No two people experience addiction the same way. That’s why we believe that treatment should be tailored to the individual. Whether you need prolonged, on-site care or can heal at home depends on your circumstances, how long you’ve been addicted and whether you’re motivated for recovery. Read on to settle the debate of outpatient vs inpatient rehab.
What is Outpatient?
An outpatient program allows clients to come and go throughout the day. Instead of living on campus, participants stay in their own homes or in sober housing. The main requirement is that outpatient program attendees make time to travel to the clinic for treatment and engage in the programming. There will be set meeting times that adhere to a specific schedule.
Outpatient vs Inpatient Rehab
The most obvious difference between outpatient vs inpatient treatment is the living situation. Inpatient programs require people to stay on-site for a period of 28 to 30 days. Living on campus also comes with its own set of restrictions: limited phone privileges and occasional family visits. However, this approach can be beneficial for those who have been addicted for a long time, require 24/7 medical oversight or want a truly immersive 12-Step experience.
In contrast, outpatient programming is ideal for busy people with packed schedules. These individuals must attend to personal and professional responsibilities and cannot take a break to attend a month-long inpatient program. Some examples include:
- Parents (especially single parents) who need to be home with their children
- Executives and career professionals who cannot take 30 days off work
- Students who have to meet attendance requirements and submit assignments
- Caregivers responsible for elderly or disabled relatives
- Those who have already completed inpatient programming
Once each day’s session has concluded, outpatient program participants can return home, to school or to the office—on the condition that these settings are safe and supportive of their newfound sobriety.
Services Available in Outpatient vs Inpatient Settings
Many people mistakenly believe that outpatient centers offer fewer treatment options. Our ORCs (Outpatient Recovery Centers) provide robust services comparable to many inpatient facilities, including:
Confidential Addiction Assessments
Unsure of whether your substance use has become problematic? Our accurate assessments get you the answers you need, right when you need them.
Individual and Group Therapy
Uncovering the cause of your addiction is a crucial component of recovery. We achieve this through one-on-one and group sessions. Evidence-based therapeutic modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, 12-Step facilitation and more.
Family Programming
Addiction is a family disease, and we aim to heal the entire family unit. Invite your loved ones to participate in our educational and therapeutic sessions so that they can process their own experiences and prepare to support your recovery in the long run.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Chattanooga, TN
Outpatient vs inpatient rehab may seem like a challenging decision, but many great options are available. Cumberland Heights offers comprehensive outpatient recovery programming in Chattanooga and beyond; if you need inpatient care, we can facilitate that, too. To get started, contact our admissions team.
