Once a person has completed a detox program, the next choice in their recovery will be whether they need inpatient or outpatient treatment. The level of intensity in care needed will help determine which is more appropriate.
Inpatient Programs
Inpatient treatment is considered to have the highest success rates due to the way they are designed. People in inpatient programs will have a structured day filled with individual therapy sessions, support groups, extracurricular activities, and more.
Inpatient treatment programs, also known as residential treatment programs, are for people who need intensive levels of care and frequent monitoring by medical staff. Studies have shown it is helpful to keep people away from outside addiction triggers while going through treatment.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs are available for people who have successfully completed an inpatient treatment program or do not require intensive support.
The outpatient treatment program with the highest level of care is the partial hospitalization program. This program assists with any medication needs, and offers individual and group therapy, support groups, and more.
The next level down is the intensive outpatient treatment program, where people will participate in multiple group sessions a week, as well as continuing their individual therapy sessions. This level is followed by the lowest step-down level, general outpatient.
In general outpatient treatment, people will attend support groups once or twice a week, as well as their individual therapy sessions. This treatment program is meant to taper off over time when the person affected by the substance use disorder is ready.