatient treatment is often the only suitable choice for someone with an addiction.

Get Help Today

Admitting to yourself that you may have a problem can be scary. The good news is that you are already doing one of the hardest parts. It is always okay to ask for help. No one should ever have to go through recovery on their own. Seeking help and treatment can turn your life around for the better, and that is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself!

Find yourself while finding sobriety.

Realizing that you have developed a dependency or even an addiction to substance use can be scary, but it is not the end of the world. There are inpatient and outpatient treatment programs all across the nation. You can receive around-the-clock care with inpatient recovery centers. In outpatient recovery, you can have the support of other people at recovery meetings and find a sponsor who can help you refrain from relapsing. You have options to overcome your substance misuse, and there are medical professionals out there who want to help you get better. Ask yourself if you are ready to make the changes in your life and become sober. It is all worth it in the end! Call 449 Recovery at (949) 435-7449 today for more information about inpatient and outpatient treatment options and to discuss which would be best for you or a loved one.

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