If you struggle with addiction and are ready to get help, you may wonder whether you need to enter inpatient treatment for 28+ days or whether outpatient treatment would be enough to get your recovery journey underway. The answer is that both types of programs are highly effective and both have some distinct advantages. The level of treatment you choose depends on your situation and the degree of addiction in your life.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are designed for people who either misuse or are addicted to drugs or alcohol but do not require detox services. This means that despite having a substance use disorder (SUD), the person will not experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms upon eliminating the substance from their body. Overall, IOPs are less structured, allowing participants to continue working and living on their own or with their families or partners. IOPs can be just as successful in helping participants reach and maintain sobriety as inpatient treatment plans.
Inpatient programs, on the other hand, are designed with built-in detox services and a more structured intensive treatment period. Typically, people battling an addiction to prescription medications, opioids, and benzodiazepines should opt for our inpatient recovery program so that their withdrawal period can be medically monitored, ensuring their comfort is prioritized at all times. After detox, you’ll receive 24/7 structured support and monitoring—more intensely than you would in an IOP.
Both approaches provide group and individual therapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most effective therapies for addiction. For all clients, St. Gregory can provide recovery coaching, aftercare support, a dedicated community, and peer and professional networking opportunities. Keep reading to understand which program is best for you and your family.
When Inpatient Programs Are The Best Bet
People who struggle with suicidal thoughts and ideation seem to respond better to a more restrictive, supported residential treatment plan. People with the following characteristics of a complex addiction may also do better in our residency program:
- People who self-harm or engage in violent behavior during withdrawal or during the first few weeks of sobriety. Naturally, there is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to violence in most rehabilitation centers. However, inpatient facilities are often more likely to have the personnel on hand to deal with such situations.
- People who struggle with alcoholism may do better while recovering in a longer-term inpatient stay.
- People who have good private insurance plans.
If you can’t secure an inpatient program, whether due to cost, time, or responsibilities at home, don’t stress. Outpatient programming can be very effective, especially when bolstered by support at home and at work.
When Outpatient Programs Are More Likely To Work
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) can often be less costly than inpatient treatment, so many people opt for them with finances in mind. Outpatient programs can also work out better for single parents or caregivers who need to continue working or living with family. Everyone’s situation is different and, despite costs, the scheduling system in an IOP may prove more feasible for you. If you identify with any of the following situations, we highly recommend our IOP:
- You’re a student, and missing 1 or more months of your studies may hinder your academic career.
- You’re a caregiver of children and you have no means to secure childcare or a safe interim living situation for them.
- You’re a caregiver to an elderly family member and they cannot be left alone for long periods.
- You don’t need medical supervision to detox.
- After speaking with a healthcare professional, you both agree that with relapse management training, the adoption of healthy coping methods, the creation of a strong support community, and honesty in therapy, you can get your addiction under control and begin living your life substance-free.
Keep in mind that you might also opt to undergo medical detox at a facility or hospital (which usually takes 3-7 days) and then continue with an IOP rather than transitioning to a full-time residential program.
Contact St. Gregory Recovery Center To Learn More About IOPs
Whether you choose to engage in outpatient or inpatient care with us in Bayard or Des Moines, we know that you’ll find the program of your choice engaging, effective, and much needed. You can contact us at any time to discuss your insurance options and the avenues for treatment that work best for you.
