The Difference Between Inpatient & Outpatient Alcohol Detox

People who are struggling with alcohol abuse and dependence are now presented with a wealth of resources, therapies and support groups for their addiction.

In terms of treatment, people battling alcohol addiction have two choices: inpatient or outpatient alcohol detox. The main difference between the two is that with inpatient detox, the individual will stay at the clinic for up to 30 days straight.

With outpatient alcohol detox, the patient would have to commute to the clinic on a daily basis and would be able to carry on with day-to-day life as normal.

With inpatient treatment, the patient stays at the clinic and is able to use the full capacity of the features that the clinic has to offer.

There are also differences in cost. Inpatient treatment does cost significantly more, but it is far more effective and safer than outpatient treatment. The outpatient treatment lasts longer – for 8-16 weeks, and they come in cycles.

Research has proven that although recovering in the community (outpatient rehab) does have its benefits, the patient who attends a private facility (inpatient rehab) have a higher chance of a successful and prolonged recovery.

Defining Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is a process where the patient checks into the clinic and lives there whilst they undergo the treatment for their alcohol addiction.

The treatment is done either in a wing of a clinic or in a separate complex. The patient agrees to put their lives on hold while they undergo the treatment, which can last anywhere from 10-90 days.

Inpatient treatment is a sort of a “time-out” to allow you to overcome your addiction, and eliminate toxins from the body. This sort of treatment is intensive and is effective for patients that really want to achieve results. Some may have tried outpatient treatment before and found it ineffective.

Inpatient treatment lets the patient focus solely on the treatment, without distractions or influences from the outside world. They will have access to various therapies and counselling sessions, as well as the option to address medical professionals.

Also, they will stay sober during the stay as they will have no external distractions that can make them relapse, as is a common occurrence with outpatient treatment.

Defining Outpatient Treatment

Detox clinics often offer outpatient options to those who can’t afford to enter inpatient treatment for various reasons. It might due to work, family, or due to financial restrictions. Nevertheless, the patient is given every chance and support to help them recover. This type of treatment is recommended to those whose lives are not as severely inhibited by the use of alcohol.

In an outpatient treatment programme, a patient is allowed to leave for home and come to the centre for sessions and therapies. It’s a fairly flexible scheme where the patient has the ability to choose when they come, although there are usually appointment times.

It’s a long-term, continuous programme where clients spend 6-20 hours weekly at the facility.

This form of treatment includes the ability to attend therapies, one-on-one sessions, the use of medications for detox and supervised care and support during detox, and other behavioural and cognitive therapies that aid the treatment. Such therapies include individual or group therapies, family counselling, CBT, and MET therapies.

The Process of Inpatient Treatment

This is how the inpatient treatment process looks, roughly. Of course, the treatment might be different from individual to individual.

Where They Overlap

The ultimate goal of both treatments is to detox the patient and get them out of the addiction. How they go about this is slightly different, although some core principles still stay.

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment work to make the patient stop drinking alcohol immediately and start the detox. Throughout the process, the staff will help and motivate every patient and enable them access to various coping strategies.

The goal of both is also to re-integrate the patient into normal society and get them back on track with their lives.

Other overlapping core principles of both treatments include:

• Addiction is a treatable condition that affects the brain, but it is complex.
• Every individual requires different treatments.
• The patient should have instant access to the treatment and it should address all of the patient’s needs, not just the addiction.
• It’s crucial to stay in treatment for long enough. For that, counselling and individual sessions can be crucial.
• Medications present an important part of the treatment.
• Treatments must be reviewed and should be aimed towards addressing the patient’s underlying mental disorders, too.
• Medically-assisted detox is only the first stage.
• Alcohol use should be monitored throughout the treatment closely.

The Pros & Cons of Each Option

When faced with such a life-altering decision as your recovery, it is important to weigh up all options, and prioritise your needs. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment options have good and bad sides, which will vary in importance from patient to patient.

Below, we have listed some of the most crucial elements to help you decide:

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Inpatient or Outpatient

Below we have listed some of the most common questions you should ask a specialist before deciding on your choice of treatment. These questions include:

• Do you live in an environment that supports sobriety? Are there little to no temptations to relapse?
• Do you have friends or family members around you who drink and have an influence on you?
• Do you have friends or family who can support you during rehab at home?
• Are you allowed to leave work or school for a prolonged period?
• Do you have any physical or mental issues in addition to the addiction?
• Are you able to commute to the clinic several days a week if you choose outpatient?
• Does the clinic have accreditations?
• What therapies does the clinic provide?
• What is the goal of the programme?
• What are the success rates of inpatient and outpatient treatments? Ask at the clinic.
• Does the clinic offer ongoing support after treatment?
• Can you afford the treatment?

Which Option is Right For You?

Which option you will choose ultimately depends on you. You’ll have to assess your current state and whether you can afford to go to inpatient treatment or not. These guidelines may help you decide:

• Are you a heavy drinker who can’t abstain from alcohol? If yes, you need a detox and supervised care and inpatient treatment. If you do have some degree of self-control, you may try outpatient treatment first
• If you’ve tried outpatient treatment before and it hasn’t worked, then it’s better to go to inpatient treatment
• Which one can you currently afford?
• If you can’t afford to lose your job or leave your family behind, then outpatient treatment might be better
• If you the best possible chance at recovery, inpatient treatment is definitely for you

Boris M

Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. He also covers a variety of topics relating to addiction and recovery. He began his career in investigative journalism in the 1990s but now he only writes and editors for the web.