What is the difference between inpatient and intensive outpatient rehab?

Inpatient treatment programs require the participant to live on campus for a set period. Some treatment programs may last for six months or longer, depending on the severity of the patient’s addiction. Inpatient treatment programs also offer medically-supervised detox, which is highly recommended for patients with polydrug addictions or severe addictions to drugs or alcohol where withdrawal timelines can be dangerous.

Inpatient rehab allows patients to fully focus on recovery, where they are kept away from everyday distractions and living arrangements that could be triggers for drug use. Patients who have had issues with relapse in the past may benefit from an inpatient treatment program, where they live in a long-term environment that is 100% free of drugs and alcohol. In addition, inpatient treatment programs give patients access to medical staff and therapists on a 24/7 basis.

In contrast, an intensive outpatient treatment program enables patients to live at home and continue going to work or school. They would attend rehab and treatment sessions on a part-time, pre-scheduled basis. Usually, outpatient treatment is scheduled for ten or twelve hours per week. Outpatient rehab programs are designed to accommodate a patient’s work and family life. Intensive outpatient rehab also gives patients the ability to rebuild family and community ties while they are in recovery, instead of having to wait until they leave an inpatient rehab facility.

Patients who do not need to undergo a medically-supervised detox can go through outpatient detox. The patient will meet with the medical staff at specific intervals so that they can monitor their withdrawal process. Doctors can prescribe medications to lessen the severity of withdrawals and symptoms. After detox, patients can begin a customized, outpatient treatment program that mainly focuses on developing the skills necessary to achieve and maintain lifelong sobriety.

In most cases, intensive outpatient programs focus on group therapy, but patients are also encouraged to meet with a therapist on a one-on-one basis weekly. They may participate in CBT, DBT, talk therapy, or other forms of therapy depending on the patient’s needs. Group sessions are usually restricted to ten or twelve people.

With the guidance of a therapist, patients will be given the skills and tools they need to maintain sobriety, avoid triggers, and prevent relapse. Some of the areas that are covered in an intensive outpatient program include the following:

The most effective treatment programs must be customized to the individual patient’s needs and circumstances. Patients who are diagnosed with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring mental health condition may need additional mental health treatment. Some patients may need employment counseling, or they may need to learn how to improve their relationship or life skills. Intensive outpatient treatment programs are not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there is room for flexibility.