Both residential and outpatient addiction treatment offer quality options for regaining your life and living addiction-free. Multiple factors should be considered when deciding which option best fits your needs and lifestyle. Your decision should ultimately be informed by the advice of a medical professional with a consideration for what will produce positive, long-lasting results. Learn more about outpatient addiction treatment by calling [Direct] or filling out our online form.
Residential Treatment
Before comparing residential vs. outpatient addiction treatment, each type of program needs to be defined. Residential treatment involves an on-site stay, anywhere from weeks to months in length. Receiving intensive, around-the-clock care for addiction and potentially also a mental health disorder is what residential treatment is all about.
It provides a structured environment and a supportive community of peers in recovery. One of the biggest benefits of residential treatment is the removal of outside pressures and temptations. This allows patients the mental and physical space to fully prioritize healing from addiction.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment utilizes the same therapies and services as residential treatment. The primary difference is that patients receive treatment at a facility before returning home. This setting offers more flexibility and privacy since people can continue working and caring for family as they access treatment. The drawback is that negative influences, temptations, and a lack of structure remain present. Much more responsibility falls on an individual for maintaining their sobriety.
Outpatient programs do still provide levers of accountability and mutual support through group therapy, networking opportunities, and planned activities. The onus remains more on a person to take advantage of these resources as they are not built into their living environment.
Residential vs. Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Now that an overview of each option has been provided, which setting is best for you? Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Whether You Have a History of Relapse
People with a history of relapse will likely benefit from the intensive support and care provided by a residential setting. Outpatient programs have less structure, allow for more independence, and cannot control for temptations and triggers found in everyday life. Residential treatment narrows a patient’s focus to just recovery from addiction and has safeguards in place to prevent relapse.
Consider Cost and Accessibility
Every treatment option comes with a price tag. And it makes sense that residential treatment will cost more than outpatient treatment. While health outcomes are always the priority, it makes sense to consider what is financially feasible. Treatment that causes a financial crisis is unlikely to result in long-term sobriety. In addition, outpatient treatment requires regular visits to receive therapy and medications. If a center is not conveniently located, it could mean a short residential stay is the better option.
You Have Family or Work Responsibilities
Many people want to continue working or caring for their family while receiving treatment. That isn’t possible in the self-contained environment used in residential treatment.
A few more elements to keep in mind when deciding between residential vs. outpatient addiction treatment are:
- Residential treatment achieves higher success rates in general
- Outpatient treatment is likely better for treating milder addictions
- Residential treatment is best for dual diagnosis where mental health must be addressed with an addiction
Find Help at TruHealing Centers
TruHealing Centers is here to support you in deciding whether residential or outpatient addiction treatment is the right option for you. We specialize in both and even offer single-gender rehab programs. Our alumni program bolsters an exceptional suite of services by connecting you with peers and mentors far beyond your time with us. Reclaim your life today by calling [Direct].