Drug and alcohol addiction are conditions that affect both the addict and the people closest to them.
To beat the addiction requires support from the addict’s family and friends, as they choose rehabilitation.
The choice of a rehabilitation program matters a lot to any patient. The right treatment program shows the beginning of the person’s journey to recovery.
A suitable environment makes it the patient to cope better with the effects of withdrawal. With support from loved ones, they increase their resolve to be better and overcome the addiction.
There are two categories of drug and alcohol treatment programs: in-patient and out-patient rehab.
In-Patient Rehab
In-patient rehab involves residential treatment. The patient moves into the clinic to begin the process of rehabilitation and recovery.
Though away from home, family and friends can visit regularly.
The family should choose a clinic closer to home unless circumstances demand otherwise.
Residential rehabilitation offers a higher success rate as the clinic provides 24-hour clinical and emotional support to the patients.
With in-patient rehab, the patient is free from the distractions of everyday life. Their life revolves around the new community inside the clinic.
However, it also boasts of some challenges, such as:
- In-patient rehab is expensive.
- It interferes with the patient’s daily life.
- The patient is cut-off from the community.
To some patients, the idea of being cut off from family and friends may not be appealing. The family may opt for the outpatient detox program.
Outpatient Rehab
Unlike in-patient rehab, this program is less restrictive to the patient. The person gets to spend time with family and friends just like before.
Also, the patient is required to visit the local treatment center for a specified number of hours in a week.
The outpatient program is more appealing to people who prefer to be with their loved one all through their rehab journey, while still making them feel part of the family.
When we consider the pros and cons of both forms of rehab, outpatient rehab may tip the scale because of the following reasons.
Cost-Effectiveness
Although the treatment takes a more extended period, outpatient rehab is less expensive as compared to in-patient rehab.
The expenses incurred when the family travels to visit their loved one, and there are no boarding fees when they opt for out-patient treatment.
The patient can also get to maintain their source of income, whether employment or business.
Maintenance of a Regular Daily Routine
A patient retains a more normal daily routine as not every part of their lives has to be disrupted. One can continue working because meetings with the clinic take place before or after working hours.
Be it gym time, classes, church, work, or school, the patient creates a balance between his regular schedule and the rehabilitation schedule.
One significant advantage is that the patient is free from post-recovery stigma. A student who missed a school term because of rehab may find it hard to adapt when they resume school.
However, this may become a disadvantage. If fellow students learn that their colleague is in rehab, some may give the patient a hard time.
Retaining a Robust Social-Support Circle
The patient gets to maintain their social circle of family, friends, and colleagues – an added advantage in the recovery journey.
Family time is also not much affected. A patient receives constant motivation and support from their loved ones.
The patient can also have sharing sessions with other patients as a way of moral support. With such a circle of support, motivation to recover increases.
Comfort and Familiarity
Out-patient rehab provides a comfortable recovery environment for the patient, alleviating any fear of staying in a clinic.
Without any fear of confinement and seclusion, the patient may quickly respond to treatment.
Are there risks involved?
Out-patient rehab carries more risk in comparison to residential rehab. Without 24-hour clinical monitoring, there is a higher risk of relapse.
If a patient maintains a social circle of people who encourage their drug use, chances of recovery are slim. There is a lower success rate with out-patient rehab than with in-patient rehab.
The family should opt for in-patient rehab if the patient’s behavioral patterns are wanting. For instance, if suspected of hiding to use.
Even with the potential risks, a patient who is committed to the cause of recovery will not be affected. They remain focused on the ultimate goal of rehabilitation.
Recovery is the ultimate goal.
The two-rehab programs differ majorly in the length of recovery. However, both programs aim at beating addiction. They are the first step to a lifelong process of recovery.
A residential patient needs up to 28 days of rehab while out-patient detox takes 3-6 months or even longer. The duration is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage.
The decision on which program to choose should be made in all seriousness, at times making the harder choice for the more significant outcome.
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