Is Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation More Effective?

One of the first questions about seeking treatment for addiction is what is the best option. Is inpatient drug rehabilitation more effective? Treatment for addiction offers a wide range of options. These options are typically narrowed into two categories: inpatient or outpatient treatment. The obvious difference is that inpatient treatment is in a residential program (such as long term drug rehab), while outpatient treatment allows a person to stay at home.

Many factors contribute to the decision of which type of treatment to seek including time, job or family commitments, and finances. The research points to inpatient drug rehabilitation providing for the best opportunity for long-term sobriety but that leads to the question, is inpatient drug rehabilitation more effective?

The services offered in inpatient drug rehabilitation do overlap with those at outpatient. Both treatment options typically include a medical and/or psychiatric evaluation to determine physical and mental stability. Some factors may impact the course of treatment and what medications can be used. Behavioral therapy is also a common element in outpatient and inpatient drug rehabilitation. This therapy is used to identify reasons for drug and alcohol use and to learn new ways to cope other than using harmful substances. Another commonality is the incorporation of a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These programs use the community and peer-to-peer approach to develop a new way of living in sobriety. With so many common factors between inpatient and outpatient treatment it may seem that either format will lead to success. The real decision comes down to how and why treatment is necessary. This is where the differences come in to play and show the true effectiveness of inpatient drug rehabilitation programs.

While outpatient treatment can allow a person to continue employment and maintain personal relationships and obligations, there is a much higher risk of relapse. A person lives at their own home and interacts in the same environment as when they were using drugs. Remaining close to all those triggers can make long term sobriety very difficult. Inpatient drug rehabilitation provides a separation from the reminders of drug use. Removing oneself from the people and places associated with drug use helps jump start the recovery process. It provides the protection from environmental dangers leading to relapse and allows for privacy while in treatment. Inpatient drug rehabilitation also has better resources for co-occurring disorders. This can be very common with drug use and requires specialized treatment once drugs are removed from the body. An inpatient facility is more equipped to handle these special situations.

So, is inpatient drug rehabilitation more effective? Inpatient drug rehabilitation is proven as a better choice for long term sobriety. It provides the medical and behavioral support needed to achieve sobriety all in a safe environment free from drugs and the dangers that lead to relapse. If it is within reach to participate in an inpatient drug rehabilitation program it is highly recommended and has a higher likelihood of maintaining a sober lifestyle upon returning to the pressures of home.