There is a lot of terminology thrown around when you decide that you are going to rehab. It is important to know what it all means so that you make the best possible choice for you. It is very important to know the difference between inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. After all, you want to make sure you do your treatment correctly so that you never have to go through this again. When rehab is done right, you have the ability to stay sober for the rest of your life.

Inpatient Rehab Explained

As a general rule of thumb, inpatient rehab is where your treatment should start. It is the most intense form of treatment, allowing you to focus on nothing but yourself and getting better. You’ll essentially be cut off from the outside world, which isn’t as scary as it sounds. You’ll be restricted to stay on campus, and it will require you to take time off of school or work.

To many people, this option seems overwhelming, however it has the best success rate. It is much easier for you to stay sober if you aren’t going home or back to places you used to use or drink in the evening once treatment is over. You are also unable to use a computer or cell phone, so you won’t have your drug dealer or drinking buddies bothering you and trying to get you to slip up.

Having around-the clock care helps ensure you are safe, especially during the detox period when you might experience severe discomfort. Nurses and doctors in inpatient rehab make sure you are as safe and comfortable as you can be, and that the process goes smoothly. As you get through detox and move on, you’ll be given time to concentrate on bettering yourself with no outside distraction and no other priorities. It is a rare opportunity to allow yourself to completely focus on yourself.

How Outpatient Rehab Centers are Different

Outpatient rehab centers typically offer a step down program for after you’ve completed inpatient rehab. It is part time, allowing you to return home to the end of the day, and some programs will even work around your office or school schedule. Outpatient rehab centers can also be appropriate for people who absolutely cannot leave their life obligations for the month or so it takes to go to inpatient treatment. However, it cannot be stressed enough that inpatient rehab truly is the best way to ensure a strong and healthy recovery.

In both inpatient and outpatient rehab centers, you’ll meet with doctors and therapists. Your therapy sessions will be both individual and in a group, designed to help you process events from the past and learn how to use healthy, sober skills in the future. You’ll be with your peers, learning from one another while a therapist facilitates the discussion. If you have a dual diagnosis or medical condition, that will be addressed as well to make sure it doesn’t negatively impact your recovery.

When deciding what is best for you, remember that the more time you can dedicate towards treatment, the better. Many people who start out by going to outpatient rehab end up relapsing and need to go back to inpatient eventually. This is a waste of time for everyone involved, as it is much better to do it once, correctly.

Inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab centers will help you, but if you choose outpatient you need to realize that recovery is still a full time job, and you will need to continue doing work even after you leave treatment. The more time you can give to your treatment, the better outcome you will have.