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What’s The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab?

Addiction Advocates can help and guide you toward receiving the best treatment for your addiction, offering both Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation. Enquire Now
What’s The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab?
Alexander Lapa
Updated on 19/02/2024
Medically reviewed by
Dr Alexander Lapa (Psychiatrist)

Here at Addiction Advocates, we are frequently asked “what’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab?” by those who are either considering attending rehab to overcome their addiction or are hoping to refer a loved one for addiction treatment.

If you have sadly found that an addiction is impairing your life and are contemplating referring yourself to a drug and alcohol rehab, you may question “what’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab?” upon uncovering that various inpatient and outpatient rehabs can provide you with the life-saving treatment you need.

Should you hope to refer a loved one for rehabilitation treatment, you may also question “what’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab?” as you come to find that there are various inpatient and outpatient rehabs in your local area.

Regardless of your reason for wanting to understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab, we have provided a wealth of information that will help you below.

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Outpatient Rehab

Offered by both the NHS and private rehabilitation centres, outpatient rehab provides addiction treatment on an outpatient basis.

Essentially, this means that when an individual attends an outpatient rehab, they will be required to return home after a day of treatment.

 

What Treatment Is Available Via An Outpatient Rehab?

The treatment provided by an outpatient rehab will entirely depend on the rehab attended.  For example, if treatment is secured via an NHS outpatient rehab, one-to-one therapy or counselling will likely be administered.

Typically, this treatment consists of cognitive behavioural therapy.  Beneficial in helping those battling substance addictions uncover the root cause of their addiction and changing their mindset, cognitive behavioural therapy is widely employed.

 

How Long Does Outpatient Rehab Take To Complete?

Although many believe that outpatient rehabilitation can be completed within a set time frame, this is not true.

The length of time it takes to complete outpatient rehabilitation will depend on an individual’s response to treatment.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab, or residential rehab as it is otherwise known, is typically provided by private drug and alcohol rehabs.

Unlike outpatient rehab, inpatient rehab sees those who require treatment temporarily move into a rehabilitation facility as they progress through treatment.Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab?

Considered to be more advantageous than outpatient rehab, inpatient rehab provides a safe space for those in recovery to recuperate from the ramifications of their addiction.

Away from the distractions of everyday life, inpatient rehab clients are safeguarded from factors that could cause them to relapse.

 

What Treatment Is Available Via An Inpatient Rehab?

Just as the treatment provided by an outpatient differs, the treatment provided by an inpatient rehab does too.  However, when individuals attend an inpatient rehab, treatment is tailored to their addiction and recovery needs.

Treatment provided by an inpatient rehab is often considered to be much more successful than outpatient rehab treatment.  This is because inpatient rehab treatment is usually industry-leading and combines various treatments.

For example, clients who attend an inpatient rehab will be equipped with a personalised treatment programme that may include detoxification, rehabilitation, one-to-one therapy, group therapy and aftercare support.

 

How Long Does Inpatient Rehab Take To Complete?

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to determine how long inpatient rehab takes to complete.

This is because the severity of an addiction, the ramifications an addiction has had, and the individual’s circumstances will need to be assessed.

Although many inpatient rehab treatment programmes span 28-days, inpatient rehab can last for up to 90-days.  Some individuals may require treatment for longer.

With this in mind, it is important that a time frame is not put on treatment and recovery.

What’s The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab?

As outlined above, the main difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is how the treatment is administered.

For example, inpatient rehab sees individuals progressing through rehabilitation treatment temporarily move into a rehab facility as they undergo treatment.

In contrast, outpatient rehab is typically provided to those battling substance addictions throughout the day.Detoxification and Rehabilitation Help Many Overcome Painkiller Addictions

Another difference that must be taken into consideration is the treatment available.  In some instances, outpatient rehab treatment is limited to a select few treatments.

Yet inpatient rehab combines a wide range of industry-leading treatments to ensure that those battling addictions have every chance of securing a long-term recovery.

When considering the difference between inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab, it is important to note that inpatient rehab is thought to be much more advantageous than outpatient rehab due to the intensity of the treatment provided and the support and care available.

Recovery rates are somewhat higher when an inpatient rehab is attended.  Those who attend outpatient rehab are sadly more likely to relapse within the first 12-months of their recovery.

However, this does not mean that outpatient rehab is not successful.

Which Rehab Should I Attend?

Having come to understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab, you may now find yourself wondering which rehab you should attend.

Although we typically refer those who require treatment to inpatient rehabs, your personal circumstances must be considered.

If you are unsure of which rehab you should attend, we can assist you.  By listening to your needs and personal circumstances, we can make a suitable recommendation and ensure that you can refer yourself for treatment.

Secure Treatment For An Addiction Today


Irrespective of whether you are hoping to secure inpatient or outpatient rehab, here at Addiction Advocates, we can support you as you look to overcome your drug or alcohol addiction.

As touched on above, by taking your personal needs and circumstances into consideration, we can help you determine whether inpatient or outpatient rehab would benefit you, and we can refer you to a suitable rehab.

If you are ready to secure treatment for an addiction, please contact us today.  Likewise, if you have any questions that lead you to ask “what’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab?”, please do not hesitate to reach out to us today.

We can answer any questions you have and ensure that you are confident in your decision to secure addiction treatment.

Seth Bolton

Seth is an author, addiction recovery expert and fully accredited member of the national counselling society. He has experience working with a wide range of addictions and mental illnesses using a number of evidence-based therapies and programmes such as the SMART models of addiction recovery.

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