Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs were developed to meet the immediate needs of the substance abuser. Lodging Homes and Homes for the Fallen, known as “inebriate homes,” were opened in Boston in the 1850s to treat alcoholics.
In the 1920s, “Morphine Maintenance Clinics” were opened to treat people with morphine addiction. Halfway Houses began in the 1950s for drug and alcohol addicted persons – designed to be safe, recovery-focused homes.
From these homes and many other treatment advances came the modern outpatient drug rehabilitation and inpatient drug rehabilitation programs. These rehabilitation programs have helped millions of addicts recover from their drug addiction to lead normal, sober lives.
Outpatient drug rehab and inpatient drug rehab have both similarities and significant differences. Let’s look at how each one works for the patient.
Outpatient Drug Rehab
This type of rehab is a part-time program that does not require the recovering user to stay in a clinic full-time. Outpatient rehab allows the patient to go home or to school during the day.
The patient typically attends rehab programming 10-12 hours a week over 3-6 months, up to 12 months when needed. Sessions focus on drug abuse education, individual and group counseling, and learning how to cope with the challenges of life without taking the drug(s).
Outpatient drug rehab allows patients to remain in their home environment while benefiting from a structured therapeutic program. Clinicians assess their progress every week.
Outpatient drug rehab programs do not isolate them from people and situations which could negatively impact their recovery. Because patients still live in their own homes during treatment, they have to be genuinely motivated to refrain from drug abuse.
Support systems in their network, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide group counseling and encouragement off-site. Thus, no patient will be recovering alone. Sponsors and peers are ready and willing to stand with them through every step of their recovery.
Many individuals in a long-term program may utilize outpatient drug rehab. Outpatient drug rehab can be effective for patients with mild or strong drug addictions.
Finally, outpatient care relies significantly on the involvement of the patient’s family. Unwavering family support and encouragement are crucial to the patient’s success in recovering from drug addiction.
Inpatient Drug Rehab
Individuals in a recovery program may also benefit from inpatient drug rehab. It is different in structure from outpatient drug rehab, but its goals are the same.
Inpatient drug rehabs are held in hospitals or residential substance abuse facilities. Both options require patients to live there 24-hours a day – completely removing the patients from their regular lives and peers. Thus, there is less temptation and opportunity to use drugs. In inpatient drug rehab, the patient’s entire focus is on detoxing from all addictive substances, getting sober, and learning how to stay sober.
Treatments times vary from 30, 60, or 90 days up to a year (or longer, depending on the progress made). Clinicians keep patients on strict schedules for medications, meetings, treatments, counseling, and other addiction care.
Inpatient drug rehab teaches patients to focus all their time and effort on taking personal responsibility for their lives while addressing the negative behavior which led to addiction. They also learn to develop positive habits that will help them stay sober. Their relationships, career, and community are tied to their recovery. Patients also receive recommendations for relapse prevention and sobriety support groups to join when treatment ends.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient
Both types of drug rehab options are beneficial, depending on the patient’s needs. A healthcare team will make a recommendation for each patient. If you or a loved one has a drug addiction, please consult a physician immediately.
Concerted Care of Central Baltimore and Brooklyn, MD, has an intensive outpatient drug rehab treatment program that allows clients to get the steady ongoing support they need for difficult periods in their recovery. It includes both individual and group sessions with qualified professionals who help guide individuals through challenging periods in their recovery. IOP is not intended to be a long term solution, but a bridge to stable maintenance.
Call Concerted Care at (833) 224-5483 for a consultation. We serve the Central Baltimore, MD, and Brooklyn. MD areas.