Detox, Inpatient, Outpatient: How to Know Which Addiction Treatment Is Right for You

Realizing you can benefit from addiction treatment is the first step toward recovery. A round of applause is in order. This is one of the hardest and bravest things a person can do. In the United States, it’s estimated that 10% of adults will suffer from a drug addiction at some point. And 75% of those people report not receiving any form of treatment. So, you even looking at treatment options puts you ahead of the curve, and you deserve recognition for this courageous step.

Now, you need to find the one best suited to your needs. There are so many different types of programs out there, and it can be confusing to know where to start. You’re probably wondering, “Will I need to go away for awhile, or can I just do a daily or even weekly meeting locally?” We’re here to help with a simple breakdown of addiction treatment programs. By the end of this, you’ll understand what’s out there and which one is right for you.

What is Addiction Treatment?

First, let’s begin with a clear definition. Addiction treatment refers to several services and programs aimed at helping people move from a state of active addiction into recovery.

Addiction treatment can include:

• Intervention
• Harm reduction approaches
• Detox
• Rehabilitation
• Relapse prevention
• Support groups
• Specialized treatment
• Continued care

Substance addiction is a brain disorder where a person cannot control their urge to abuse drugs or alcohol despite the negative consequences caused by that misuse. Addiction can be a lifelong and dangerous disease if not properly treated. Fortunately, there’s a solution. Individuals seeking professional addiction treatment will be given the tools and resources they need to return to life, free from addiction.

Addiction Treatment Options

It’s important to know that addiction looks different for everyone. Two people could be addicted to alcohol, but the addiction can impact them differently depending on factors such as co-occurring mental health conditions, age, years of misuse, other substance use, pre-existing health conditions, and family support, to name a few.

Since addiction is so individualistic, the approach to treatment must also be personalized. People have specific needs and wants for their treatment based on their finances, ability to step away from work and family, levels of support, and more. That’s why there are several addiction treatment programs available. When seeking treatment, you pick the program that best fits your needs so you have the highest chance of a successful recovery.

There are three main addiction treatment programs.

Detox

Detoxification—often shortened to detox—is the process of ridding the body of all toxins and substances. A person must eliminate all addictive substances before moving on to treatment.

Detox can be short (hours) or long (weeks) depending on the:

• type of substance that was abused
• length of addiction
• frequency and quantity of drug use
• health condition
• mental state
• support system

Often, someone going through detox will experience withdrawal symptoms. These occur because the body has become physically dependent on the substance and struggles when a regular dosage is no longer received.

In addiction treatment, a detox program establishes a specific set of interventions looking to manage the withdrawal symptoms that typically happen in detoxification.

As mentioned, detox can vary in length for patients. It can also vary in intensity. Someone who has a marijuana addiction might only feel mild symptoms (insomnia, stomach problems, irritability) and be able to move on from detox within a week. However, someone who struggles with an addiction to alcohol, cocaine, or heroin might find themselves with more intense withdrawal symptoms that may even be life-threatening.

Almost everyone seeking addiction treatment must begin with a detox program. A detox program will monitor you to ensure you’re safe as you battle withdrawal symptoms. Some people choose to go through detox at home before enrolling in a treatment program, but this isn’t recommended. Detox can be life-threatening in some cases, so it’s best if it’s done under medical supervision.

Most people stay in detox for one week before starting a recovery program. Detox can be done as an inpatient program (you reside in the facility) or outpatient (you come in for daily checkups). If you expect your withdrawal symptoms to be intense, it’s recommended to opt for inpatient detox.

Inpatient Addiction Treatment

After detoxification, patients move into their recovery programs. As the name implies, an inpatient program is where the patient remains in the facility. This allows the patient to be monitored 24/7, have full-time access to medical assistance and supervision, and allow the patient to wholly focus on recovery without distractions.

However, an inpatient recovery program isn’t the right fit for everyone. Because it includes housing, food, and care, inpatient recovery is typically the more expensive option. It also requires the patient to take a complete break from their regular life, which means they cannot work.

So, who benefits most from an inpatient recovery program? Someone who meets the following qualifications:

• Had a difficult detoxification experience
• Relapsed in the past when trying an outpatient recovery program
• Has a history of relapses
• Also has co-occurring mental health conditions
• Is in poor health
• Struggles with an “intense” addiction, such as:
  • “Hard” drugs like opioids or methamphetamines
  • Length of addiction for several years
  • Abuse of substances in high frequency or high volume
• Does not have a solid support system at home
• Can afford to pay for an inpatient program